6 notes &
THE BEN 500:
339. Elton John - “Rocket Man” (1972)
BEN: In the early 70’s it seemed like everyone wanted to go to outer space. I think it was a lot of coattail riding after David Bowie’s 2001 A Space Odyssey-inspired “Space Oddity” tore up the charts, not to mention all the Apollo missions going to the moon and stuff. British pop star Elton John had his own take on this trend with “Rocket Man”. Featuring a gorgeous arrangement and production (including some tasteful upper register bass work by the awesome session cat Del Palmer), “Rocket Man” has melodies and hooks to spare. Always one for stick-in-your-head-melodies, Elton is at the height of his melodic powers here. Even though Bernie Taupin’s lyrics are weird and cryptic, Elton makes the song memorable with those melodies and his distinctive voice. “Rocket Man” is a karaoke classic, just don’t attempt the ridiculous William Shatner version. Leave that to the expert, please.
Key lyric: “I miss the Earth so much, I miss my wife/It’s lonely out in space/On such a timeless flight”
MARK: I love this song. I think it is such a weird hit too. The lyrics almost seem like they have to be stretched out to fit the melody in some spots. The lyrics seem more like a weird poem than a classic song. I can’t really explain what I mean… I guess what I’m trying to say is that these lyrics are for the birds (sorry Bernie Taupin). I think they have some double meanings, but I guess I don’t like them with the analogy of being an astronaut. BUT, the melody and the music make this song irresistible. I love the slide guitar and the backing vocals. Overall, this song is awesome. I could listen to it for any situation and be well pleased. Also, it is one of my favorite karaoke songs (If it isn’t already taken by a drunker patron). GRADE: A Claudia’s Review: Mark does sings this way too much at karaoke. I don’t think he knows all the words either.
