@AirplayBeats reacts to Elton John - Levon Like comment and subscribe patreon.com/user?u=81569817 Airplay Beats 3609 Bradshaw Rd Ste H #337 Sacramento, CA 95827 Www.Airplaybeats.com
Characters are fictional according to Bernie Taupin, but Levon was the son of Alvin Tostig, born as the War (presumably WWIi) was starting. As war generations do, Levon focused on making his money. His son Jesus, born into a rich family business, just wanted to get away from it. Just a beautiful song about fairly typical family generational dynamics. Elton can make anything sound bigger than it is and this song is sonically gorgeous.
They already reacted to BDtM, on my suggestion. It was early in their Elton exploration, and I think they may have been put off by it being so different from later Elton.
Levon epitomizes the songwriting dynamic between Taupin and Elton. No one but Elton could have turned Taupin’s lyrics - which do not seem at all like any song I’ve ever heard - into this masterpiece.
Levon has the best piano intro of any pop song ever, and I think you guys are discovering, track by track, that Madman Across The Water is Elton's masterpiece.
Paul Buckmaster's orchestral arrangements on this album are monumental. Check out Indian Sunset and the transition into Holiday Inn. Not only is it outstanding but does a wonderful job of transitioning from the heartbreak reflected in Indian Sunset into the commercialism of Holiday Inn. Great Album. One of his all-around best
The most mind blowing thing for me about EJ, is how Bernie Taupin could finish the lyrics of a new song, hand them off to Elton, and the dude sat down and would knock out these brilliant and amazing songs we all know and love, right off the top of hi head, in less than an hour a lot of times...some greats he wrote in 20 minutes! How does THAT work!? The man's musical genius is on another level..
You can be guaranteed everything from Elton will be a huge fantastic production... I'm going to second the "Burn Down the Mission" suggestion.. The piano is magnificent and drives the entire song.
In Susan Black's book Elton John in His Own Words, Elton says of "Levon": "It's about a guy who just gets bored doing the same thing. It's just somebody who gets bored with blowing up balloons and he just wants to get away from it but he can't because it's the family ritual." When Rolling Stone asked Taupin about the song in 2013, he insisted that he has no idea what he intended as the meaning. "It was a free-form writing," he said. "It was just lines that came out that were interesting."
Great lyricists--Taupin, McCartney, Fagen, Paul Simon--say that indirectness and mystery in lyrics is important. Much better having the listener bringing their own interpretation. Taupin loves and emulates classic American western novelists. That sense of raw place.
I've been waiting for you guys to do this song. This is definitely my favorite song by EJ. I think the lyrics are very interesting but the delivery here, everything about this recording is perfect. The elegant piano intro, the arrangement, the vocals. But the orchestra was brilliant the vocals and the strings complimented each other beautifully. This album didn't have any top 40 hits but Levon, Tiny Dancer, Madman, Razor Face and Holliday Inn are all first rate. Elton really hit his stride with this album. The performances and production were top level. This era - 1970, 72 and 73 was, in my opinion, the best time for Rock music. So many masterpieces hit at this time.
Dont forget about Rotten Peaches and Indian Sunset now! LOL. Those are also such great deep cuts along with the others you mentioned. Every single song on this album is just SO damn good! It's his best album for me. I've listened to it well over a hundred times at least since it came out.
Incredible song both lyrically and musically. A little context: In January 1966, the New York Times ran a piece about the then-new debate about how society was becoming more secular and God was being “written out” of science and stuff like that. The article had the headline, “Religion; ‘God Is Dead’ Debate Widens.” There was a text box on the bottom of the page that said “God is Dead.”
You two appreciating this song is making me smile ear to ear. I just adore you guys for your ability to see talent!! ❤❤ Do the rest of side 1 from this....do Razor Face!! It's another banger!!
This album and the ones before them are, in my opinion, much better than the commercial stuff, which I also loved....🎉❤P.S. Where to Now, St. Peter? Was a favorite of mine. The entire Tumbleweed Connection album was truly a great album. 🌠
I remember being like 6 yrs old, Mom's would take older sis to Kmart to get some clothes. She'd come back with a 45 record of Elton. We'd play it on our little catalog bought record player. We didn't have much in those days but we did have some great music.
Fun Facr Most of all heavy metal artists Love EJ I’m a metal head myself Nothing but Metal and Hard Rock But when I wanna chill Elton is the gateway When you head Bang 24 hours a day our relief sometimes is Sir Elton
So glad you got here. Tumbleweed Connection and Madman are two very special albums from the many successful LP’s throughout his long career. Enjoying your reactions. 👈
Nothing like Elton in the morning. We need some All the Girls Love Alice or maybe even Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. More Elton please!!!!!!
