"Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy: SACD Version" by ELTON JOHN - 1975 UK and US LP on DJM Records (June 2005 Island Chronicles/Rocket SACD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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CAPT. FANTASTIC - 1975

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"...Very Clearly A Case Of Cornflakes And Classics..."

Arguing the merits of a 1975 album that smashed the top spot in the USA is a mute point (it was the first LP to enter at No. 1 in American chart history). But which version does a punter buy on CD? In 2017 there are four or five variants and it's this I want to address...

Although Elton John's "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" cropped up on British CD as early as 1984 (the very first vanguard of issues on the format) - the first decent Remaster is acknowledged as the 'Elton John The Classic Years' version by TONY COUSINS in July 1995. Mercury 528 160-2 (Barcode 731452816023) came armed with a massively expanded booklet, John Tobler liner notes and Three Bonus Tracks.

The UK and Europe 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' then followed as a '30th Anniversary Edition' in September 2005 on Mercury 0602498317242 (Barcode 602498317242). This upgrade offered the thirteen tracks of the 1995 issue in newly Remastered sound and a Previously Unreleased 12-song "Midsummer Music" concert on Disc 2 recorded at Wembley Stadium 21 June 1975. That Deluxe Edition 2-disc variant was itself reissued in Mini LP Repro Artwork on the (superior) SHM-CD format in Japan September 2008 on Universal UICY-93674/5 (Barcode 4988005525833).

But the one I want to concentrate on is the reissue in-between - the 2004 American SACD. Here are the Towers of Babel...

USA released June 2005 - "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy: SACD Version" by ELTON JOHN on Island Chronicles/Rocket B0003606-36 (Barcode 602498241202) is a 13-track SACD (Super Audio CD) that plays out as follows (62:40 minutes):

1. Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy [Side 1]

2. Tower Of Babel

3. Bitter Fingers

4. Tell Me When The Whistle Blows

5. Someone Saved My Life Tonight

6. (Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket [Side 2]

7. Better Off Dead

8. Writing

9. We All Fall In Love Sometimes

10. Curtains

Tracks 1 to 10 are his ninth studio album "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" - released May 1975 in the UK on DJM Records DJLPX 1 and May 1975 in the USA on MCA Records MCA-2142. Produced by GUS DUDGEON - it peaked at No. 2 in the UK and No. 1 in the USA.

BONUS TRACKS:

11. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

12. One Day At A Time

Tracks 11 and 12 are the non-album A&B-sides of a 7" single recorded with JOHN LENNON. Released 15 November 1974 on DJM Records DJS 340 in the UK and on MCA Records MAC-40344 in the USA - Lennon is credited on some label A-sides as 'Dr. Winston O'Boogie & His Reggae Guitars'. The A-side is a cover of the famous "Sgt. Peppers" track from 1967 - while the B-side is a Lennon song from his 1973 Apple Records LP "Mind Games". It peaked at No. 1 in the USA and No. 10 in the UK on the singles charts.

13. Philadelphia Freedom

Track 13 is a non-album A-side of a 7" single released February 1975 on DJM Records DJS 354 and in the USA on MCA Records MCA-40364 (as The Elton John Band). It peaked at No. 12 in the UK and No. 1 in the USA.

The jam-packed 24-page booklet is the 1995 version that featured (then) new liner notes from noted British writer and musicologist JOHN TOBLER. The original vinyl album was a fantastically elaborate and fancy affair with no less than two substantial booklets, a huge foldout poster of the cover art and all of it housed in a stunning gatefold sleeve. The booklet makes a good fist of trying to repro much of this - you get the lyrics to every song spread across many pages, some of the memorabilia photos like the framed lyrics for "Your Song" and pictures of a young Reg Dwight at an electric piano giving it some "Empty Sky".

On the second-last page of the booklet are the Mastering credits (a team of four eventually) – TONY COUSINS did the original Stereo Mixes Remastering in 1995 – further to those are Digital Transfers by RICKY GRAHAM – DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Editing done by GUS SKINAS and finally Surround Sound Mixed, Produced and Mastered by GREG PENNY at Flower Sound in California. You get a SACD Stereo layer – an SACD Surround Sound layer and finally a simple Audio CD layer for play on all machines (the SACD and Surround variants require specific equipment). Whatever your machine is capable of – the disc will default to that once loaded. In short I find the Audio on this particular beast to be the best of them all.

I can recall my first listen to the title track "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" and thinking 'sophistication' and given the extraordinary packaging - that this was an LP old Elton was clearly proud of. That fantastic guitar break with Davey Johnstone on rocking form - the autobiographical lyrics about a rocket ride from sessions on Top Of The Pops cover version LPs to international stardom. Following quickly are two winners - the Sodom meets Gomorrah of "Tower Of Babel" versus the grumpy musical agents in Denmark Street of "Bitter Fingers". I've always loved a bit of Rock-Funk and it comes in the slinky shape of "Tell Me When The Whistle Blows" (fabulous string arrangements by Gene Page). Side 1 then ends of the overwrought ballad "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" - a song I've always thought was too puffed-up on its own importance somehow.

