Peachtree Road | 
| Artist: Elton John
Label: Umvd Labels
Category: Music
List Price: $13.98
Buy Used: $0.01
You Save: $13.97 (100%)
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Rating:  134 reviews
Sales Rank: 47049
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 000364702
UPC: 060249867611
EAN: 0060249868762
ASIN: B00061X95Q
Release Date: November 9, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Weight of the World | | • | Porch Swing in Tupelo | | • | Answer in the Sky | | • | Turn the Lights Out When You Leave | | • | My Elusive Drug | | • | They Call Her the Cat | | • | Freaks in Love | | • | All That I'm Allowed | | • | I Stop and I Breathe | | • | Too Many Tears | | • | It's Getting Dark in Here | | • | I Can't Keep This from You |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
It's relatively easy to launch a comeback. It's far harder to maintain one. The follow-up to 2001's warmly received (by critics, anyway) Songs from the West Coast indicates Elton John is committed to following through on his late career critical renaissance. Entirely self-produced and featuring his trusty band on each song (and have any sidemen been more stalwart than Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson?), Peachtree Road's noble ambitions aren't entirely realized. Starting strong with the telling "Weight of the World" ("Happy to play with the weight of the world off my back") and Americana-flavored "Porch Swing in Tupelo," the 12-song set loses momentum as it progresses. Overproduction rears its glitzy head most egregiously in "All That I'm Allowed." Still, the young Elton John who took the singer-songwriter movement to new heights in the early '70s with the likes of Tumbleweed Connection and Honky Chateau is in evidence on Peachtree Road. He's laid the groundwork to totally throw caution to the wind and make a truly great album. Next time, perhaps? --Steven Stolder
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| Customer Reviews: Read 129 more reviews...
 A pure EJ recording, blending old and new November 10, 2004
Brian Martinez (KINGWOOD, TX United States)
57 out of 64 found this review helpful
Since 1992, if you bought a new Elton John recording your choices were: slow, slower, or a soundtrack. The quality was never lacking, but usually, energy and "life force" were; the music sometimes seemed paint-by-numbers. Having seen Elton live countless times, where nothing but energy and talent filled the room, I knew that the discs weren't giving Elton justice. I am happy to say that this disc finally lays that all to rest.
Peachtree Road effortly combines the two things we've come to expect from Elton over his 35 years in the industry: outstanding lyrics and incomparable musicianship. Here, you'll find songs that are simple yet deep, spiritual yet grounded. Touching on everything from being happy with one's lot in life ("All That I'm Allowed") to love's intoxication ("My Elusive Drug") to the character tale of a transsexual ("They Call Her The Cat"), Bernie Taupin has simultaneously done what he does best: paint scenes, and capture Elton's moods.
With so much on-the-spot material to work with, Elton's work is inspired. He still tends toward ballads, but the ballads here actually have depth and soul. "My Elusive Drug," self-acknolwedged autobiographical track, brings out richness in Elton's voice -- you can FEEL that Elton feels this song, and thhat, folks, is what music is all about.
Most refreshingly, we see the funky Elton of old raise his head with a vengeance. '60s-rock-tinged blues appears in "They Call Her The Cat," complete with a lively horn section. Nashville should aspire to create again such a pure country song as "Turn The Lights Out When You Leave," complete with steel guitar.
Some other items of note: This is the first CD that Elton himself has produced. The disc is dedicated fittingly to Gus Dudgeon and his wife Sheila. It's clear that Elton has learned how to produce an ear-pleasing record thanks to Dudgeon's masterful production of the '70s recordings. Beginning in the 80s, fans had to suffer through years of mind-numbing Chris Thomas productions where everything was flattened into nothingness. Elton's production is clean and crisp, much like Dudgeon's early work, with pianos and vocals returning to the front, their rightful place. This is a treat for the listener and a great tribute to Gus.
And, again, we see Elton working with the original band: Nigel and Dave. You get a sense that recording the CD was a flawless, joyful effort.
And that is the overriding tone here... Peachtree Road is a CD full of looking-back-on-life happiness. The lyrics, songs and production combine to make this a road that you're happy to relax and travel on for a long, long time.
I love Too many tears November 11, 2004
Tnahpellee (Australia)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
I think the best song on the album is Too Many Tears. It's a peek for Elton's creativity in my view. The album starts off very well, too. It begins with a similar feel to Songs from the West Coast, but the lyrics are charmingly positive and upbeat. Answer in the sky is an already familiar song from the album, didn't it make the top 20? Then he gets really country and western with songs like Turn the lights out when you leave and Freaks in love, while 'They call her the cat' is a fun rocker like something from his early days. Along with the jazzy 'My elusive drug' Elton uses some inspired gruff vocals that work wonders. It makes you forget he's not as young as he used to be. All that I'm allowed is a strong piece of gospel. After a while there is an abundance of the slower tempo songs and the end of the album lacks diversity, though I must stress while 'Too Many Tears' is among the songs at the end try listening to it on it's own, it really is, in my opinion, one of the best songs he's ever done. Oh and the last song is quite an enthusiastic performance, too. It's called I can't keep this from you and is similar to 'Man' from Made In England.
A solid album from Elton that could have benefitted from a few more uptempo songs but is still a very good listen.
Elton takes us down Peachtree Road November 9, 2004
RBR (CT United States)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
This album picks up where Songs From The West Coast left off and builds on it even more. Peachtree Road prominently features Elton's piano and vocals. Davey's guitar is finally allowed to step out in front and stay there and is not buried in the mix and the results are stunning. The background vocals, with "Elton and the boys," definitely bring you back to the glory days.