This is from my adolescence. We all were spoiled in the 70s with artist's such as Elton John, That's why it's harder for my generation to accept today's music as something valid. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule, such as Metallica or U2. Modern Rock Music was pioneered by artist's that existed in the 70s, and has expanded exponentially from that source. The 70s are the greatest decade in Rock history, and if you don't believe me, look it up.
You're discovering Elton's greatest music--his early 70s work, Elton John through Honky Chateau. Please keep it up, you won't be disappointed--so much better and more soulful than his later better-known albums.
I remember my best friend and me sporting our Elton John t-shirts in the 70s, laying around listening to his music with our big headphones on. He was the best. Hit after hit-he was a machine.
Paul Buckmaster arranged those fantastic strings on Levon, and many other early Elton songs. And yes, you nailed it: Elton came out of the womb playing the piano--a true prodigy. As a youth, Elton applied to a music school--the interviewer played a classical piece on the piano, and asked Elton if he could play it. He said yes, played for a while, and stopped. The interviewer asked him why he'd stopped, and he said "Because that's all you played." He didn't know the piece, but immediately played it by ear.
I saw Elton John in Lincoln Center in ‘98. It was a private show for the company I was working for at the time. The greatest thing about it was that it was just him and and a grand piano and he only played the best songs!! Like this song.
Guys go back to the beginning.His 1st 5 or 6 albums were the best. His roots in the small club scene brought out his greatest works. Bad side of the moon is bare bones Elton and awesome. 11/17/70 is a album to explore. Go from there and understand. So much talent. I saw him 4 times in the 70s. Magnificent!
This song always struck me as so sad, even the first time I heard it in the 70s at maybe 11, 12? Caught my ear early on and it’s still a favorite. The strings catch you by surprise and from there it’s just majestic.
Two other great tracks from this album are 'Madman Across the Water' and 'Indian Sunset'. This is one of Elton's best 5 albums and personally my fav. Others being, 'Tumbleweed Connection', 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Honky Chateau' and 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy'. Cheers ✌
"I would always say, this album is his masterpiece! Until the next one came along!" THANK YOU for reacting to this sonic masterpiece from a certified genius on the piano! "Burn Down the Mission"; "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"; "Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters"; "The Bitch Is Back". THANK YOU!
Elton's got a bunch of albums that are freaking awesome! Give a listen to Burn Down the Mission from Tumbleweed Connection. That song is AMAZING! The combination of Bernie Taupin and Elton John for lyrics and music was pure magic.
Would love for you to watch Genesis live ABACAB, (abacab stood for verses, bridge, verse, chorus, ... but it changed but kept Monaco which means nothing so do t waste time figuring itout). Enjoy the live performance
And he shall be Levon (believe on) Jesus. Christmas. God. In tradition with the family plan. And he shall believe on And he shall be a good man And he shall believe on In tradition with the family plan And he shall believe on And he shall be a good man He shall believe on Or it's simply as Taupin said, "It was just lines that came out that were interesting." 😂
Enjoy watching you react to some of my personal favorites by a true legend. This era of Elton actually helped me through some tough times..Brings back memories of having to report for draft physical, pending induction. These were anxious times for high school grads without college options.... Thanks guys.
Maybe not so popular but levon is my personal favorite song of Elton's ✌️
Mine too!
Mine, too! ❤
Definitely should've been a bigger song
also my fav.... when it was released album did not perform well and both singles (tiny dancer and levon) stalled on the billboard charts....
Love it ❤👌
Characters are fictional according to Bernie Taupin, but Levon was the son of Alvin Tostig, born as the War (presumably WWIi) was starting. As war generations do, Levon focused on making his money. His son Jesus, born into a rich family business, just wanted to get away from it. Just a beautiful song about fairly typical family generational dynamics. Elton can make anything sound bigger than it is and this song is sonically gorgeous.
Great explanation!
Thank you for the insight. It all makes sense. Cheer's.
Believe the name Levon was inspired by Levon Helm
@@TR-yi8up True according to Elton
Yes, Bernie Taupin chose the name in homage to Levon Helm although the song is not about him.
"Burn Down the Mission" is another Elton John that's got incredibly energetic piano in it..
Yes. This one!!!
They already did "Burn Down the Mission". Haven't done "Take Me to the Pilot" yet.
