Episodes
Tuesday Jan 08, 2019
Episode 25 - Rare Masters Vol. 2 (Part 1)
Tuesday Jan 08, 2019
Tuesday Jan 08, 2019
The Elton John Podcast with the unwieldy name goes where the record company dare not go - Rare Masters Vol. 2. We all loved the first volume when it came out, and many of us have been going grey waiting for the next instalment. It didn't look like it was going to happen, so I've just gone ahead and done it. All of the non-album A and B-sides recorded between 1976 and 1990 have been collected and collated, and three wonderful CDs are the result. Unfortunately it's not actually available - the best I can do to provide this is this YouTube playlist that I've compiled. This episode discusses CD1 and CD2, which takes us up to the end of 1983. The next episode will be about CD3 and also about the unreleased material that might find its way onto such a collection. All of the material has been thoroughly researched, in an attempt to determine what was recorded when, and in some cases who played on what. This is basic information, something that should be a matter of public record, but there are no reliable sources out there. This lack of information, alongside the the fact that we can't even buy the music, represents an insult to Elton and his collaborators, and to the fans that want to hear it. I have compiled a document to accompany the episode. Send me an email, let me know how well I've done, and where I've gone wrong - there are bound to be mistakes. I intend to update the YouTube playlist with improved sources, including my own in those instances where none of the transfers currently on YouTube are up to scratch. Please feel free to upload your own transfers - the more the merrier! |
Wednesday Oct 31, 2018
Episode 23 - Bernie's Auction - What We've Learned
Wednesday Oct 31, 2018
Wednesday Oct 31, 2018
In this episode, I attempt to play (and sing in one case) the three ‘new’ songs from 1967 that have come to light via Bernie’s upcoming auction. I also go through the working lyrics that Bernie is selling in New York on the 9th of November, and talk about what they tell us about Bernie’s process. You can currently download the pdf featuring the lyric sheets here (click on the download arrow at the bottom of the page). |
Saturday Sep 15, 2018
Episode 20 - Elton's Buried Treasure vol. 2
Saturday Sep 15, 2018
Saturday Sep 15, 2018
In this episode the cake is unbaked, and every ingredient of the Elton John recipe is celebrated. Complex drum and percussion sounds are unpicked, backing vocals are highlighted, lead vocals are isolated, and previously buried piano tracks are brought to the surface. A few techniques are used. As well as the out of phase stereo technique, (used extensively in episode 1), I make use of isolated channels from the 5.1 surround sound remixes, as well as multitracks of some songs, breaking them down and building them back up, track by track. |
Monday Jul 30, 2018
Episode 18 - Elton's Anonymous Cover Versions - ft. Dana Gillespie
Monday Jul 30, 2018
Monday Jul 30, 2018
In his formative years as a session musician, in fact even after the recording of his third album, Elton earned some extra cash recording cover versions of the hits of the day, anonymously, for budget record labels. These long player albums retailed at around the same price as a regular single, and they would be rushed out to share the shelves with their 'legitimate' counterparts. Until the record labels worked out that they could make money by making compilations out of the actual recordings, these records sold in their millions. For years, these records sat at the back of people's collections, and in piles in charity shops, before Elton's fans started going through them. More than 50 recordings featuring his voice have since been identified, and many more remain to be discovered. In these sessions, Elton sang and played keyboard along with many now-familiar names, including David Byron, who went on to front Uriah Heap, and Dana Gillespie. Dana's biography is long and impressive, taking in connections with Jimmy Page, Donovan, Dylan, Bowie and Lionel Bart. She was also the original Mary Magdalene in the Jesus Christ Superstar stage show, and a four-time British Junior Waterski champion. Dana very kindly agreed to be interviewed for this episode, and her recollections are here, bringing the story of these sessions to life. Featured in the episode are recordings that did not find their way onto the collections that came out under titles such as 'Reg Dwight's Piano Goes Pop' in the nineties. I've tried to find less commonly-heard recordings, and