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List Price: $18.98 | | Label: Umvd Labels
Salesrank: 169457
Released: November 9, 2004 |
| Our Price: $14.17 |
| Used Price: $11.84 |
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| Media: Audio CD |
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Peachtree Road Track Listing:
1. Weight of the World
2. Porch Swing in Tupelo
3. Answer in the Sky
4. Turn the Lights Out When You Leave
5. My Elusive Drug
6. They Call Her the Cat
7. Freaks in Love
8. All That I'm Allowed
9. I Stop and I Breathe
10. Too Many Tears
11. It's Getting Dark in Here
12. I Can't Keep This from You
Peachtree Road Reviews:
Still Uninspired in SACD 
2006-12-29 - I am a huge fan of Elton John. I have dozens of his albums and CDs. I have seen the best and I have seen the worst. I was quite pleased with Elton's releases in the 90s. "Songs from the West Coast" returned Elton to the style that made him famous in the early 70's. Unfortunately, the string of releases that culminated in "Songs from the West Coast" also raised my expectations for this release; expectations that were just a bit too high.
Taken as a whole, the lyrics are generally good. Bernie Taupin continues to churn out the words that Elton has always been so able to match with his music. Some of the lyrics are a bit cheesy ("They Call Her the Cat," as an example, which is goofy as well), and some are weird ("Freaks in Love"), but others are evocative and interesting ("Weight of the World"). As has always been typical of most Elton John albums, the lyrics are a mixed bag. However, it has always been Elton's music that turns Bernie Taupin's words into magic. Unfortunately, the magic has failed to turn Taupin's straw into gold on this CD. I was also disappointed that the lyrics were not included with the album so I had to go find them on the internet.
There are good songs on this album; not great, but good. I enjoy "Weight of the World," which matches weary lyrics with weary music to give you the feeling that Elton has accepted his life and his age. This music compares favorably with Elton's early 70's music, when he was at his commercial peak (remember seven #1 albums in a row?). I think "All That I'm Allowed" has some nice pop riffs and good vocals.
"Porch Swing in Tupelo" has good music, but the lyrics are weak compared to similar early songs such as ""Border Song" and "Burn Down the Mission." "Answer in the Sky" is in the same category. The music is good and the lyrics are okay, but the songs are so bland and middle-of-the-road that I feel as though I am listening to another album. In the other direction is "I Stop and I Breathe." This song has good lyrics, but the music is weak and the vocals sound strained.
Elton and Bernie have tried country-flavored songs several times in the past. "Turn out the Lights When You Leave" is reasonably serviceable with acceptable lyrics and music. Most of Elton's albums have had at least one blues song. "My Elusive Song" is a good blues song that seems a lot like "Mellow" from "Honky Chateau." "Freaks in Love" is also bluesy, though the lyrics are a bit off-beat.
It is possible that something about "Too Many Tears" strikes an emotional chord with me. This music reminds me a lot of the music from "Jump Up" and "The Fox." The music is catchy and matches the mellow lyrics well. I count this song as one of the better songs on this CD. Just after this song is "It's Getting Dark in Here." It is possible that the proximity to "Too Many Tears" influences my feelings about this song, but I enjoy the harmonies, which feel so much like Elton's 70's music. I count "It's Getting Dark in Here" as another of the better songs on this CD. I love the strong piano bridge also.
After the previous two songs, I was hoping for a bang up finish to this album. I dislike the opening to "I Can't Keep this from You," but when the song hits its stride it is a decent song with reasonably good power. I also enjoy the harmonies on this song. This song is a bit better than the average song on this CD.
Now is the quandary; what is my recommendation? With about half a dozen reasonably good songs, this CD is a valuable addition to someone who considers themselves more than a typical Elton John fan. Unfortunately, the songs that are on cruise control distract from the better tracks and prevent me from recommending this album to casual fans.
I am always encouraged when a musician I like releases a new CD, but I would have been even more encouraged had Elton built on "Songs from the West Coast." I have added this CD to my extensive collection of Elton John music, but I will be listening to many of Elton's other albums many times before this particular album makes it back into rotation again. Perhaps my opinion of this album will mellow with time; I hope it will because Elton John remains one of my all-time favorite singers.
Note that this version of "Peachtree Road" is in hybrid SACD. Okay, the sound is better. However, better sound just means that you can hear the same music with more definition. If you already have "Peachtree Road" and wonder whether you should get the SACD version, my answer is that you should get this version only if you absolutely loved the original.
Enjoy!
A Worthy Successor 
2005-12-18 - Beautiful and meaningful lyrics and Sir Elton`s magical voice makes this an awesome record to have. Now I know it may not be everyone's cup of tea but if you know a thing or two about music, you should give this CD a try, Especially in SACD format (one of the best sounding around).
Lovely music but recording needs to be decided
2005-01-28 - The first time I listened to this album was when I was flying to Asia through the airline's music channel. Even in the noisy engine background, I could still make out the distinguish music that Elton is known to put out. What caught my attention was that he is teaming back with Bernie which is one of the pleasant surprises in this album. With Davey and Nigel in the band, it feels like the good old team is back. There are quite a few good songs in this album with good melody and Elton's musical style that he acquired in his more recent albums. However, to my disappointment Elton's piano is more of a background accompaniment and not the leading instrument in most of the songs.
One thing that could be improved on this album is the recording quality. Vocals are not as focused as other SACDs I've heard, for example, Ray Charles' "Genius Loves Company". As expected the SACD when compared to the CD version has smother highs and better overall soundstage presentation. Overall, I think you'll like this album.
Where are Taupin's Lyrics?
2004-11-25 - This album DOES NOT contain Bernie Taupin's lyrics, this is a big disappointment to me. Just like getting a big raise and then finding out your employer is going to lay you off.
Amazing sound makes me warm and fuzzy...
2004-11-18 - A new album of ballads from Elton John? This is too good to be true. This new album from Elton John is a continuation of the great songwriting from his previous album "Songs from the West Coast". The lyrics are very reflective and mature and his singing is very emotional and heartfelt. Not every song on this album feels like a classic to me yet, but perhaps with more listenings, it will get better. For now, there are 5 standout songs that are "single" quality, although the rest are still better than, say, EJ's mid-80's output.
The sound is very similar to the SACDs of his older albums, which I've started to review. The sound is a little richer, as you would expect, but a little more diffused. I think the older albums had a more distinct tone for each instrument whereas on this album there's more of a blend.
I am thrilled that this was a day and date new release on SACD, and someone in the Elton John camp is clearly a fan of SACD, and that's great for SACD fans!
