Elton John

[privateuniverse]

Another tune from the box has just been released. This one is from 1968:



I guess this one has been circulated over the years on bootlegs, but it was new to me. It's fun, I like it.

 

[marpow]

The high quality SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process ...SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head.
https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/feature/shmcd_allabout

Thanks Sal, for posting that.
This box set is a good example of cost vs reward.
I love SHM CD's, if I could afford it I would buy all my music in SHM CD when there is only a choice of RBCD or SHM CD like this box set. I have listened to many SHM CD's and I like them all.
When I purchase a SHM CD 16/44.1 I am also getting the meticulous Japanese packaging, mini LP, etc.
They have a more rounded tone, smoother for lack of a better word.
But, as I started cost vs reward. This box RBCD $84.00 too expensive, this box SHM CD $160.00 forget it, not even an option.
The collector in me, I like box sets, is immediately tempted to purchase of course, but I am sure that HDTracks will have a version of this in some 24 bit / ? that I will get a taste of it. I have the Diamonds box set, which is highly enjoyable.
And as others have said this year is starting to be very expensive.

 

[Sal1950]

This box RBCD $84.00 too expensive, this box SHM CD $160.00 forget it, not even an option.

OUCH

 

[privateuniverse]

Another track just released. A demo recorded in late 1967. The full version would appear the following year on the b-side of his first single.

 

[humprof]

Posted recently at Audiophile Review:
https://audiophilereview.com/audiophile-music/elton-johns-jewel-box-part-i-the-b-sides/
https://audiophilereview.com/audiophile-music/elton-johns-jewel-box-part-ii-deep-cuts-and-more/

 

[privateuniverse]

From Elton's Facebook page:

Regimental Sgt. Zippo, the Elton John debut album that never was, is available for the first time on Record Store Day, June 12.

Recorded at Dick James Studios in Central London between late 1967 and Spring 1968, Regimental Sgt. Zippo was all set to introduce Elton John to the world before it was ultimately shelved. The world would have to wait a little longer for Elton’s debut, coming in the form of 1969's Empty Sky, and Zippo would be lost in the archives. Until now.

Six of the 12 songs were featured on last year’s Jewel Box, but the remaining tracks are here in their finished versions for the first time ever.

 

[jaybird100]

Too bad it's not quad.

 

[atrocity]

Too bad it's not quad.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's not even stereo.

Speaking of which, allegedly there was a mono version of "Empty Sky" that was obviously a dedicated mix. I'd sure like to hear that some day.

 

[privateuniverse]

I wouldn't be surprised if it's not even stereo.

The hype sticker says it's "beautiful swinging mono."

 

[fredblue]

I wouldn't be surprised if it's not even stereo.

Speaking of which, allegedly there was a mono version of "Empty Sky" that was obviously a dedicated mix. I'd sure like to hear that some day.

+1 on hearing the Mono "Empty Sky"!

 

[atrocity]

The hype sticker says it's "beautiful swinging mono."

Right in front of my face and I missed it!

 

[atrocity]

+1 on hearing the Mono "Empty Sky"!

It's discussed here: Elton John - Empty Sky - mono vinyl LP

 

[fredblue]

It's discussed here: Elton John - Empty Sky - mono vinyl LP

yes i've been following that thread 5+ years, still no needledrop (even just a sample would be nice) forthcoming..

 

[privateuniverse]

So this just popped up on Elton's official YouTube channel. A recording of Elton opening for the Kinks in San Francisco, November 1970. This is five days before the recording of the legendary live album 11/17/70. This has made the rounds on the bootleg circuit for years, but interesting to see it being officially released.

 

[privateuniverse]

...and more:

 

[par4ken]

The high quality SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process ...SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head.
https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/feature/shmcd_allabout

Too bad all the SHM-CDs that I have are brickwalled . Or am I thinking about those Blu-spec CDs? While you can't complain about the discs being easier to read, if your disc spinner is having any trouble with standard CD's then it's time for a new spinner! Best to rip everything to the hard drive anyway!

 

[SyrinxTemple]

Too bad all the SHM-CDs that I have are brickwalled . Or am I thinking about those Blu-spec CDs? While you can't complain about the discs being easier to read, if your disc spinner is having any trouble with standard CD's then it's time for a new spinner! Best to rip everything to the hard drive anyway!

It is my recollection that the SHM-CDs are flat transfers.

 

[par4ken]

It is my recollection that the SHM-CDs are flat transfers.

I did a quick search of my collection and Elton John 17-11-70 and Empty Sky among a few others turned up. Those two CDs are compressed for sure.

On the other hand Rod Stewart "Every Picture Tells A Story" SACD sounds fine, it's a DSD flat transfer.

 

[Michael Marshall]

I did a quick search of my collection and Elton John 17-11-70 and Empty Sky among a few others turned up. Those two CDs are compressed for sure.

On the other hand Rod Stewart "Every Picture Tells A Story" SACD sounds fine, it's a DSD flat transfer.

I have the Japanese MQA-HD CD release of "Every Picture..." and it DOES indeed sound fantastic!

 

[SyrinxTemple]

I did a quick search of my collection and Elton John 17-11-70 and Empty Sky among a few others turned up. Those two CDs are compressed for sure.

On the other hand Rod Stewart "Every Picture Tells A Story" SACD sounds fine, it's a DSD flat transfer.

Thanks for the info. I could have sworn there were a series of EJ releases in Japan that were flat transfers, but cannot remember which series it was. I thought it was those, obviously not. If I think of it, I'll follow-up.