My Ambition Was To Be A Record

The Only Criticism Heard With Any Frequency Of Elton John's First American Album, 'elton John,' Was That The Production Was Too Grandiose. The Melodies Were Superb, And Lyrics Frequently Very Good, And The Performances Flawless.

It Is By Now Beyond Question That Elton John Is A Competent And Classy Entertainer. Few People Who Have Achieved His Popularity Have Succeeded In Maintaining His Standards For Performance And Professionalism.

James Taylor Is The Kind Of Person I Always Thought The Word 'folksinger' Referred To. He Writes And Sings Songs That Are Reflections Of His Own Life, And Performs In Them In His Own Style. All Of His Performances Are Marked By An Eloquent Simplicity.

The Stones Were Always Exemplary Of One Of The Best Of All Rock Qualities: Tightness. They Have Always Been Economical, The Opposite Of Ornamental. Having A Very Clear Idea Of What They Wanted To Say They Could Go Into A Studio And Make It All Up On A Three Minute Cut.

Often, Equipment Can As Easily Function As A Security Blanket For Musicians Unwilling Or Unable To Risk Anything Personal In The Studio. Whether One Catches The Feeling On A Record Is A Subjective Matter. How Can You Be Sure? The Machinery Can Hold Out The Promise Of At Least Mechanical Perfection.