Side 2 opens with a fantastic bit of guitar riffage "(Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket" - a song about losers hoping to strike lucky on Skid Row - where in order to survive you've gotta find a way towards that meal ticket - rise about the King’s Road pimps. The barrelhouse piano on "Better Off Dead" sounds huge and again Tauzin’s lyrics are amongst his best - cigarette hazes and greased-streaked windows of all-night cafes - characters come and go - live and die - then go out and do it all over again. The whimsical "Writing" offers a respite with its salsa beat - affectionately remembering stifling yawns on Sunday morning - will the things we wrote today still sound good tomorrow  (yes they will boys). The album ends on a duo of big-ballads - "We All Fall In Love Sometimes" and "Curtains". I prefer the near seven-minute "Curtains" of the two - the kind of epic tune Elton seemed able to tap into once given the Taupin words - cultivating flowers and thinking of treasure-children and the future...

Like Paul McCartney & Wing's "Venus And Mars", 10cc's "The Original Soundtrack", Bob Dylan's "Blood On The Tracks" and Joni Mitchell's "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" - Elton John's "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" seemed to confirm 1975 as Rock's most sophisticated and musically productive year. And this glorious-sounding SACD of it only hammers than point home.

"...Very clearly a case of Cornflakes and classics..." – The Captain and The Kid from Putney sang on the title track. Nicely put boys... 

"Honky Chateau" by ELTON JOHN (2004 Universal/Rocket 'Hybrid SACD, Surround and CD Audio' Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...I Am At Home..." 

I always thought it odd that after the truly stunning 'Deluxe Editions' afforded Elton John's 2nd and 3rd albums "Elton John" and "Tumbleweed Connection" - Universal didn't follow up with more of the same for his revered and much-loved 4th and 5th LPs – "Madman Across The Water" (1971) and "Honky Chateau" (1972). But in a kind of a way – they did – it just seems that no one has noticed.

Instead of a two-disc DE – this variant of "Honky Chateau" is a single-disc 'SACD HYBRID' release – a new 2004 Remaster offering up three levels on one CD. The spine banner beneath the see-through jewel case tells you it's a 'SACD Surround Sound, SACD Stereo and CD Audio' release featuring new DSD and Surround Sound SACD mixes. It will play the 'CD Audio' variant on standard CD players - but if you want the best out of the Disc its better to have SACD playback or Surround or both. My Marantz CD Player has the SACD option – and man of man – do these digital babies shine compared to their 1995 Gus Dudgeon predecessors. There are SACD variants of 1971's "Madman Across The Water", 1973's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and 1975's "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" also. Let's get to the Honky Cat...

US released November 2004 (December 2004 in the UK) – "Honky Chateau" by ELTON JOHN on Universal/Rocket B0003609-36 (Barcode 602498240304) is a 'HYBRID SACD Surround Sound, SACD Stereo and CD Audio' Single Disc Reissue of the original 10-track 1972 album plus one bonus 'Alternate Version' and plays out as follows (48:34 minutes):

1. Honky Cat

2. Mellow

3. I Think I’m Going To Kill Myself

4. Susie (Dramas)

5. Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time)

6. Salvation [Side 2]

7. Slave

8. Amy

9. Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters

10. Hercules

Tracks 1 to 10 are his 5th album "Honky Chateau" – released May 1972 in the UK on DJM Records DJLPH 423 and in the USA on Uni Records 93135. All tracks were written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin – Ken Scott was the Engineer and Gus Dudgeon Produced. It hit the No. 1 spot in the USA on the LP charts and No. 2 in the UK.

BONUS TRACK:

11. Slave (Alternate Version)

First appeared as a bonus track on the 1995 Rocket CD Remaster.

The 12-page booklet features the same layout as the Gus Dudgeon 1995 remaster in that it reproduces the inner gatefold of the original vinyl album (has the SACD logo in the bottom left corner). The JOHN TOBLER liner notes from 1995 are there also as are the colour pages with lyrics and musician credits. The only addition is a SACD HYBRID acknowledgement page that advises about the team of 4 who handled this version. GREG PENNY produced, mixed and mastered the Surround Sound version – RICKY GRAHAM did the Digital Transfers at Sphere Studios in London, GUS SKINAS did the DSD Editing at Super Audio Center, Boulder, Colorado while TONY COUSINS re-mastering the Original Stereo Mixes at Metropolis Mastering in London. You get a rounded-corner jewel case with a visible 'SACD Surround Soul, SACD Stereo, CD Audio' side banner to differentiate it from previous issues. I have to say that the audio on the 1995 CD always felt weedy to me – but I’m taken aback at how good these 2004 versions are – clarity, warmth and truly gorgeous audio throughout the entire SACD Remaster. I suspect fans who’ve grown up with this album for over four decades will be shocked when they hear LP nuggets like "Mellow" or the piano funk of "Susie (Dramas)" on this Hybrid Disc.

