Just heard this and it is definitely the best thing he's done since the 70's. In fact it may be the only thing he's done that comes close to matching his early 70's classics.

Have to admit that I have a nostalgic stake in this since Captain Fantastic was the first album I ever bought. It's the album that made me see there's more to music than "singles". But if you ignore his wacky antics over the last 20 years and his current image and just listen to this you'll hear a really solid Elton John album with excellent lyrics (about the last 36 years of their career). And I haven't heard that since, well since Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 36 years ago.

On a fun note the song Captain and the Kid uses the opening and closing riff off the song Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.

I've known of it coming, but sadly, I'm not dying to hear it. Granted, I'll buy it the week it comes out, but I think he's starting to lean too much on his older image and music. On the other hand, his best album this decade (my opinion) did the same, "Songs From The West Coast".

Good to hear a positive review though! Makes me not dread it as much. Is Nigel still in the band? Happy as I was that he was back, I almost hate to say I miss Charlie Morgan now.

I went to see him in concert on Friday and have to say this was one of the best shows I've ever seen. He really goes all out. He even spent about 5-10 min giving autographs before his encore. Played for 3 hours straight.

I actually enjoyed the new stuff which he placed in the middle of the set saying "listening to new stuff is hard, I know, but if the radio don't play it we don't play it!" Blues Never Fade Away and The Bridge were great live. I picked up the album and I agree, his best stuff since the 1970s.