One of the more interesting pieces to be released in June for Record Store Day is Elton John's fabled 1968 release, "Regimental Sgt. Zippo," an album that has been referred to as his own "Sgt. Pepper" but was ultimately shelved. The recent multi-disc set "Jewel Box" features a number of those tracks, but mostly as piano demos. This upcoming release is threatening to include all of the full band versions.
The tracks that have been floating around for some time are promising, in a late 60's British, psychedelic way, though the "Pepper" comparisons may be a stretch.
I'm thinking "Sgt. Zippo" might be a good thing.
14 comments:
Fascinating stuff! It's interesting how he kinda listed around for a bit, seeking a final direction.
I'm a big EJ fan (Captain Fantastic is in my top 10 all time albums), but I had a negative reaction when I heard about this. I have no idea why, but I have no interest in this at all. Weird, because I like EJ and I like Sgt Pepper, but this has zero appeal to me. Will let you know if I figure this out.
@Troy
I'd love to know what you figure out. Seems like an odd reaction, if you don't mind me saying so. It's authentic. Sounds pretty good, even if a far cry from what appeared on "Empty Sky" and "Elton John."
@Sal, I know it is an odd reaction and I don’t exactly know why I feel this way about it. I guess it sort of feels like someone has released a prologue to a book I’ve already read hundreds of times.
I’ve listened to Elton’s music so much for so many years that it’s like wearing a favorite old sweatshirt on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Largely comfortable and predictable, but also very fulfilling. And, for me, that doesn’t include late 60's British psychedelic music with wordless “aaahhhhhh” vocals. It doesn’t quite fit together, at least in my head…sort of like if someone discovered an unreleased psychedelic Bruce Springsteen album. Square peg, meet round hole.
I realize there is nothing wrong with checking it out and giving it a chance. Maybe I will. You said it is authentic and I believe that. And I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I can be a bit narrow minded about what music I like and what I listen to. But this is my reaction to it, and I’m just being honest here.
@Troy,
I guess I can understand (a little) now that you've explained it.
Maybe I'm more of a fan of psychedelia than you are. So this Elton thing, and even an early unreleased trippy Bruce record is appealing to me.
Thanks for the comments.
@Sal, I'm sure you are more of a psychedelia fan than I am 🙂. Thanks for letting me share.
@Troy,
One last thing--so have you no interest at all in "Jewel Box?" I mean, there is a treasure trove of pre-"Empty Sky" rarities, much of which has little resemblance to the post "Your Song" hitmaker.
I think this sounds interesting. The evolution of Elton in the early days was at hyper speed. I like to hear where it started. Doesn't sound forced to me, just not the direction he wound up going in, although I am interested to hear if there are bits and pieces that got recycled later on. Like Springsteen and Steel Mill.
Who is the lyricist? Is this before he met Bernie?
According to the notes in the "Jewel Box" set, all Elton/Bernie compositions.
@Sal, Jewel Box has never even hit my radar. Somehow I completely missed it.
The only thing I know about it is what I just read in your post. I'll have to check it out.
I like many of Elton John's songs and I guess I consider myself a fan but if I had to list my Top 25 musicians of the 60s and 70s he would probably not make that list. Having said that however I am a BIG fan of 60s British Psych-Pop and I totally love the three songs you've posted here.
I just hope that when it is released, it also comes out in lossless digital form (either download or CD) and not just some overpriced colored vinyl LP only format.
@YankeeBoy,
Because this is a Record Store Day release, it is unlikely to be released as a stand alone CD. But I have seen many RSD pieces turn up digitally, so who knows?
@Sal - that was precisely my thought as well. Which means I will probably shell out for it.
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