It opens with the wonderfully chipper "Honky Cat" – a Number 8 hit in August 1972 in the States (Uni 55343). I've had the 1995 variant and the Greatest Hits version to try to get the best Audio – but this 2004 baby trounces all that went before. The transfers of "Mellow" gives more muscle to Dee Murray's Bass and Nigel Olsson’s Drums (Jean Luc-Ponty plays his Electric Violin) while Elton's Piano on "I Think I'm Going To Kill Myself" and those great Harmony Vocals between him and Dee Murray get to shine too (Larry "Legs" Smith the drummer with the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band provided 'tap dancing' instead of his usual skill with the sticks). But if I was to nail down one track that exemplifies how good the audio is – it would absolutely huge punch that now comes off "Susie (Dramas)". As the piano pumps – you can now hear Davey Johnstone's Electric Guitar fills – and when that off-kilter solo hits the speakers – your cones will be rattling. We then get a truly gorgeous transfer of the classic "Rocket Man" which was the natural single choice (it made No. 2 in the in April 1972 on DJM DJX 501 and No. 8 in the USA in May 1972 on Uni 55328). Everything here is improved – those Acoustic strums from Davey Johnstone – the A.R.P. Synth played by David Henschel. You kind of wish they used this in Ridley Scott's film "The Martian" instead of Abba's hokey "Waterloo" in that prepping for departure from Mars scene.

The accumulated Harmony Vocals on "Salvation" are fantastically clear (Madeline Bell, Lisa Strike, Larry Steel and Tony Hazzard guest) as the song sails into your living room on a sea of voices and piano. The biting ‘bullwhip in his hand’ song "Slave" was the US B-side to “Honky Cat” and I’d forgotten how good (and indeed) funky "Amy" is – Jean Luc-Ponty’s wild violin strokes and Elton’s accentuated Vocals to the fore – both abled assisted by Ray Cooper’s rumbling Congas in the background. You also 'feel' the sweet playing of Dee Murray on Bass throughout the highlight that is "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" – Davey Johnstone’s Mandolin and Acoustic suddenly crystal clear too (“...I thank the lord for the people I have found...”). It ends on five and a half minutes of "Hercules" piano boogie – nicely done even if that ‘distant’ Elton vocal still irritates and takes some power away from the song’s impact. The single Bonus Track is the ‘ridiculously fast’ Alternate Take of “Slave” that both Taupin and John felt wasn’t right – one of the few outtakes to have ever surfaced from the Chateau Sessions. It comes on like a barroom barrelhouse tune and I can see why they slowed it down – but you have to say that it makes for a fascinating listen (and its in tip-top audio too)...

The album is dominated and probably best remembered for the monster hit "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)" - but on re-hearing it in 2016 – I'm struck again by the songwriting/melody classiness of Elton John's "Honky Chateau". In seemed that 1971 to 1975 produced the best in Rock.

I've just finished reviewing 1971's "Madman Across The Water" on this format and all the same 'wow factors' apply. To sum up - this stunning 'Hybrid SACD' Reissue of Reggie's "Honky Chateau" leaves me awash with admiration...and isn't that the best recommendation of all...

This review is part of my SOUNDS GOOD Music Book Series. One of those titles is CLASSIC 1970s ROCK - an E-Book with over 250 entries and 2100 e-Pages - purchase on Amazon and search any artist or song (click the link below). Huge amounts of info taken directly from the discs (no cut and paste crap). 

"Madman Across The Water" by ELTON JOHN (2004 Universal /Rocket 'Hybrid SACD, Surround and CD Audio' Single-Disc Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Tiny Dancer..."

I always thought it odd that after the truly stunning 'Deluxe Editions' afforded Elton John's 2nd and 3rd albums "Elton John" and "Tumbleweed Connection" - Universal didn't follow up with more of the same for his revered and much-loved 4th and 5th LPs – "Madman Across The Water" (1971) and "Honky Chateau" (1972). But in a kind of a way – they did – it just seems that no one has noticed.

Instead of two-disc DE's for "Madman Across The Water" and "Honky Chateau" - we got single-disc 'SACD HYBRID' releases (there are SACD variants of 1973's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and 1975's "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" also). The single-disc 'Hybrid SACD/Surround Sound/CD Audio' reissues both feature new DSD and Surround Sound SACD mixes and both will play on standard CD players. But if you want the best out of the Disc - better to have SACD playback or Surround or both. My Marantz has the SACD option – and man of man – do these digital babies shine compared to their 1995 Gus Dudgeon predecessors. Let's get to the Blue Jean Babies...

