Reg Strikes Back

Background

This was the last album that bassist Dee Murray (albeit without bass) appeared on prior to his death in 1992. The tracks "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" and "A Word in Spanish" peaked at No. 2 and No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. John brought back record producer Chris Thomas for the album. This is the first studio album to be recorded and released after John's throat surgery the previous year. The album cover featured costumes from John's collection that he decided to put up for auction.

Track listing

All songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

1. "Town of Plenty" – 3:40
2. "A Word in Spanish" – 4:39
3. "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Part Two" – 4:12
4. "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" – 4:35
5. "Japanese Hands" – 4:40

Side two

6. "Goodbye Marlon Brando" – 3:30
7. "The Camera Never Lies" – 4:36
8. "Heavy Traffic" (John, Taupin, Davey Johnstone) – 3:30
9. "Poor Cow" – 3:50
10. "Since God Invented Girls" – 4:54

Bonus tracks (1998 PolyGram International reissue)

11. "Rope Around a Fool" – 3:48
12. "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" (Shep Pettibone Mix) – 7:16
13. "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" (Just Elton and His Piano Mix) – 4:37
14. "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Part Two" (The Renaissance Mix) – 6:19

B-sides

'Rope Around a Fool' was recorded during these sessions, as was an unused track, 'Love Worth Waiting For', which Elton would perform at an AIDS benefit show in Los Angeles during the summer of 1988, but has yet to see official release on any format.

Personnel

Production