Sinead O'Connor "Sacrifice"

I was writing about Elton John yesterday, and I had a little laugh remembering this.

I love reading liner notes (go ahead and say it: "NERD!").

And while I love the thoughtful essay, or the fine production detail, one of my all-time favorite liner quotes is from Sinead O'Connor.

She was part of "Two Rooms: Celebrating The Songs Of Elton John and Bernie Taupin," and was one of several famous musicians who covered classic songs.

In the liner notes, each artist wrote a few words about what Elton and Bernie's music means to them. Effusive stuff like "Elton inspired me to play the piano," "I remember the first time I heard this song," and "I love them dearly."

But it was Sinead O'Connor's pithy line that really made me laugh out loud:

"I can't believe no-one did 'Candle In The Wind.'"

Snarky, dismissive and succinct.


Hear the song on Youtube.

Elton John "Old 67"

You know how you used to like that restaurant a whole lot, and you ate there all the time, and then, I dunno, you heard it had cockroaches or there was a drug bust there, and you stopped going. Yeah, I mean, that happened 15 years ago, but you don't go there ever, but the place still seems to be in business?

That's how I feel about Elton John.

I just kinda lots my taste for his music, once he hit the cheesy 80s and the schlocky Disney 90s.

But I heard this song the other day, and I was reminded that somewhere in the last decade, Elton got back on track.

Sure, he's never going to match the level of work he hit in the 70s, but at least his last few albums have felt authentic. Like he was engaged with the work. Like he wasn't just trying to cash a Mass Appeal check.

So yeah, if you never go to that restaurant anymore, think about going back. The negative things you remember about it are long gone, and it's okay to reconsider, and even enjoy a modest, understated, but sincere return to form.


Hear the song on Youtube.