US released November 2004 (December 2004 in the UK) – "Madman Across The Water" by ELTON JOHN on Universal/Rocket B0003610-36 (Barcode 602498240298) is a 'HYBRID SACD Surround Sound, SACD Stereo and CD Audio' Single Disc Reissue. It's a straightforward transfer of the original 9-track 1971 album and plays out as follows (45:33 minutes):

1. Tiny Dancer

2. Levon

3. Razor Face

4. Madman Across The Water

5. Indian Sunset [Side 2]

6. Holiday Inn

7. Rotten Peaches

8. All The Nasties

9. Goodbye

Tracks 1 to 9 are his 4th album "Madman Across The Water" – released November 1971 in the UK on DJM Records DJLPH 420 and in the USA on Uni Records 93120

The 20-page booklet features the same layout as the Gus Dudgeon 1995 remaster in that it reproduces the booklet attached to the inner gatefold of the original vinyl album (has the SACD logo in the bottom left corner). The JOHN TOBLER liner notes from 1995 are there also as are the colour pages with lyrics and musician credits. The only addition is a SACD HYBRID acknowledgement page that advises about the team of 4 who handled this version. GREG PENNY produced, mixed and mastered the Surround Sound version – RICKY GRAHAM did the Digital Transfers at Sphere Studios in London, GUS SKINAS did the DSD Editing at Super Audio Center, Boulder, Colorado while TONY COUSINS re-mastering the Original Stereo Mixes at Metropolis Mastering in London. You get a rounded-corner jewel case with a visible 'SACD Surround Soul, SACD Stereo, CD Audio' side banner to differentiate it from previous issues. I have to say that the audio on the 1995 CD always felt weedy to me – but I’m taken aback at how good these 2004 versions are – clarity, warmth and truly gorgeous audio throughout the entire SACD Remaster. I know this album so well that it stills comes as something of a shock every time I play "Tiny Dancer" or "Madman Across The Water" on this Hybrid Disc.

It opens with a classic – the wonderfully evocative "Tiny Dancer". I've had the 1995 variant and the Greatest Hits version to try to get the best Audio – but this 2004 baby trounces all that went before. Beautiful is the only word to describe it. The transfers of "Levon" gives more muscle to Barry Morgan's Drums and Brian Odger's Bass while Rick Wakeman plays Organ on "Razor Face" and that fantastic Accordion playing from Jack Emblow gets to shine too. But if I was to nail down one track that exemplifies how good the audio is – it would the Side 1 finisher and album title song – "Madman Across The Water". When Chris Spedding's Electric Guitar comes at the opening - it has a real punch and presence – as do the stunning Paul Buckmaster orchestrated strings. And as Davey Johnstone's Acoustic guitar re-surfaces – it's so clear (Diana Lewis and Rick Wakeman contribute Synth and Organ respectively on the track too).

The Mandolin and Guitars of "Indian Sunset" are fantastically clear and that Ecclesia Choir (conducted by Robert Kirby) sails into your room too. You forget how good "Holiday Inn" is with backing vocals from Leslie Duncan, Sue & Sunny, Barry St. John and Roger Cook (to name but a few). Chris Spedding provides Slide Guitar for "Rotten Peaches", Rick Wakeman of Yes plays Organ and that huge ensemble of Backing Vocalists kicks in again. You also 'feel' the sweet playing of Herbie Flowers on Bass (I hate to say he's a lovely bottom end but in the interests of art I will). The echoed vocal intro to "All The Nasties" suddenly feels huge too as does the Ecclesia Choir. It ends on the short but moving "Goodbye" – just Elton, his Piano and some tasteful string orchestration (the remaster is properly gorgeous)...

The obvious let down (if you could call it that) is that this 2004 Hybrid doesn’t improve on track numbers over the 1995 standard CD – you still only get the basic 9-track album with no bonus cuts. That aside – this is the version to own.

Ace filmmaker Cameron Crowe famously used "Tiny Dancer" on the Tour Bus Scene of his 70ts Music flick "Almost Famous" to amazing effect – and I can remember the chills returning to my arms as the "...seamstress for the band..." played and each person on the bus knew why they were there - their love for the music. This stunning 2004 'Hybrid SACD' Reissue leaves me feeling the same...

This review is part of my SOUNDS GOOD Music Book Series. One of those titles is CLASSIC 1970s ROCK - an E-Book with over 250 entries and 2100 e-Pages - purchase on Amazon and search any artist or song (click the link below). Huge amounts of info taken directly from the discs (no cut and paste crap).