The mid-80's were a tough time for Elton John.  The singer and pianist who had been a stellar success in the 70's was deep in the clutches of drug addiction, and struggling to perform due to throat issues.  His studio album, "Leather Jackets" had failed to produce a single to reach the top 40.  It seemed that he was finding more controversy in the British tabloids than he was success in the music industry.

In the midst of this, however, he produced a stellar live album.  Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was John's twenty-eighth official album release, focusing on some of the performers earlier hits.  In the last two months of 1986, Elton John did a series of concerts as a part of his tour of Australia and New Zealand which contained two sets.  The first set was a traditional concert with John and his 14-piece band.  The second set had the band backed by the 88-piece Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with John dressed as Mozart in front of the grand piano.  The Live album captured this symphonic second set.

The album was a success, hitting number 24 on the Billboard 200 and certifying gold by January 1988.

This concert also marked a change.  It was the last in which Elton John appeared in his elaborate stage costumes.  He also underwent throat surgery in January 1987 which - while successful - permanently altered his voice.  His next few albums would be somewhat more successful, but he would sober up in the early 90's and release his highly successful "The One" album in 1992.

Bruce presents this live symphonic hit for this week's podcast.

Burn Down the Mission
This song is the concluding track of John's third album, "Tumbleweed Connection."  That was a concept album with the theme of Western Americana.  The lyrics  are a bit vague, but the story tells of a poor community oppressed by some kind of powerful force.  The singer has taken direct action to remedy the situation, and is defending his action of burning down the mission as the only way to defend his family.  

Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
Hailing from his "Blue Moves" studio album, this sad song is characterized by lyricist Bernie Taupin as "that whole idealistic feeling people get when they want to save something from dying when they basically know deep down inside that it is already dead."  

Take Me to the Pilot
Originally from John's self-titled second album, this song contains lyrics which both John and Taupin admit are nonsensical, but just contain words that sound good together.  Six of the 14 tracks on this live album are from Elton John's second album. 

Candle In the Wind
This song from the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album was never released as a single in the US until it was released in this live version.  Taupin used Marilyn Monroe as an archetype of the famous artist cut down in the prime of life.  He was initially inspired by hearing Clive Davis using the phrase "candle in the wind" in tribute to Janis Joplin.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the motion picture Spaceballs
Mel Brooks is at it again, this time with his classic spoof on Star Wars.  May the Schwartz be with you!

STAFF PICKS:

Throwing It All Away by Genesis
Lynch kicks off the staff picks with this single from the Invisible Touch album that went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford wrote the song and lyrics.  The upbeat music is quite different from the melancholy lyrics about a love who is leaving the singer.

Don't Let Me Die Young by Andy Taylor
Rob brings us a solo single from Duran Duran's guitarist.  The video for the song depicts at-risk youth engaged in dangerous activities at night from crime and cars to drugs.  Taylor's album "Thunder" came out in the midst of the hair metal band's height. This single also features Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols.

Alone Again Or by The Damned
Wayne features a cover song originally recorded in 1967 by the group Love.  The Damned began as a punk group, and moved to post-punk, somewhat goth rock over time.  Love was an inspiration for the Damned, which encouraged them to cover this song.  The horns give the track a Spanish feel.

Housequake by Prince
Bruce closes out the staff picks with a party song from the double album "Sign O' The Times."  It was the B-side for the single "U Got the Look."  Prince used pitch-shifted vocals to create a higher, more feminine voice for this track.  It was originally going to be on an androgynous alter persona album called "Camille" before it was folded into this double album.  

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

21st Century Common Man, Pt. 1 by Tangerine Dream
This jazz group closes out our podcast this week.  

Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” 

NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.

Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.

Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!

**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.