Bernie's lyrics this time around are mostly on the happy and content side with Elton on the opening track professing he's happy where he is; "I'm wearying and I'm staying up late, and the rain hits my roof so hard, You know I'm no longer thirty these days, I'm happy to play one or two hands of cards....fortune and fame is so fleeting these days, I'm happy to say I'm amazed that I'm still around..."
Elton has crafted an album that reminds us of why we are fans with songs that are fresh and new but yet take us back to the days where Elton ruled the charts and the radio. This album will not get Elton back on the radio or at the top of the charts but that is in no way the music's fault but the state of the industry these days. Elton appears to be ok with that and we should be too.
The more you listen, the better it gets November 23, 2004
Joe Douglas
13 out of 15 found this review helpful
When I first played this CD, I thought, "Oh, great. Another middle-of-the-road effort." But after listening to it over and over, I'm taken by the strength of all of the cuts. This album will grow on you. Elton still has an incredible gift of composition. Many of the melodies in these songs will stick with you. Just give it time.
Some of the songs have the classic 70's Davey/Dee/Nigel backing vocals sound (even though Dee isn't still with us); and the backing vocals on "My Elusive Drug" sounds like those on Partridge Family records. (But then again, this is nothing new. They were also there on "Blues For Baby and Me" from the "Don't Shoot Me..." album some 30+ years ago and they sound good. 1/8/05 note: When I mentioned the Partridge Family sound in this review, I should have said that it was the ORCHESTRATION on "Blues For Baby And Me," not the backing vocals on that song. There were none! -- Sorry.) -- Each song stands on its own and has its unique qualities, but in particular, music-wise, Elton has created another classic with with the closer, "I Can't Keep This From You" -- soaring and inspiring.
The biggest disappointment for me was that the lyrics were not enclosed. One of the biggest thrills of a new Elton John album was in being able to read and savor the poetry of Bernie Taupin. Long-time EJ fans can remember that being able to enjoy the album package was almost as good as hearing the music. And maybe one day Elton will get back to providing instantly recognizable piano intros to many of his songs. That was what made many of his early hits and album cuts loved so much. (Think "Your Song," "Tiny Dancer," "Levon.")
All in all, there really are no negatives. New and long-time fans, don't hesitate to buy this one. It's worth owning and enjoying.
 A Quiet Road November 20, 2004
David Sigler (Baltimore, Maryland)
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
A music critic in the mid-80s once stated that the current release (let's say 1984's Breaking Hearts for example) was "a typical mix of ballads and rock songs...just like the albums before it and certainly to be like his future albums to come." This statement (I don't recall who) could now be easily applied to the Elton John of the 1990s and 2000s, minus the rock part. For some reason, Elton John and maybe even Bernie Taupin these days, seem to shy away from their rock sensibilities. Sure, once in a while an uptempo song will surface, but those type of songs seem far and few between these days. With that said, Elton's Peachtree Road is a more soulful and country-ish effort which, unfortunately for this listener, keeps things at a low boil once again.
His last studio release, Songs From The West Coast in 2001, was a welcome return to the sound and style of his mid-70s heyday. Peachtree Road fails to build on that success mainly because the songs just aren't that strong. Opening with a whisper of a song called "Weight Of The World", the tone is set for a reflective and soul searching experience (albeit, Taupin's sentiments courtesy of John's voice). The song is one of the better tracks here with it's wonderful backing vocals and great piano solo. Things speed up a little bit with the next song, Porch Swing in Tupelo, a tribute to Elvis complete with a back and forth choir on the chorus.
But like most of these songs, a formula becomes evident that each song, for good or bad, follows virtually the some format: same lyric sentiments just repackaged, choir on every song, instrumental break and, worst of all, most of these melodies start and stop too often breaking any momentum the song may have. The best example of this is "Answer In The Sky", just when the song shifts into high gear, Elton and the band bring it right back down losing all energy and spirit the song inspires. "They Call Her The Cat" is the only real uptempo song here and comes across better live than on the the cd. While "All That I'm Allowed", is not so much a lyric as a testament to being thankful for what you have in life but the word "thankful" just goes on and on until you have to hit the skip button on the cd player to make it stop.
The old school country effort "Turn The Lights Out When You Leave" is one of the better crafted songs here and could easily have been a hit for Ray Price in 1974. And on "Too Many Tears", Elton's piano intro is inspired and had an element of surprise in the melody. But most of this is just too slow and tame, when compared to his vast majority of songs in the 1970s or heck, even the 80s for that matter.
Produced by Elton himself, it's obvious that this is the album he wanted to make and good for him. However, it is another mild, mid-tempo release that manages for the most part to bring out the worst elements of previous releases such as "The One" and "The Big Picture". The much heralded return of Nigel Olsson on drums is another disappointment not because of his style however. It's just that the drums are so buried in the mix, that his trademark style is virtually lost.
If you can pick up the UK cd single for "All That I'm Allowed", and "Turn The Lights Out", they have a combined five songs that didn't make the album. Those songs, were surprisingly upbeat and much stronger that half of what made the album. It's just too bad they weren't included on the official release.
After 30 some years in the business, it's fair to give Elton John and Bernie Taupin some slack.
This is not their worst album and it is listenable. However, after many repeated listenings, it's obvious that no chances were going to be taken. Taupin delivers basically the same lyric sentiment and Elton's tries hard to pull as much out of them as he can. Furthermore, Elton is sounding more and more weary as well and all of the touring now seems to be taking it's toll on his voice.
Peachtree Road, has grown on me since my initial first review. It's a more reflective compilation of songs and you'll have to be in the mood for it.
It is probably more suited to a three star rating than two...but I just wish Elton would interpret Taupin's lyrics with a sense of adventure the next time out.
Best Tracks: Weight of the World, Answer In The Sky, Too Many Tears, It's Getting Dark In Here.
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