Caribou

by

Elton John

Edit

Cliche on "Caribou" is it was a rush job. But, we're talking about Elton John here. He wrote double album classic "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" in a weekend, and smash hit "Sad Songs Say So Much" in a reported three minutes. On "Caribou" "The Bitch Is Back" is a rocking, shaker; "Pinky" a beautiful ballad; "Dixie Lilly" is a catchy country tune, "I've Seen The Saucers" examines UFO scares, "Ticking" about a teen who loses his mind and goes on a shooting rampage; and of course "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" - an all time classic. The other tunes are fun rockers all mixed up unexpectedly in brilliant Elton John style. Unbelievable vocal range of the young Captain Fantastic, and entertaining lyrics from Bernie Taupin.

Elton John was at the height of his poularity during this period. Having just released the phenominal Goodybye Yellow Brick Road less than a year earlier, this follow up pales by comparison. Yeah, there are some WONDERFUL songs on Caribou. Bitch Is Back, Don't Let The Sun..., Pinky, and Ticking come to mind.

That said, there is some filler on this album. Songs like Dixie Lilly and Solar Prestige A Gammon actually make me cringe--and I love just about everything E.J. has put out.

Elton John was a hit making machine in 1974 when this album was released and he prooves his stamina with this effort. Still, if you're unfamiliar with Elton's music and want to purchase some of his 1970's best, there are better options--like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Madman Across The Water, Honky Chateau, or even Rock of The Westies. In my opinion, all of those would make a better choice than Caribou. His latest, Captian and the Kid and Made In England are also worth a serious listen.