in the process I have uncovered a couple of recordings that are new to YouTube (and uploaded them to my channel). I am indebted to the work of all the Elton John fans who have researched this material. The hall of fame must include David Bodoh, whose 'Eltonography' website hosts a wonderful list of the tracks that Elton is throught to have contributed to. Thanks also go to the gentleman who compiles the tobekompleated discography. His discography features images and track-listings of many of the records that collectors might want to investigate. Anyone with an interest in these records would also enjoy the following web pages that are devoted to them - hitcovers, copycatcovers, and topofthepops. Here are the other links that I make reference to in the episode: The remainder of the interview with Dana - about her incredible career. A recording of Dana tackling 'That Same Old Feeling', a beautiful song, a top 10 hit for Pickettywitch in January 1970. David Byron's take on 'Let's Work Together' by Canned Heat. Elton taking secondary vocals on 'Wand'rin' Star' by Lee Marvin. The full playlist of tracks on '28 International Top Songs'. Here's a blog post about this record. |
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
Episode 15 - Ego at 40
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
24 months passed between the recording sessions for Crazy Water, and those for Elton's next (major) single, the angry, jagged Ego. From the sound of the record, Elton hadn't been able to find much solace in the interim. Ego twists with the energy of a tantrum. It's dark and humourous, petulant and self-mocking, all at once. Backed with Flintstone Boy, a lightly subversive slice of queer country music, this single was Elton's state of the nation address for Spring 1978, and a real artistic statement. Unfortunately for Elton, punk had come, the new wave was in the ascendancy, and younger record buyers were not looking in his direction. For their part, Elton's own fanbase were alienated by the lack of a singable hook in the song. Released 40 years ago today, Ego stalled at number 34 on both sides of the Atlantic. This episode is a celebration of this vital single release. Part biography, part musical analysis, the episode looks at 1977/1978 Elton, and these two songs, from every conceivable angle. The episode takes some of its shape from the excellent Elton John biography 'Captain Fantastic' by David DeCouto. The two centre extractions that I talk over can be heard in full on my new YouTube channel. |
Sunday Feb 25, 2018
Episode 12 - Bernie's Early Themes - '67-'69
Sunday Feb 25, 2018
Sunday Feb 25, 2018
A thematic analysis of Bernie's early work, with a particular focus on his songs about incarceration and exile. One very special rarity is included. |
Saturday Feb 10, 2018
Episode 10 - The One - 25 And A Half Years On
Saturday Feb 10, 2018
Saturday Feb 10, 2018
Elton came back from rehab stronger than ever at the end of 1991. Here, in review, is the album that he brought back from the brink with him. The context, the music, the lyrics, the instrumentation - it's all given the analysis it deserves in this episode |
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Monday Dec 11, 2017
Episode 8 - Dee Murray Love-In
Monday Dec 11, 2017
Monday Dec 11, 2017
Dee Murray was a truly innovative force in the Elton John band. In this episode I look at what made him special, from the jigsaw puzzle of ideas that Dee and Elton threw around in the 3-piece band; taking in the almost-soul of Philadelphia Freedom; and beyond, into the 1980s. A biographical, loving, and detailed look at the work of the man that made the music we love even lovlier. And all of this without mentioning his incredible backing vocals once (ooops). Homemade bass transcriptions from YouTube are used throughout to highlight the parts – thank you so much to:
Enormous thanks also to Brian for the interview. |
Thursday Oct 26, 2017
Episode 1 - Elton's Buried Treasure
Thursday Oct 26, 2017
Thursday Oct 26, 2017
Welcome to the 'I Guess That's Why They Call It The Elton John Podcast' podcast. Yes it is a rather unweildy title. In the first episode, Neil (your able host) takes some classic songs, and turns them upside down, until the vocals and bass fall out, and then invites you to listen to what's underneath. Hear the songs afresh from a whole new angle. There's also a general introduction to the series at the beginning of the episode. More episode are coming on a regular basis, there are so many great topics to discover together!
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