when I left Elton behind . . . . . 

On this day in music history: February 3, 1973 - “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, it is the first US chart-topper the the British singer, songwriter and musician. The track is recorded in the Summer of 1972 at the Château d'Hérouville (aka Strawberry Studios) outside of Paris, France. The song is written as a fond remembrance of John and Taupin’s youth, listening to rock & roll music of the ‘50s and '60s, taking its inspiration from songs such as Del Shannon’s 1962 song “Cry Myself To Sleep” and The Diamonds “Little Darlin’ (written and originally recorded by Maurice Williams & The Gladiolas). Issued as the first single from "Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player” on November 20, 1972, it is an immediate hit. Entering the Hot 100 at #73 on December 9, 1972, it climbs to the top of the chart eight weeks later, becoming Elton John’s first million selling single in the US. “Crocodile Rock” is certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

I should perhaps qualify that but my wife introduced me to Elton John (alongside Neil Young and Cat Stevens) and the first three albums meant quite a deal to us . . . but the sneaking feeling that we'd been had began to creep in around the time of his glamourpuss 'pop' explosion summarised best here by Crocodile Rock and I know this makes me sound like a snob as it is a fine piece of pop pap but we had previously considered him a serious singer songwriter and this glamourpuss hangin' out with Bolan et al and the increasingly extravagant showmanship began  to claw at our perhaps more po' faced sensibilities. Can't win 'em all Elton . . . . . . he did alright though didn't he?