Elton John's Caribou

Elton John's Caribou is the eighth studio album by Elton John, released in 1974, featuring hit singles like Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me and The Bitch Is Back. The album was recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado, a studio owned by James William Guercio, and was produced by Gus Dudgeon, who had previously worked with Elton John on albums like Honky Château and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The album features a mix of Rock music and Pop music styles, with Elton John on Piano and Vocals, and a range of guest musicians, including Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Background

The album was recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado, a studio owned by James William Guercio, who had previously worked with Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears. The studio was located in the Rocky Mountains, and the remote location allowed Elton John and his band to focus on recording without distractions. The album was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, who had been collaborating on music since the late 1960s, and had previously written hits like Your Song and Crocodile Rock. The album features a range of guest musicians, including Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson, who were all members of Elton John's touring band, as well as Lenny Pickett, Tower of Power, and Chester Thompson, who added Horns and Keyboards to the album.

Recording

The album was recorded in January and February 1974, with Gus Dudgeon producing and Clive Franks engineering. The album was recorded using a range of equipment, including a Steinway Piano and a Gibson Les Paul Guitar. The album features a mix of Rock music and Pop music styles, with Elton John on Piano and Vocals, and a range of guest musicians adding Guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. The album was recorded quickly, with most tracks being recorded in a single take, and the album was mixed and mastered at Trident Studios in London. The album features a range of influences, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Leon Russell, and was praised by critics for its energy and creativity.

Release

The album was released on June 28, 1974, and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The album was released on DJM Records in the United Kingdom and on MCA Records in the United States, and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. The album was also released in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and Germany, and was a hit in many of these countries, reaching the top of the charts in Canada and Australia. The album has been re-released several times, including a Remastered version in 1995, and a Deluxe edition in 2014, which featured bonus tracks and a range of Memorabilia.

Reception

The album received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its energy and creativity. The album was praised by critics like Robert Christgau and Rolling Stone, who noted its mix of Rock music and Pop music styles, and its range of influences, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The album was also praised by fans, who noted its catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, and the album has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. The album has been included on several lists of the greatest albums of all time, including lists by Rolling Stone and NME, and has been praised by artists like Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen.

Tracklisting

The album features the following tracks: 1. Grimsby 2. Porch Swing in Tupelo 3. Bitter Fingers 4. Tell Me When the Whistle Blows 5. Solar Prestige a Gammon 6. I've Seen That Movie Too 7. Empty Sky 8. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me 9. The Bitch Is Back 10. Ticking 11. Pinball Wizard (live, not included on all editions) 12. Cold Highway (live, not included on all editions).

Personnel

The album features the following personnel: * Elton John: Piano, Vocals * Davey Johnstone: Guitar, Vocals * Dee Murray: Bass guitar, Vocals * Nigel Olsson: Drums, Vocals * Lenny Pickett: Saxophone * Tower of Power: Horns * Chester Thompson: Keyboards * Gus Dudgeon: Producer * Clive Franks: Engineer * Bernie Taupin: Lyrics * James William Guercio: Caribou Ranch owner. Category:Elton John albums