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ADRIAN THRILLS reviews Elton John and Brandi Carlile 'Who Believes in Angels?': Sir Elton's fresh start at 78 - with a dazzling new co-star

When a music legend hints at bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career, it's best to treat their words with caution.

Despite the tantrums — or maybe even because of them — the songs are powerful and emotional, with John and Carlile backed by a floor-shaking band that includes Red Hot Chilli Peppers drummer Chad Smith, bassist Pino Palladino and keyboardist Josh Klinghoffer. The Rose Of Laura Nyro is a seven-minute homage to the late New York singer, with Bernie Taupin's original lyrics adapted by Brandi, and the song's progressive-rock synths an echo of Elton's 1973 medley Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Helped by his original sidekick, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Texan comedienne B. Simone, the Philadelphia-born hip-hop star goes on to list his other alleged shortcomings, which include being a nice-guy rapper derided by his peers because he 'don't curse'.

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