Honky Chateau, Elton John

Artist: Elton John Title: Honky Château Album Type: Fifth Studio Album (Original Vinyl Release) Original Release Date: May 19, 1972 Label: DJM (UK) / UNI (US - Early) / MCA (US - Late) Genre: Rock / Pop Rock / Roots Rock

Background & Production Named after the 18th-century Château d’Hérouville near Paris (dubbed the "Honky Château" by the band), this album marked Elton's ascent to global superstardom. It was the first to feature his core touring band—Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson—as the primary studio unit, replacing the session musicians of his earlier works. Recorded in a prolific one-week burst in January 1972, the album stripped away the heavy orchestral strings of Paul Buckmaster in favor of a leaner, "band-driven" sound. It became the first of Elton's seven consecutive #1 albums on the US Billboard 200.

Musical Composition & Style The record is an eclectic mix of Americana, New Orleans jazz, and psychedelic pop, tied together by Bernie Taupin’s observational lyrics.

• Major Hits: Features the era-defining "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)" and the New Orleans-inspired "Honky Cat."

• Fan Favorites: Includes the gospel-tinged "Salvation," the cynical "I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself," and the soul-searching ballad "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters."

• Sonic Texture: Noted for the debut of the "Johnstone-Murray-Olsson" backing vocal blend, which became a signature of Elton's 70s sound.

• Instrumentation: Features electric violin from Jean-Luc Ponty on "Mellow" and "Amy," and tap dancing by "Legs" Larry Smith on "I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself."

Original Pressing & Collector Notes Honky Château is famous among collectors for its specific physical characteristics and "hidden" vinyl colors.

• The UK "Translucent Red" First Press: Released on DJM Records (DJLPH 423). Most original UK copies were pressed by Tranco on a high-quality vinyl that appears black but reveals a deep translucent red/purple when held up to a strong light source.

• Packaging: Look for the original "Envelope" gatefold sleeve. This features a textured, leather-like finish with a flap that tucks in like a wallet, and a sepia-toned photo of Elton pasted onto the front.

• The "Bobil/Rasputin" Etching: Top-tier UK copies often feature "Bobil" or "Rasputin" in the runout, indicating mastering by Bob Hill and Trevor Wyatt.

• US Pressing (UNI): The initial US release was on the UNI label (93135) with the "rainbow" logo. Later 1970s copies transitioned to the black/rainbow MCA labels.

• 2017/2023 Reissues: The 2017 reissue (remastered by Bob Ludwig) is highly regarded, while the 50th Anniversary (2023) edition includes a second disc of "Session Demos" that provides a fascinating, stripped-back look at the album's creation.

• • Keywords: Elton John, Honky Chateau, Original Pressing, 1972 Vinyl, DJM Records, UNI 93135, Rocket Man, Honky Cat, Translucent Red Vinyl, Envelope Gatefold.

  • Collection Ideas: 70s Rock Staples, The Château d'Hérouville Sessions, Essential Singer-Songwriters, First Pressing Rarities.

  • Related Artists: Billy Joel, Leon Russell, Bernie Taupin, T. Rex, David Bowie.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve