Bad Side Of The Moon

Album: Elton John (reissue) (1970)
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Songfacts®:

  • This early Elton John/BernieTaupin composition was released as the B-side of "Border Song;" in Elizabeth Rosenthal's book His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John, Elton attributes it to Bernie's passion for science fiction.
  • Although "Bad Side Of The Moon" did not appear on the Elton John album, it was re-recorded for the 1971 live album 17-11-70, which was released in the United States as 11-17-70 because of the different date format. This version runs to 6 minutes 10 seconds, but in 1996 when Elton John was re-issued on CD, a studio version running to 3 minutes 15 seconds was included on it. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 6

  • Richard Schweitzer from Los AngelesThe transition lyric is: "Ousemala" not "who is my life." I know this kind of thing is what you find on the internet but I'm sure it isn't right. I had the sheet music 4 decades ago... it's just a nonsense word, which they've done another songs. April Wine changed it to "who is my life" for their version. I don't particularly like their version, for that, and it's just kinda lifeless.
  • M. R. Wilde from Summerland, BcThe first version I heard was in 1970 by the UK band Toe Fat. April Wine's rendition in '72 is excellent as well.
  • Jim from Varysburg, NyLiving near Canada I had heard the April Wine version many times, but just recently learned it was an Elton and Bernie tune. Once I knew that I instantly could hear that it was, indeed. Very similar in feel to "Take Me to the Pilot." Good stuff!
  • Lester from New York City, NyOne of my favorite (and there are many) Elton John songs.
  • Jodi from London, OnYeah, I've known the April Vino version of this song my entire life, and was quite surprised to hear it was an Elton/Bernie original. April Wine made it their own! Still trying to figure out what a "rustic spoon" is, though.
  • Paul from Rothesay, New Brunswick , CanadaThis song may be known as a long lost Elton classic everywhere, except in Canada. For decades many Canadian radio stations have been playing April Wine's rockin' version of "Bad Side..."
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