logo
Music Review: Elton John's 'Live From the Rainbow Theatre With Ray Cooper' spotlights a rich catalog

Music Review: Elton John's 'Live From the Rainbow Theatre With Ray Cooper' spotlights a rich catalog

On Elton John's new concert album, the songs steal the show.
Deep cuts from John's rich catalog are given the spotlight on 'Live From the Rainbow Theatre With Ray Cooper.' The 13-song set was culled from a six-show residency in London in May 1977, with John at the piano and his longtime percussionist, Cooper, joining him for the second half of the show.
The album initially received a limited release on vinyl for Record Store Day and will be available digitally and on CD for the first time beginning Friday.
While John, of course, performed his biggest hits during the residency, the album wisely focuses on often overlooked material, pointing to the astounding quantity of quality songs John produced early in his career.
That includes 'Cage the Songbird,' a lilting tribute to Édith Piaf from the underrated 1976 LP 'Blue Moves.'
Another highlight from that album is the cabaret jazz ballad 'Idol,' which shows John could have thrived in a lounge had the rock star thing not worked out.
The piano man's playing here is closer to Liberace than Little Richard, because ballads predominate, and Cooper's role is tastefully restrained. Even when the tempo gets brisk on 'Better Off Dead,' the song is delightfully hammy operetta rather than rock 'n' roll.
From start to finish, John sings with relish: He knows how good these songs are. 'Where To Now St. Peter?' features an especially vigorous vocal, including full-throated falsetto.
'Live From the Rainbow Theatre' underscores John's lyricist Bernie Taupin's vital role in their songwriting partnership. The album opens with 'The Greatest Discovery,' a pairing of sweet sentiment and a charming melody, while 'Ticking' is a gripping tale set in Queens that anticipated America's epidemic of gun violence.
John introduces 'Ticking' and two other songs by noting he doesn't perform them often, or often enough. Banter elsewhere is mostly brief and stiff, but his droll wit does surface in one exchange with a spectator.
'How are you tonight? Nice handkerchief,' John says, before telling the rest of the audience, 'He hasn't washed that in three years.'
The 1977 performances took place as punk and disco were knocking John off his pop pedestal and ending his years-long reign as a consistent hitmaker. 'Live From the Rainbow Theatre' offers a reminder that not all of his superb songs were singles.
___
More AP reviews: https://apnews.com/hub/music-reviews
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From Justin Timberlake's lackluster performance to Coldplay's 'kiss cam' scandal, concerts are making headlines this summer — but not for the music
From Justin Timberlake's lackluster performance to Coldplay's 'kiss cam' scandal, concerts are making headlines this summer — but not for the music

Yahoo

time25 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

From Justin Timberlake's lackluster performance to Coldplay's 'kiss cam' scandal, concerts are making headlines this summer — but not for the music

Timberlake fans waited in the rain — and then accused the singer of giving a "soulless" performance. Each year, millions of people purchase tickets to see their favorite artists live in concert — and that number is only growing. And while Taylor Swift may not currently be performing, following the end of her nearly two-year Eras Tour, other stars, such as Beyoncé and Coldplay, are filling in the gap, attracting massive crowds and making headlines. But several recent concerts have made waves this summer for reasons unrelated to the music. In fact, some of the biggest pop culture moments of the season so far have taken place at concerts, from a major 'kiss cam' scandal to a pop star who doesn't appear to be singing much. Justin Timberlake gets called out for not singing Justin Timberlake has been known for his vocal range since his NSync days, which is why many fans were surprised to find that, during his recent world tour, he didn't seem to be singing all that much. Multiple videos posted on social media this month from different shows across the tour show the 'SexyBack' artist singing a few bars before holding out the mic for the audience to take the rest of a verse. During a July 17 performance at Transylvania's Electric Castle festival, fans who waited in the rain for JT later accused him of giving a middling performance. In an Instagram post, Timberlake thanked fans for attending the 'wild show' and 'rockin' with me in the rain,' but many fans expressed their disappointment in the comments. 'Not THAT wild of a show … and I'm a huge fan,' one wrote. 'The delay I got, I accepted it, but the part with you not singing even your most famous verses.. nope, I did not. Us in the crowd wanted to hear you sing the songs we played at home over and over again and danced on so many times, but unfortunately you did not deliver this time.' Another commenter wrote that they bought tickets to the festival just for Timberlake and 'waited patiently' for the show to start even after a 'big delay.' However, they wrote, 'something happened.' 'You did not click with the crowd, the show felt soulless and bored, ended abruptly and earlier,' the commenter continued. 'It was disrespectful towards the many thousands of people waiting for you. Too bad, could have been a nice evening.' Still, others defended Timberlake, arguing that it seemed clear — at least at the Electric Castle festival performance — that the Social Network actor was under the weather. Katy Perry almost falls out of the air midsong Katy Perry's Lifetimes Tour has been endlessly memed on social media, with fans both delighted and baffled by the futuristic-themed spectacle. Some have called it 'messy, while others have found the show emblematic of the campy charm Perry is known for. But Perry's performance of 'Roar' during her July 18 concert in San Francisco inspired genuine fear from the audience when the mechanical butterfly she was hanging on to dropped unexpectedly. Perry handled the situation like a pro (and fortunately she held tight to the butterfly!), but the reactions made clear that aerial stunts are not for the faint of heart — whether you're a performer or just below one in the audience. Coldplay sparks a 'kiss cam' scandal During Coldplay's July 16 show at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, the band's frontman, Chris Martin, had some fun with the crowd while performing 'The Jumbotron Song.' When a couple showed up on the "kiss cam" and then ducked out of view immediately, Martin joked that they were either 'having an affair' or 'just very shy.' Turns out, Martin was correct. The internet did its thing and quickly discovered the identities of the people at the concert, the CEO of tech firm Astronomer, Andy Byron, and his chief people officer, Kristin Cabot. Both are married to other people. The awkward moment sparked endless memes as well as conversations about privacy in today's digital age. Beyoncé is left hanging after a concert malfunction Perry isn't the only pop star who was left dangling onstage due to a faulty prop. Beyoncé's July 28 concert in her hometown of Houston ended abruptly after the flying car prop she was seated in while singing '16 Carriages' malfunctioned, leaving her suspended and tilted in midair. After stopping the song, Beyoncé was eventually lowered and able to get out of the car safely. She even returned to finish performing the hit track from her Cowboy Carter album after a brief pause backstage. Solve the daily Crossword

