Elton John: Unboxing Regimental Sgt Zippo on vinyl

[@MIkeFreiley]

I'm really impressed with how psychedelic and amazing this record is! I think I like it better than the Empty Sky album in all honesty! Great review John 💪🔥

[@cootmaster]

hey john are you ever thinking of reviewing 1977/89 COMPLETE THOM BELL SESSIONS? i really like it for being 6 songs -country love song, mama cant buy you love, 3-way love afair are fantastic added later shine on through on 78 a single man nice and slow country love song wish album was longer

[@derekroberts6654]

I thought they should’ve also released the title track on 45 single with “Cry Willow Cry” as the bside.

[@steveramsey6562]

I know this was a record store day release a few years back, I had to wait a year later for the cd to finally come out, it's an ok album, but I think Empty Sky is a huge leap on this, the same way I think the Elton John album is a huge leap on Empty Sky. Glad to have it even though I bought the Jewel Box collection when it came out. My favorite song is the title cut.

[@eltonmusicfan]

Thanks for this. Yes Empty Sky seems a big leap forward but it is still good to have these early cuts. Not sure I will be playing them that much though.

[@dirksdiamonds]

There are clear differences between the Jewel Box takes and these, in that these are finished off. Reg Zippo is a little different on the album version. I'm sure Watching the Planes go By is the same though, wherever it is. Not sure if Nina's a different take or not. Just to forwarn you - bad start, I can't stand the first three tracks, but thankfully it picks up. I didn't mind the demo's for Tealby Abby, and When the Clocks go Round, or whatever it was, but hated what they turned into. Apparently this album was a "set to go" debut, but was shelved on account of it being like a whole lot of other stuff around then, perhaps a little overly Beatles inspired, that sort of thing. Elton talked a lot about struggling to find his way at that time, it taking some time to nail a distinct sound that was all his. Not sure this would have been such a great start at the time, Empty Sky wasn't all that hot either, and thankfully it all came out fine by the time we got to Elton John, in the end!

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I bought this on CD in July 2022 but I just can’t get into it. The songs just don’t stand out. Bizarre.