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Post by slf on Jun 4, 2017 10:36:26 GMT -5
Many months ago this issue was brought up on another thread and I proposed this theory: You don't suppose in 1972 many listeners and program directors were offended by the second verse's reference to the title character laughing at the "Jesus Freaks". I know that by the early '70's the censors weren't as uptight about language and sexual references as they had been before, but maybe too many people felt that insulting Christianity was crossing the line.
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 4, 2017 11:45:09 GMT -5
Don't think that mocking the Jesus Freaks was the cause of the low chart position.
At this point in time, Elton had not really established himself on the singles charts. Yes his second Hot 100 single "Your Song" was a Top 10 smash, but the next three didn't crack the Top 20. I think we were entering the era where the pre and early teens were the buyers of the 45s, and the late teens and adults were album purchasers. Songs like "Friends" (#34), "Levon" (#24), and "Tiny Dancer" were perfect for the emerging FM radio format, but as previously stated were too long (except "Friends") or complex for AM pop radio.
Beginning with his next single "Rocket Man", Elton (with Bernie Taupin) would make their mark on the Hot 100 with a string of pop friendly Top 10 hits such as "Crocodile Rock", "Honky Cat", "Bennie And The Jets", etc.
If I told this story before, my apologies. The local sports talk station had a listener who used to text comments under the name "Hold Me Closer, Tony Danza". Still cracks me up.
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Post by tarobe on Jul 11, 2017 21:09:15 GMT -5
Sorry to bump this thread, but I have a question about "Tiny Dancer" myself. I think a reason that "Tiny Dancer" failed to make the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 is because of its length (6:14). Does anyone else here think so, too? I think singles that reached the Top 40 have to be five minutes or less. If this hasn't already been asked before, What are some possible reasons that "Tiny Dancer" couldn't just be edited down to, say, four-and-a-half minutes so it would have a higher peak than just #41? Also, according to its Wikipedia article, "Tiny Dancer" lacked a hook. The promo 45 of "Tiny Dancer" ran 3:25.
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