'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Renewed for Fourth and Final Season as New Trailer Teases High-Stakes Journey in Season 3
'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Renewed for Fourth and Final Season as New Trailer Teases High-Stakes Journey in Season 3

Yahoo

time34 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Renewed for Fourth and Final Season as New Trailer Teases High-Stakes Journey in Season 3

The spinoff, which stars 'The Walking Dead' alums Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, is set to premiere its third season on Sept. 7 The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon fans got some big news on July 25 as they were treated to a new season 3 trailer and news that the show will soon be coming to an end. At a panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, the show's two stars, Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon himself) and Melissa McBride (Carol Peletier), and its creative team took to the stage in Hall H and brought with them the official trailer for the forthcoming third season, which premieres Sept. 7. It was also revealed that the show was being renewed for a fourth season, but that would also be the series' final one. The trailer begins with Daryl and Carol in the United Kingdom, where last season ended. "So where did all the people go?" Daryl asks. Viewers are then introduced to a new character, one played by Stephen Merchant, who answers, "You're looking at him. I'm it. You're looking at the last Englishman in England. I couldn't sail the boat alone." Shots of Daryl and Carol sailing through London's iconic Tower Bridge with Merchant's character are then shown. Before long, though, they run into a storm that makes them crash onto a beach. "This isn't Maine, is it?" Carol says. Turns out they're in Spain, where they're introduced to new characters, a new landscape and new dangers. The synopsis for season 3 notes that Carol and Daryl "continue their journey towards home and the only ones they love." "As they struggle to find their way back, the path takes them farther astray, leading them through distant lands with ever-changing and unfamiliar conditions as they witness the various effects of the Walker apocalypse," it continues. It was also announced that was renewed for its fourth and final season. Reedus and McBride were joined onstage by Scott M. Gimple, executive producer and chief content officer of The Walking Dead Universe; David Zabel, executive producer and showrunner for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon; and executive producer Greg Nicotero. Fans were told that season 4 will begin production this month, with the eight-episode final season filming in and around Madrid. "It was, I guess, kind of always the plan to have this arc through France and through Spain, and the way it ends is very specific way," Reedus said on stage. "David's done a great job of outlining these two characters and their stories and where they go. And, you know, it's a it's bittersweet in a lot of ways, you know, and thank you to you guys." "First off, we've had a very close connection with all of you and and a loyal fan base," he continued. "And it's like Greg said earlier, we would, you know, we started this show way back when, and we would come here and ... we were in the woods. We didn't know what was going on the outside world. So we come here, we get all this love, and it just made us work harder and and the show has just gotten better and better and better and better." "It's been a real blessing to be able to to do this," he continued. "It's been such a big part of my life; it's something I've put so much work into and spent so many hours, weeks, months, years, thinking about it obsessively and trying to improve every single year." "It taught me a work ethic I didn't think I had before, a passion I didn't think I had before I had done other parts. But to be able to be on screen playing one part this long is so rare," he added, noting that he cares about Darryl "tremendously" and will "miss all of it." McBride chimed in: "We're all really proud of the work that we've done. Can't wait for you to see season 3 [and] look forward to season 4." In a press release announcing the news, AMC boss Dan McDermott praised Reedus and McBride for having "given life to two of the most iconic characters in the history of television." McDermott added that the duo have "taken fans on an unforgettable and intensely human journey of challenge, survival, hope and friendship." Reedus called playing Daryl "an incredible journey." "I thank each and every fan who has joined us on this ride. It's been a privilege to build this story for these characters, and we have so much gratitude for how it's been embraced," he said. "Your love and support have made every moment worth it. This finale isn't just an ending; it's a celebration of what we've all shared together. Keep carrying that love forward. Daryl's journey is far from over." McBride called playing Carol and reuniting with Reedus on this The Walking Dead spinoff "the thrill of a lifetime." "There is still so much story left to tell and so much for the fans to look forward to," she continued. "I'm going to revel in the moments as they come and am excited for the fans to see what we have been working on in these incredible locations." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 3 premieres Sept. 7 on AMC and AMC+. Read the original article on People

