Artist: 
Elton John

Honky Château

2CD
€22,99

Release date: 24 March 2023

Article Number: 501567001

Released in May 1972, Honky Château was the album that made Elton John a superstar, and ushered in a new era for him. Named after the residential studios outside Paris where the album was recorded, Honky Château bought a new level of simplicity and directness to Elton’s music that had previously only been seen in glimpses. Shorn of the complexities and ornate orchestrations of his recent work, Honky Chateau seemed freewheeling and intimate. It was helped by Rocket Man, the record which became another of Elton’s signature songs. These special editions contain the original album, and on both vinyl and CD editions a newly created selection of outtakes from the sessions, produced from the original tapes by Matt Still, which highlight the warmth and humour of the sessions.

On CD only there are eight tracks from the album that were recorded at the Royal Festival Hall in 1972, all receiving their live debut, just a few days back in the UK after recording. Assembled with the customary care by Elton’s catalogue team, the album comes as a gatefold with an eight-page booklet with rare photos, memorabilia and an essay by co-curator and music writer Daryl Easlea, featuring interviews from those who were there. Honky Château has been mastered at Lurssen in California, and the vinyl cut at Abbey Road.

Tracklisting

Disc 1:

1. Honky Cat

2. Mellow

3. I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself

4. Susie (Dramas)

5. Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time)

6. Salvation

7. Slave

8. Amy

9. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters

10. Hercules

HONKY AT THE CHÂTEAU (SESSION DEMOS) PART ONE

11. Salvation (Session Demo)

12. Susie (Dramas) (Session Demo)

13. Rocket Man (It’s Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time) (Session Demo)

14. Mellow (Session Demo)

15. Slave - Alternate "Fast" Version (Session Demo)

Disc 2:

HONKY AT THE CHÂTEAU (SESSION DEMOS) PART TWO

1. Honky Cat (Session Demo)

2. I Think I’m Going To Kill Myself (Session Demo)

3. Hercules (Session Demo)

4. Slave (Session Demo)

LIVE AT THE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, LONDON, FEBRUARY 5TH 1972

5. Susie (Dramas)

6. Salvation

7. Mellow

8. Amy

9. Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters

10. Honky Cat

11. Rocket Man (It’s Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time

12. Hercules

Format Album
Release Date 2023
Speed 33 RPM
Size 12"