Elton John Album Reviews: Restoration (2018)

[@jimquinn5316]

A really good and interesting Country artists versions of the Elton John songbook . It's definitely well worth listening to have a different experience of these classic songs.

[@eltonmusicfan]

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[@dirksdiamonds]

Here's a list idea for you that might be nice to think through - Top 10/20/30 bio songs. Obviously there are a bunch of songs about Elton and Bernie, I consider things like Weight of the World, and This Train among them, some of which maybe less obvious than others, you may have to risk an interpretation or two, in addition to the obvious Captain Fantastic Album songs, but I wonder if it's worth thinking about the other bio songs, inc Candle in the Wind, Ballad of Blind Tom, and so on, songs about either Elton's life, or the lives of others and rating them. Might be a nice list to think through. He's written about Elvis (Porch Swing), Monroe (Candle in the Wind), The Elder Utah Smith (I got 2 wings)... I think there's quite a few. Anyway, just an idea for you. Perhaps that can be two separate lists, bios about Elton, and bios about others, or just one big one.

[@eltonmusicfan]

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[@davywavy2141]

Thanks John, I'm not a fan of cover versions per se and particularly Eltons songs. However, on your recommendation I did listen to "My Fathers Gun" and enjoyed it.

[@eltonmusicfan]

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[@Scooterboi60]

Hi John, I see what you’re doing here. You’re warming yourself up doing these covers reviews to tackle Elton John vs Pnau Good Morning to the Night aren’t you? Seriously though, I, like some others who have commented here, am not sure of the point of doing these two albums or even Two Rooms; Celebrating the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin because they are just covers. And they don’t really bring anything better to the table even though some of them are presented in different genres than the original songs. But then you could go to the Kennedy Center Honors night and review Heather’s take on “Your Song” which is an amazing vocal arrangement but that, too, would be superfluous. I like the covers even on the 40th GBYBR release but none of them is better than what’s been done originally. I honestly don’t believe any one who has covered a John/Taupin song has done it better than the original and that goes for Aretha Franklin’s version of “Border Song” as well. She did it as good as but not better than the original. Rod Stewart’s “Country Comfort” was not worth the listen. Kate Bush didn’t better “Rocket Man” but it’s the best new take on a John/Taupin song ever. Elton is only one of a very few who has bettered an original song with a cover and that was “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” which was #1 around the world, and I think “Pinball Wizard” outshines the original. John Farnham is the only other person who comes to mind with his take in the Beatles’ “Help”. I’m sorry for this rant. I just had to get that out. I’m kinda like with DirkDiamond here. Belinda Carlisle did as good with “Madman” and Al Jarreau’s take on “Your Song” was admirable but they were both similar in approach as Bruce Hornsby’s rendition of “Madman”.

[@bethnorden462]

Take a listen to Sara Bareilles on GBYBR - it's really good. Maybe not as good as Elton's version, but really close.

[@Scooterboi60]

@@bethnorden462 oh yeah, Thanks. I forgot her. Amazing interpretation. And then after Elton praised her he got to sing “Gravity” with her.

[@eltonmusicfan]

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[@bethnorden462]

Curious to see how you rate "Revamp". I (and most critics) feel "Restoration" is the more successful album. Better songs, better versions, etc. Bernie had more a say in the creation of "Restoration" while Elton had more control over "Revamp". Agree that some of the standouts on this album are "Honky Cat", "My Father's Gun", "This Train..." and "Border Song".

[@eltonmusicfan]

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[@dirksdiamonds]

I've never given these covers much time at all. I don't think I've listened to a single one in it's entirety. I very strongly disliked the Two Rooms cover album, which made me pre-judge these releases. I also swerved away from the 8 or so covers included on the 40th anniversary of Goodbye Yellow Brick road. This kind of thing just doesn't float my boat at all! Does it really deserve a place on the album rankings list? I know he wrote and recorded all of these songs originally, but come on, what goes on there next, "Sing Elton John Karaoke" (bad covers minus the vocals)? I don't suppose you'd count the 8 covers on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 40th anniversary, within that albums score, so why include this at all in the album list. It doesn't come up on streaming services for Elton as a solo artist.

[@eltonmusicfan]

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