'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Renewed for Fourth and Final Season as New Trailer Teases High-Stakes Journey in Season 3
'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Renewed for Fourth and Final Season as New Trailer Teases High-Stakes Journey in Season 3

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Renewed for Fourth and Final Season as New Trailer Teases High-Stakes Journey in Season 3

The spinoff, which stars 'The Walking Dead' alums Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, is set to premiere its third season on Sept. 7 The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon fans got some big news on July 25 as they were treated to a new season 3 trailer and news that the show will soon be coming to an end. At a panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, the show's two stars, Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon himself) and Melissa McBride (Carol Peletier), and its creative team took to the stage in Hall H and brought with them the official trailer for the forthcoming third season, which premieres Sept. 7. It was also revealed that the show was being renewed for a fourth season, but that would also be the series' final one. The trailer begins with Daryl and Carol in the United Kingdom, where last season ended. "So where did all the people go?" Daryl asks. Viewers are then introduced to a new character, one played by Stephen Merchant, who answers, "You're looking at him. I'm it. You're looking at the last Englishman in England. I couldn't sail the boat alone." Shots of Daryl and Carol sailing through London's iconic Tower Bridge with Merchant's character are then shown. Before long, though, they run into a storm that makes them crash onto a beach. "This isn't Maine, is it?" Carol says. Turns out they're in Spain, where they're introduced to new characters, a new landscape and new dangers. The synopsis for season 3 notes that Carol and Daryl "continue their journey towards home and the only ones they love." "As they struggle to find their way back, the path takes them farther astray, leading them through distant lands with ever-changing and unfamiliar conditions as they witness the various effects of the Walker apocalypse," it continues. It was also announced that was renewed for its fourth and final season. Reedus and McBride were joined onstage by Scott M. Gimple, executive producer and chief content officer of The Walking Dead Universe; David Zabel, executive producer and showrunner for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon; and executive producer Greg Nicotero. Fans were told that season 4 will begin production this month, with the eight-episode final season filming in and around Madrid. "It was, I guess, kind of always the plan to have this arc through France and through Spain, and the way it ends is very specific way," Reedus said on stage. "David's done a great job of outlining these two characters and their stories and where they go. And, you know, it's a it's bittersweet in a lot of ways, you know, and thank you to you guys." "First off, we've had a very close connection with all of you and and a loyal fan base," he continued. "And it's like Greg said earlier, we would, you know, we started this show way back when, and we would come here and ... we were in the woods. We didn't know what was going on the outside world. So we come here, we get all this love, and it just made us work harder and and the show has just gotten better and better and better and better." "It's been a real blessing to be able to to do this," he continued. "It's been such a big part of my life; it's something I've put so much work into and spent so many hours, weeks, months, years, thinking about it obsessively and trying to improve every single year." "It taught me a work ethic I didn't think I had before, a passion I didn't think I had before I had done other parts. But to be able to be on screen playing one part this long is so rare," he added, noting that he cares about Darryl "tremendously" and will "miss all of it." McBride chimed in: "We're all really proud of the work that we've done. Can't wait for you to see season 3 [and] look forward to season 4." In a press release announcing the news, AMC boss Dan McDermott praised Reedus and McBride for having "given life to two of the most iconic characters in the history of television." McDermott added that the duo have "taken fans on an unforgettable and intensely human journey of challenge, survival, hope and friendship." Reedus called playing Daryl "an incredible journey." "I thank each and every fan who has joined us on this ride. It's been a privilege to build this story for these characters, and we have so much gratitude for how it's been embraced," he said. "Your love and support have made every moment worth it. This finale isn't just an ending; it's a celebration of what we've all shared together. Keep carrying that love forward. Daryl's journey is far from over." McBride called playing Carol and reuniting with Reedus on this The Walking Dead spinoff "the thrill of a lifetime." "There is still so much story left to tell and so much for the fans to look forward to," she continued. "I'm going to revel in the moments as they come and am excited for the fans to see what we have been working on in these incredible locations." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 3 premieres Sept. 7 on AMC and AMC+. Read the original article on People

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store