They already reacted to BDtM, on my suggestion. It was early in their Elton exploration, and I think they may have been put off by it being so different from later Elton.
Yes!! This!
Yes
It's a perfect record. You can imagine the impact Elton's music had for those of us who were teenagers in the 70s.
There was so much great music in the 70's, it made you head swim!😂😂
I used to play this and his other albums on repeat.
I became a Teenager in 71".... Think I Qualify... LUCKY US!!!!!! X 1000!!!!!!!!!!!!
My hero then and now in 2024. ❤❤❤❤
Levon epitomizes the songwriting dynamic between Taupin and Elton. No one but Elton could have turned Taupin’s lyrics - which do not seem at all like any song I’ve ever heard - into this masterpiece.
Elton will never be duplicated in a million years.
This song STILL gives me chills EVERY TIME I hear it!!! ❤
Besides all the tremendous elements of this fabulous recording, it just needs to be said that Elton sang the shit out of this thing.
He sure did
he tried real hard.
Exactly. He sang his face off!
His old stuff like this is by far his best. Take Me to the Pilot, Burn Down the Mission, etc
Philadelphia Freedom by Elton…. Pure magic.
And another double meaning, He shall be Levon and He shall believe on. Love it.
Levon has the best piano intro of any pop song ever, and I think you guys are discovering, track by track, that Madman Across The Water is Elton's masterpiece.
IMO, Elton's early albums--Elton John through Honky Chateau, were all masterpieces, worthy of complete listens.
YEAH, HE STARTED BANGING AWAY AT 4 YEARS OLD SO, OVERRRR 70 YEARS OF INSANE PLAYING! 😊
Paul Buckmaster's orchestral arrangements on this album are monumental. Check out Indian Sunset and the transition into Holiday Inn. Not only is it outstanding but does a wonderful job of transitioning from the heartbreak reflected in Indian Sunset into the commercialism of Holiday Inn. Great Album. One of his all-around best
So true!!!!
One of my favorite Elton songs.... Indian sunset
Paul Buckmaster strings are epic.
The most mind blowing thing for me about EJ, is how Bernie Taupin could finish the lyrics of a new song, hand them off to Elton, and the dude sat down and would knock out these brilliant and amazing songs we all know and love, right off the top of hi head, in less than an hour a lot of times...some greats he wrote in 20 minutes! How does THAT work!? The man's musical genius is on another level..
After more than 50 years this song is STILL a banger!!! What a masterpiece! Love you guys!
I forgot to mention he wrote a song for John Lennon when he died. It was called Empty Garden. You should check it out. Its different
You can be guaranteed everything from Elton will be a huge fantastic production... I'm going to second the "Burn Down the Mission" suggestion.. The piano is magnificent and drives the entire song.
In Susan Black's book Elton John in His Own Words, Elton says of "Levon": "It's about a guy who just gets bored doing the same thing. It's just somebody who gets bored with blowing up balloons and he just wants to get away from it but he can't because it's the family ritual."
When Rolling Stone asked Taupin about the song in 2013, he insisted that he has no idea what he intended as the meaning. "It was a free-form writing," he said. "It was just lines that came out that were interesting."
Great lyricists--Taupin, McCartney, Fagen, Paul Simon--say that indirectness and mystery in lyrics is important. Much better having the listener bringing their own interpretation. Taupin loves and emulates classic American western novelists. That sense of raw place.
What you’ve experienced and just voiced about Sir Elton John is the reason he was knighted.
One of his best and he's got a lot
Madman Across the Water is by far my favorite Elton John album. He became more pop oriented after the early 70s.
Amen!!!!
I've been waiting for you guys to do this song. This is definitely my favorite song by EJ. I think the lyrics are very interesting but the delivery here, everything about this recording is perfect. The elegant piano intro, the arrangement, the vocals. But the orchestra was brilliant the vocals and the strings complimented each other beautifully. This album didn't have any top 40 hits but Levon, Tiny Dancer, Madman, Razor Face and Holliday Inn are all first rate. Elton really hit his stride with this album. The performances and production were top level. This era - 1970, 72 and 73 was, in my opinion, the best time for Rock music. So many masterpieces hit at this time.
Dont forget about Rotten Peaches and Indian Sunset now! LOL. Those are also such great deep cuts along with the others you mentioned. Every single song on this album is just SO damn good! It's his best album for me. I've listened to it well over a hundred times at least since it came out.
Elton is the Mozart of our generation...
Check out his live album 11-17-70, recorded in a radio studio on his first trip to the States. He was hungry and fierce.
