Elton John: Madman Across The Water

Madman Across the Water was Elton John's fourth studio album and third to be released in 1971. Madman was also represents one of his lowest-charting initial releases. The album also signified a stylistic shift toward progressive rock for John.

There were two featured singles released off of Madman Across the Water, "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer". The album was certified gold ($1 million in sales) in February 1972, however, it did not reach platinum ($2 million in sales) status until March, 1993. Note, gold record status changed in 1975 to add the units sold requirement, which is 500,000.

In 1994 Steve Hoffman, owner of DCC Compact Classics, released a remastered version of Madman Across The Water. The album was cut by audiophile engineer Kevin Gray using an All Vacuum-tube Cutting System.

Hoffman and Gray brought the notoriously poor mastered album to a level of audio-fidelity that had yet to be reached. Pressed on virgin vinyl, the record is quiet, well balanced, detailed and offers a dynamic range that the original UK release by DJM was unable to achieve. John's vocals are clear and reveal little, if any, distortion and sibilance that is commonly present on other releases . Overall, DCC Compact Classic's version of Madman stands as one of the best, if not the best, available pressing of this classic album.

TRACK LIST

1. Tiny Dancer
2. Levon
3. Razor Face
4. Madman Across the Water
5. Indian Sunset
6. Holiday Inn
7. Rotten Peaches
8. All the Nasties
9. Goodbye

If you are looking for what is at the posting of this review the definitive version of Madman Across The Water, the 1994 DCC Compact Classic is the go to release. The 1971 DJM original release is probably the next best option, but it does not match the fidelity level of the DCC reissue. 💰

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass