Uncle G’s FUN Classic Rock CD Collection: Elton John – Made In England CD Single (2012)

Date Published: 20 April 2012 – Classic Rock Radio (UK)

Uncle G’s FUN Classic Rock CD Collection
Topic: Elton John – Made In England (CD Single – 1995)

By Gary “Uncle G” Brown
GaryBrown@garyunclegbrownarchives.com

I purchased this CD single because of the bonus tracks. Not that ‘Made In England’ wasn’t a good song. It was kind of catchy. Nice upbeat tune that included original Elton John Band member Davey Johnstone.

It wasn’t the fifth and last bonus track on this CD single either. That would be a remix of the song; Believe. The original version also being on the ‘Made In England’ album/ compact disc. Being a rocker, I can’t say I’m into the remix scene. I have heard some songs given the treatment over the years, that were pretty good. I always figured remixes as another way to promote new music. Drum up additional interest. Generally, this isn’t typically what I’m into. I’d rather stick to the original tune, and let the younger generations with their new and improved versions emitting their additional twists and turns, dry hump to it in the dance clubs. Easier for the most part to pretend it doesn’t exist. Again, I understand the marketing aspects of it.

The MAIN reason why this particular CD single became a part of my CD single collection, is due to tracks, two thru four. The coolest bonus material ever. John Lennon’s appearance with the Elton John Band at Madison Square Garden, on November 28, 1974. A three-song set:

1. Whatever Gets You Through The Night — The lead single from Lennon’s ’74 studio release; Wall And Bridges. The number one hit single and the main reason why John Lennon was again live on stage, to begin with. An agreement with Elton that if it became a number-one song, that he would appear with him in concert. The story goes Lennon became grossly ill right before walking out on stage. You can’t tell by his performance, whatsoever. He does ever so briefly make mention. You have to listen to it. A rousing version of the song was performed.
2. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds — I seriously dug this Elton John cover. His band was so tight. Sounded simply outstanding in the live setting. Knowing Lennon was a part of it, makes the live rendition, extra special. On a side note, this Beatles song was a HUGE hit for Sir Elton and his band of superb musicians. Other Elton John covers became hits as well; Pinball Wizard – Philadelphia Freedom. In this time period, Elton John was the KING of the musical airwaves. The song ‘Bennie And The Jets’ played every fifteen minutes on many radio stations, both on the AM and FM side of the dial. The album Yellow Brick Road in which one would the hit tune ‘Bennie And The Jets’, was a huge commercial success. Over the decades it has exceeded sales of over 30 million worldwide.
3. I Saw Her Standing There — can you imagine being at this concert? Here’s John Lennon with Elton and his band doing a timeless Beatles classic. It makes sounds of pure fun, coming out of the speakers. The Elton John Band again being spot on with their performance.

Poof — over before you know it.

I had LOTS of cool concert moments at Madison Square Garden back in my youth. This event with John Lennon/Elton John would have topped them all. I was a bit too young in ’74. My first concert experience being the band Yes, touring Relayer wasn’t until the summer of ’75. A band called Ace, touring their debut album ‘Five-A-Side’, warmed up for them. Still, wish I was just a bit older. Seeing Elton would have been a given, especially seeing how much I was into the Yellow Brick Road album.

While on the subject of John Lennon. New York City had back in the 1970s the coolest of radio stations; WNEW 102.7 FM. An example of extreme coolness would be their playing in its entirety, all of Emerson, Lake, & Palmer’s; Pictures At An Exhibition. The Beatle’s John Lennon played assistant DJ on September 28, 1974. Early promotion for his Walls And Bridges album, which just came out two days earlier. Very entertaining, he spun records, answered questions, and helped out with the station’s activities; the weather report, and what time it was. There are ‘recordings’ floating around of this. A cool catch if you can find it. By the way, it was THAT night, that John Lennon kept his word and appeared at MSG with Elton. As we just said, doing the three-song set, starting with the duo’s hot single off Lennon’s newest solo album.

And that’s why this particular Elton John CD Single is in my collection.

End of Article

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