18. I'm Still Standing (Elton John - Live In Los Angeles 10/10/1986) video free download

Alright, all my eager subscribers! I have another amazing concert from Elton John's 1985-86 tour to upload for you: live at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on October 10, 1986! Even though this amazing concert has already been uploaded by the indomitable Gregsynthwizard, Adam (Elton Bootlegs), who uploaded this concert before under his old Formulaonemad account, has allowed me to re-upload this concert. This is a soundboard recording (meaning excellent quality!) and is 100% complete, with absolutely no cuts in any track.

In this mind-blowing show (the third of five shows in California), Elton, in addition to enjoying himself and showing off his great showmanship, has a loyal and eager audience and an awesome band, some of the finest musicians Elton has ever had in his long career. However, this concert has one problem which would grow in the coming month: Elton has developed vocal nodules! This doesn't help his already-ragged voice, ravaged by over-touring and drug abuse, and they slam into his throat, making his voice sound even rougher on many songs. The fact that he oversings many songs (Paris and Restless being examples) in this show doesn't help at all. As a result, some of the worst (if not the ABSOLUTE worst) vocal performances are found on this show, and these are actually interesting to listen to! These ones include Better Off Dead (dreadful sounding,), Candle In The Wind (Elton's noduled-up and ravaged voice makes the song sound worse), and especially bad versions of Nikita, I'm Still Standing (too much freakin' angry birds!) and Can I Get A Witness (the worst version ever, according to Greg!)

Despite the bad voice, this show has a lot of saving graces which redeem it. These include a great version of Bennie and the Jets with a fantastic improv piano solo, an especially good version of Rocket Man with an extended ending, a decent version of Philadelphia Freedom (despite some random notes) and great musical versions of Someone Saved My Life Tonight (which also has a surprisingly good vocal performance) and Burn Down The Mission! Your Song and Daniel are actually decent-sounding, despite Elton's voice, and as a treat, he plays acoustic guitar on Love Song (a great version)! Also, on Tonight, he miraculously hits the falsettos, considering his rapidly-declining voice!

Overall, this is an excellent concert that no EJ fan should skip, and I highly recommend it!

(PS: If you thought the vocals were bad here, just wait until the next concert on 10/11/1986!)