Track Listing

1. Postcards From Richard Nixon
2. Just Like Noah's Ark
3. Wouldn't Have You Any Other Way (NYC)
4. Tinderbox
5. And The House Fell Down
6. Blues Never Fade Away
7. Bridge
8. I Must Have Lost It On The Wind
9. Old 67
10. Captain And The Kid

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28257 in Music
• Released on: 2006-09-18
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Dimensions: .23 pounds
• Running time: 46 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Elton John, well known at this stage in his career for his flamboyance, has taken a back to basics approach on his 44th album The Captain and the Kid. With his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin, Elton has re-approached his classic 1975 album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (the first album ever to debut at Number 1 on the Billboard chart). That album was an autobiographical document of two starving artists getting started in the music business, and their ambitions for the future. More than 30 years later, The Captain and the Kid tells a very different story, but it's no less personal or ambitious. Think of it as a sequel: where Captain Fantastic... was full of youthful optimism and big dreams, The Captain and the Kid catches up with those two characters to find that their dreams have come true in a big way, and the route that was taken to get there. It's therefore a more mature album, but not a more modern-sounding one, something that's very much to its credit. John and Taupin are a masterful songwriting duo, and they rely on the basics that brought them continued success: Elton's piano and voice at centre stage, delivering Taupin's lyrics (in fact, on "Blues Never Fade Away" and the heartfelt "The Bridge", it's nearly two minutes before any other instruments are heard). The Captain and the Kid is a rare and remarkable feat for a musician; it showcases Elton John at the height of his fame, not attempting to recapture his youth, but reexamining his career. It's an intelligent and thoughtful album, and Elton John's finest in many years. --Ted Kord

CD Description
'The Captain & The Kid' is Elton John's eagerly-awaited sequel to his 1975 masterpiece 'Captain Fantastic And The BrownDirt Cowboy'. Essentially a warts-and-all story of Elton and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin's 30 years in Los Angeles, this album is proof to many people that the duo's songwriting partnership is as strong as ever. Includes the tracks 'Postcards From Richard Nixon' and 'Old '67'.

Customer Reviews

"Best Album in 30 Years"
This new album from Elton John is receiving excellent reviews. Billboard, Q and Mojo have all rated it highly, and Q have rightly stated that the album is Elton's best in 30 years.

'The Captain and The Kid' is the sequel to 1975's 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy', which has long been recognised as one of Elton's finest moments. That album told the story of Elton and his songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, from their first meeting in 1967 until their arrival in the US in 1970. It was the first album ever to enter the Billboard Chart at Number One, and saw Elton reaching the absolute peak of his popularity, especially in the US.

This album picks up where the first left off, from their arrival in the US, and in only ten tracks brings us up to date with the amazing careers that they both have enjoyed. The lyrics on this album are among the most captivating and inspiring of Taupin's career, and they have certainly inspired Elton to compose some beautiful melodies. Elton's fans are raving about the album, and among the favourite tracks are "Tinderbox", "Blues Never Fade Away", "The Captain and the Kid" and "I Must Have Lost It On The Wind".

Witness and participate in the continuing resurgence in artistic excellence which Elton is enjoying. This album is a treat, and a must have.

Ode To A Bye-Gone Era
Elton John and Bernie Taupin prove that they remember when `rock and roll' was young. This upbeat, if lamentable set, continues where they left off with "Songs From The Left Coast" and "Peachtree Road". Elton and Bernie spend the album looking back on the good old days thirty years ago, only this time it's more with wiser eyes than truly revisiting that era. Its one of the best collaborations they have had in years.

This really isn't simply a reality trip back to "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy", but it is a loving remembrance to that era of phenomenal success that rode them to the heights of fame and glory. The songs also remember the good and bad times of that time, including some of the less than happy lessons learned along the way. It's an ode to happiness of a forgone era.

Standout cuts are, "Postcards From Richard Nixon", "Just Like Noah's Ark" and "The Captain And The Kid". This is a strong collection full of warm, breezy, rich pop ballads with plenty of rock. One thing that rings true is that Elton John and Bernie Taupin are more interested in producing solid albums rather than `rocket man' singles. This is the maturation of pure songwriting - more of a love letter to days gone by.

Just enjoy!
I have read,agreed and disagreed with many of reviewers' comments and have come to the conclusion - why do we always need to analyse so much? I remember seeing EJ at the Imperial College, London in the early 70's, sitting on the hall floor with my schoolfriend and this 'Elton John' fellow captivating us on the small stage and all enjoyng the music. Well, we have all come a long way since then and what I (probably like many others) love about this Album is the honesty, simplicity and variety of musical styles...and of course the comforting feeling of nostalgia. Overall, it is an album that makes me; smile, tap my feet,shed a slight tear, sing along and generally feel good listening to it.Isn't that what music is all about? I admit, I bought very few of EJ's albums recently, as I was increasingly disappointed. Nobody can claim to be the same as they were 30 odd years ago, but we've grown up alongside certain musicians and I for one respect the longevity of the few that still care so much about music as EJ & BT, among others. I think this can claim to be one of the best albums made by EJ in recent years. As they said 'and you can't go back', just put in on the player and enjoy it!