Torrent details for "Elton John - Empty Sky-Deluxe Rocket Edition-24bits-48khz [FLAC]DjGHOSTFACE" Log in to bookmark
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Format : FLAC
Format/Info : Free Lossless Audio Codec
Duration : 8 min 28 s
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 1 566 kb/s
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel layout : L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 kHz
Bit depth : 24 bits
Compression mode : Lossless
Stream size : 94.9 MiB (100%)
Writing library : libFLAC 1.2.1 (UTC 2007-09-17)
Album : Empty Sky
Performer : Elton John
Genre : Classic Rock, Art Rock
Recorded date : 1969
RIPPED BY : DjGHOSTFACE
Elton John & Bernie Taupin are probably the longest-lasting songwriting duo in history, beating out Rodgers & Hammerstein or even Gilbert & Sullivan, yet definitely on a level of those legends. It's hard to believe the two have been working together for well over 35 years by now & have seen more hits than a birthday pinata. But while some people think "Your Song" was what started Elton & Bernie on their way, it was just their first major success. Before that, they had released an album that was an ambitious debut, but it was clear greater things were in store for them. That album was 1969's EMPTY SKY.
At the time, Elton & Bernie (I mention both at the same time because while Elton may be the one out front, Bernie's songwriting is just as, if not more, important as Elton's showmanship) were barely out of their teens, so for an album like EMPTY SKY to debut with, you'd think the two had been around for a while. But also because of their youth, it's fair to call the album a little too didactic for its own good & sure enough, they can stretch themselves thin on EMPTY SKY. But when they succeed, it's fantastic.
The title track is one of those times, with a Stones-sounding rock tune that would prove to be Elton's stock in trade during the 1970s when he rocked more than crooned. This being 1969, it has more than a slight psychedelic tinge to it (almost like MAJESTIES-era Stones, only better) with the proverbial backwards guitars & false ending. But instead of coming off as dated, it's actually quite endearing & by far one of Elton's most overlooked songs. "Sails" & "Western Ford Gateway" continue the mostly-straightahead rock sound & are good examples of both Elton's way with crafting a melody & Bernie's still-developing lyrical talent.
On the plus side, "Val-Hala" has the feel of a sea shanty with its infectious chorus that dares anyone not to sing along. "Skyline Pigeon" is deservedly the song on EMPTY SKY that has outlasted its otherwise inauspicious parent album, managing a delicate beauty with Elton trading in his piano for a baroque harpsichord (I haven't heard the piano-based outtake that found its way onto 1973's DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER as a bonus track, but the lowdown is that it is superior to its released version). The main reason for this song's belated acclaim is Elton having performed "Skyline Pigeon" at the funeral of Ryan White, and its modern-day hymnlike structure makes it perfect not just for the memory of White, but of any departed loved one.
The closing medley of "Gulliver/Hay Chewed/Reprise" ends the album in grand style with the first part being an ode to Bernie's childhood dog; the second part is a jazzy instrumental that shows Elton is one heck of a piano player, which is something that would get less attention over time, then recently see a resurgence; the last part recaps all the previous songs from the album & whether or not that was necessary is in the ear of the beholder. After all, this was the late 1960s, what artist wasn't experimenting like this back then?
The remastered version not only offers better sound & clearer production, but it contains bonus tracks that were among the very first songs Elton ever recorded & again, despite their rather lofty ambitions, it's still clear something special was afoot. "Lady Samantha" might be recognizable to some Elton fans, for it was first recorded by Three Dog Night at about the same time EMPTY SKY came out & while this catchy rocker wasn't a hit for them, it nevertheless helped get Elton's name out to the American public. "All Across The Havens" once again has Bernie trying hard to impress with his lyrics, while "It's Me That You Need" is a kind of straightforward love song which Elton & Bernie would almost neglect until around the 1990s when Adult Contemporary radio became their biggest target. "Just Like Strange Rain" also falls into the ballad category, but with lyrics that point towards the heights Bernie would scale in just a few short years.
The 1960s were ending at the time EMPTY SKY came out & the psychedelic sound the album used in abundance was also starting to lose its freshness. That might be a valid reason why EMPTY SKY didn't sell well originally (it wasn't even released in America until 1975, after Elton became a superstar). Yet it's always interesting to see where a legend first began his body of work & EMPTY SKY is certainly worth a listen to see where Elton John was headed, as well as hear some of the things he'd rarely ever do again (except for "Skyline Pigeon", the songs on this album have been forgotten for the most part). Who knew the two young men making this album would soon change pop music forever?
Empty Sky was the first true solo album Elton John recorded after leaving Bluesology;
it also marked the beginning of his long and fruitful collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin.
Empty Sky is quite indicative of the post-Sgt. Pepper's era.
With its ambitious arrangements and lyrics, it's clear that John and Taupin intended the album to be a major statement.
Though it shows some signs of John's R&B roots,
most of the album alternates between vaguely psychedelic rock and Taupin and John's burgeoning pop songcraft,
capped off by a bizarre reprise of brief moments of all of the songs on the record.
There aren't any forgotten gems on Empty Sky, but it does suggest John's potential.
1
Empty Sky
Harmonica – Graham Vickery
8:28
2
Val-Hala
4:12
3
Western Ford Gateway
3:16
4
Hymn 2000
Flute – Don Fay
Whistling – Clive Franks
4:29
5
Lady What's Tomorrow
Drums – Nigel Olsen*
3:10
6
Sails
3:45
7
The Scaffold
3:18
8
Skyline Pigeon
3:37
9
Gulliver/It's Hay Chewed/Reprise
Tenor Saxophone – Don Fay
7:13
Bonus Tracks
10
Lady Samantha
3:02
11
All Across The Havens
2:53
12
It's Me That You Need
4:04
13
Just Like Strange Rain
3:43
Steve Brown: producer
Recorded at The Studios of Dick James Music Limited
Frank Owen: engineer
Clive Franks: tape operator and whistling
Dave Larkham: sleeve design and illustration
Jim Goff: sleeve production and lunch
Liner notes: Tony Brandon, David Symonds, Elton John
Elton John: piano, organ, electric piano, harpsichord
Caleb Quaye: electric and acoustic guitars, conga drums
Tony Murray: bass guitar
Roger Pope: drums, percussion
Don Fay: tenor saxophone, flute
Graham Vickery: harmonica
Nigel Olsson: drums on B1