One of the best live albums. Love it!
Yeah, he’s not fuckin’ around!
Incredible song both lyrically and musically.
A little context:
In January 1966, the New York Times ran a piece about the then-new debate about how society was becoming more secular and God was being “written out” of science and stuff like that. The article had the headline, “Religion; ‘God Is Dead’ Debate Widens.” There was a text box on the bottom of the page that said “God is Dead.”
You two appreciating this song is making me smile ear to ear. I just adore you guys for your ability to see talent!! ❤❤ Do the rest of side 1 from this....do Razor Face!! It's another banger!!
Razor Face is definitely the sleeper on Madman.
He shall be Levon, and he shall believe on!
This is by far my favorite EJ song. I crank it every time and it brings tears to my eyes. Goosebumps for days no matter how many times I hear it.
Beautiful strings 🎶🎼🎵
This album and the ones before them are, in my opinion, much better than the commercial stuff, which I also loved....🎉❤P.S. Where to Now, St. Peter? Was a favorite of mine. The entire Tumbleweed Connection album was truly a great album. 🌠
the early albums are also my favs.... yellow brick road is a bit too much influenced by his addiction...
levon Helm - the band
Great reaction, guys! Would love to see you react to Someone Saved My Life Tonight, and Rocket Man!
You just requested a pure masterpiece
keep going. this record is perfect, start to finish. :)
paul buckmaster was a genius producer and string arranger.
elton's piano hero is leon russell.
Amazing... this song gives me chills! Elton's voice and piano are positively commanding❤
My favorite Elton song😊
A great song is just that. Doesn't matter who you are, what you believe, or how you think. A great song just rises above everything.
I remember being like 6 yrs old, Mom's would take older sis to Kmart to get some clothes. She'd come back with a 45 record of Elton. We'd play it on our little catalog bought record player. We didn't have much in those days but we did have some great music.
Amen!
I danced with my son on his wedding day because I love the line and he shall be a good man,and he is a really good man
Great choice & an absolute classic..Another off the same album & title track, Elton John "Madman Across The Water"
The Madman album was one of his finest!
Great Elton song!!!
No one makes songs like this anymore.
One of my favorites off the album.
A prog snob here requesting "Ticking" from Caribou by Elton John. Sparse, haunting and wrenching. One of Bernie's best lyrics.
Fun Facr
Most of all heavy metal artists
Love EJ
I’m a metal head myself
Nothing but Metal and Hard Rock
But when I wanna chill
Elton is the gateway
When you head Bang 24 hours a day our relief sometimes is Sir Elton
"Love Song" off of Tumbleweed Connection as well as "Talking Old Soldier". "Friends" is a lovely song as well.
So glad you got here. Tumbleweed Connection and Madman are two very special albums from the many successful LP’s throughout his long career. Enjoying your reactions. 👈
You guys need to check out the album "Tumbleweed Connection". Another masterpiece by Elton.
Nothing like Elton in the morning. We need some All the Girls Love Alice or maybe even Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. More Elton please!!!!!!
Yes, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy...great album
@@sandymiller3577
I guess good minds think alike. My maiden name was Shelly Miller lol
It's one of my favorite songs.❤
This is from my adolescence. We all were spoiled in the 70s with artist's such as Elton John, That's why it's harder for my generation to accept today's music as something valid. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule, such as Metallica or U2. Modern Rock Music was pioneered by artist's that existed in the 70s, and has expanded exponentially from that source. The 70s are the greatest decade in Rock history, and if you don't believe me, look it up.
You're discovering Elton's greatest music--his early 70s work, Elton John through Honky Chateau. Please keep it up, you won't be disappointed--so much better and more soulful than his later better-known albums.
Elton is always amazing
Damn...just one of those tunes that takes me back decades....Great song great reaction
I remember my best friend and me sporting our Elton John t-shirts in the 70s, laying around listening to his music with our big headphones on. He was the best. Hit after hit-he was a machine.
Gorgeous storytelling musically & lyrically… so lush..
One of my favorite if not my favorite song by Elton John. Along with Someone Saved my Life Tonight.
Elton was a master of building emotion in a song.
Don’t know if you guys can appreciate how much this DEBUT album shifted the Earth on it’s axis. A huge change in music.
Respect his drummer I repeat Respect his drummer 😅
Madman across the water is incredible. Please listen to that piece of art.
1970's Elton John is some of the best music ever made.
Paul Buckmaster arranged those fantastic strings on Levon, and many other early Elton songs.
