{"product_id":"honky-chateau-elton-john","title":"Honky Chateau, Elton John","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Elton John \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"19\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"26\"\u003eHonky Château\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"40\"\u003eAlbum Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Fifth Studio Album (Original Vinyl Release) \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"96\"\u003eOriginal Release Date:\u003c\/b\u003e May 19, 1972 \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"132\"\u003eLabel:\u003c\/b\u003e DJM (UK) \/ UNI (US - Early) \/ MCA (US - Late) \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"185\"\u003eGenre:\u003c\/b\u003e Rock \/ Pop Rock \/ Roots Rock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBackground \u0026amp; Production\u003c\/b\u003e Named after the 18th-century \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"53\"\u003eChâteau d’Hérouville\u003c\/b\u003e 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—\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"234\"\u003eDavey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson\u003c\/b\u003e—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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMusical Composition \u0026amp; Style\u003c\/b\u003e The record is an eclectic mix of Americana, New Orleans jazz, and psychedelic pop, tied together by Bernie Taupin’s observational lyrics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMajor Hits:\u003c\/b\u003e Features the era-defining \"Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)\" and the New Orleans-inspired \"Honky Cat.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFan Favorites:\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSonic Texture:\u003c\/b\u003e Noted for the debut of the \"Johnstone-Murray-Olsson\" backing vocal blend, which became a signature of Elton's 70s sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eInstrumentation:\u003c\/b\u003e Features electric violin from \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"47\"\u003eJean-Luc Ponty\u003c\/b\u003e on \"Mellow\" and \"Amy,\" and tap dancing by \"Legs\" Larry Smith on \"I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOriginal Pressing \u0026amp; Collector Notes\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"36\"\u003eHonky Château\u003c\/i\u003e is famous among collectors for its specific physical characteristics and \"hidden\" vinyl colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe UK \"Translucent Red\" First Press:\u003c\/b\u003e Released on \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"50\"\u003eDJM Records\u003c\/b\u003e (DJLPH 423). Most original UK copies were pressed by Tranco on a high-quality vinyl that appears black but reveals a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"179\"\u003edeep translucent red\/purple\u003c\/b\u003e when held up to a strong light source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePackaging:\u003c\/b\u003e Look for the original \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"33\"\u003e\"Envelope\" gatefold sleeve\u003c\/b\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe \"Bobil\/Rasputin\" Etching:\u003c\/b\u003e Top-tier UK copies often feature \"Bobil\" or \"Rasputin\" in the runout, indicating mastering by Bob Hill and Trevor Wyatt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUS Pressing (UNI):\u003c\/b\u003e The initial US release was on the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"53\"\u003eUNI\u003c\/b\u003e label (93135) with the \"rainbow\" logo. Later 1970s copies transitioned to the black\/rainbow MCA labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e2017\/2023 Reissues:\u003c\/b\u003e The 2017 reissue (remastered by Bob Ludwig) is highly regarded, while the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"94\"\u003e50th Anniversary (2023)\u003c\/b\u003e edition includes a second disc of \"Session Demos\" that provides a fascinating, stripped-back look at the album's creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eKeywords:\u003c\/b\u003e Elton John, Honky Chateau, Original Pressing, 1972 Vinyl, DJM Records, UNI 93135, Rocket Man, Honky Cat, Translucent Red Vinyl, Envelope Gatefold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCollection Ideas:\u003c\/b\u003e 70s Rock Staples, The Château d'Hérouville Sessions, Essential Singer-Songwriters, First Pressing Rarities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRelated Artists:\u003c\/b\u003e Billy Joel, Leon Russell, Bernie Taupin, T. Rex, David Bowie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Elton John","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51353720226109,"sku":"5573","price":70.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/2605\/9325\/files\/Elton_John_-_Honky_Chateau.jpg?v=1770271306","url":"https:\/\/gravestonerecords.com.au\/products\/honky-chateau-elton-john","provider":"Gravestone Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}