Elton John: Live in Barcelona

Hard to recall, what with all the tears shed at funerals for friends and catty sparring with the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards, that Elton John's primary claim to fame is that he's one of the premier pop music composers of the 20th century (and at the dawn of the 21st century, he's still standing). Captured live in Barcelona, Spain, this generous two-hour 1992 concert, presented in Dolby Digital 5.0 and PCM stereo, finds the noted ivory tickler eschewing the stage acrobatics of days gone by, and steering clear of the high notes on "Tiny Dancer" and other hits, but otherwise in fine, mature form. Songs include "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," "I'm Still Standing," "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues," "Philadelphia Freedom," "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters," "Daniel," "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," and "Your Song," among the 19 performed. With such an embarrassment of riches, it's hard to put one's finger on a specific highlight, but for sheer ebullient signature-style piano, the eight-minute intro to "Sad Songs Say So Much" is an absolute delight. And while it's easy to quibble over the omission of songs such as "Levon," "Rocket Man," "Bennie and the Jets," and "Candle in the Wind," the truth is that even a two-hour concert can't encompass all the hits Elton John produced in the 20-year span from 1972-1992. Fans will also enjoy the 52-minute behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling the 1992 world tour, featuring John, sublime lyricist Bernie Taupin, and the show's set and costume designer, the late Gianni Versace. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)