And yes, you nailed it: Elton came out of the womb playing the piano--a true prodigy. As a youth, Elton applied to a music school--the interviewer played a classical piece on the piano, and asked Elton if he could play it. He said yes, played for a while, and stopped. The interviewer asked him why he'd stopped, and he said "Because that's all you played."
He didn't know the piece, but immediately played it by ear.
Elton one of the greatest
One of my all-time favorite songs of anybody!
I saw Elton John in Lincoln Center in ‘98. It was a private show for the company I was working for at the time. The greatest thing about it was that it was just him and and a grand piano and he only played the best songs!! Like this song.
"He was born a pauper to a pawn...." Love that line.
Well done guys, a true time tested masterpiece…. Hard to hear better. Thanks for sharing/stay safe
EXCELLENT SONG, EXCELLENT REACTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This song according to Bernie Taupin was inspired by and named after Levon Helm the drummer for The Band.
This is a masterpiece of music. It never gets old ❤
Guys go back to the beginning.His 1st 5 or 6 albums were the best. His roots in the small club scene brought out his greatest works. Bad side of the moon is bare bones Elton and awesome. 11/17/70 is a album to explore. Go from there and understand. So much talent. I saw him 4 times in the 70s. Magnificent!
This song always struck me as so sad, even the first time I heard it in the 70s at maybe 11, 12? Caught my ear early on and it’s still a favorite. The strings catch you by surprise and from there it’s just majestic.
Two other great tracks from this album are 'Madman Across the Water' and 'Indian Sunset'. This is one of Elton's best 5 albums and personally my fav. Others being, 'Tumbleweed Connection', 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Honky Chateau' and 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy'. Cheers ✌
Jesus I thought I was reading my own words ❤❤Totally agree with you 👌
Yup. Mine too
Another great and unique voice of the era. My era....
YEAHHHH, TUMBLEWEED CONNECTION, MADMAN, HONKY CHATEAU & DON'T SHOOT ME, ALLLLLLLL BEFORE THE HUGE GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD 👍😊
Mad man across the water .. EPIC LEGENDARY
This was the album that made me fall in love with Elton John. I was 11.
"I would always say, this album is his masterpiece! Until the next one came along!"
THANK YOU for reacting to this sonic masterpiece from a certified genius on the piano!
"Burn Down the Mission";
"Someone Saved My Life Tonight";
"Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters";
"The Bitch Is Back".
THANK YOU!
Elton's got a bunch of albums that are freaking awesome! Give a listen to Burn Down the Mission from Tumbleweed Connection. That song is AMAZING! The combination of Bernie Taupin and Elton John for lyrics and music was pure magic.
Early Elton is incredible those were the great years.
Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters next!
Another great reaction! Add Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (their bio) and Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters to your list.
This album...SUBLIME!!
My personal fav of any of Elton's entire collection, Masterpiece.
Appreciate your expertise and enthusiasm!! 😍
I love your tell! Throw yourself back in your chair and your eyes rolled back! That's when we know you love it.Nowords needed.
Would love for you to watch Genesis live ABACAB, (abacab stood for verses, bridge, verse, chorus, ... but it changed but kept Monaco which means nothing so do t waste time figuring itout). Enjoy the live performance
Hearing Elton play this song live made me cry 😢. One of his/Bernie's best.
This was my first concert at 13, Elton John. We had to see him. In the 70s his music was awesome!
One of my favorite Elton songs , it’s beautiful , I’m glad you enjoyed it .
And he shall be Levon (believe on)
Jesus. Christmas. God. In tradition with the family plan.
And he shall believe on
And he shall be a good man
And he shall believe on
In tradition with the family plan
And he shall believe on
And he shall be a good man
He shall believe on
Or it's simply as Taupin said, "It was just lines that came out that were interesting." 😂
Your reactions make me happy
Enjoy watching you react to some of my personal favorites by a true legend. This era of Elton actually helped me through some tough times..Brings back memories of having to report for draft physical, pending induction. These were anxious times for high school grads without college options.... Thanks guys.
One of his greatest albums, listen to the acoustic guitar on this album . Incredible musicians.
When you said he came out of the womb playing the piano that’s pretty much the way it was I think he around four and started playing on his own
Always tears me up, gee he was a master in the 70’s
Love, love, love Levon.
"He got flames!' Comment of the day. LMMFAO! Loving this trip I'm on with you guys. So MANY great tunes. Keep it going!!!!
Paul Buckmaster arranged the strings on this album and others. A genius!
And Jesus
he wants to go to Venus
leave Levon far behind....
So great!