Elton John (1970) Burn Down the Mission - LOST 70s GEMS

 The highlight of the country tinged Tumbleweed Connection, Elton' melodic slow build that he would perfect on hits like Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man is present here with a saloon bar piano and wonderfully simple drum beat as Elton wails away in his full falsetto whine. Then a samba inflected string coursed section kicks in before returning to his placid playing as the sturdy drums and acoustic guitar back his plea to 'bring your family to the riverside'. Though occasionally he over does his country twang, his smooth multi-tracked tenor anchored many of hits that wouldn't have the same effect with a too showy voice. You also can't beat the chorus with it's euphoric call to 'Burn down the mission, If we're gonna stay alive, Watch the black smoke fly to heaven, See the red flame light the sky, Burn down the mission, Burn it down to stay alive'


The Brazilian Conga beat and roving bass guitar work well together as the song speeds up to a sweeping, Sgt Pepper esque finale of the song and the album proper; it's the most memorable moment on the album.