Honky Chateau [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com essential recording
By 1972, Elton John was already a rising star in America, although most casual listeners still identified him as part of the singer/songwriter explosion, thanks to the success of "Your Song" and "Levon." Honky Château changed all that, beginning with the success of "Honky Cat," a rousing New Orleans-ish R&B powerhouse that kicks off this terrific collection of songs. This was the album that first revealed John as a pure-pop craftsman, and he's all over the musical map on this set, moving from country-ish rock to blues-based rockers. But the best things here still might be two gorgeous ballads: "Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters" (displaying the young vocalist at his best) and the hit single "Rocket Man" (which had many rock fans debating which was the better space odyssey of the day--this or Bowie's). And lyricist Bernie Taupin was revealing a new, slightly darker side here via tunes like "I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself." --Bill Holdship

Honky Chateau,Elton John,Island,Album Rock,England,Piano,Pop,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Rock,Rock & Roll,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter,Soft Rock

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Honky Chateau [Original recording remastered]

Average customer rating: The Honky Cat breaks from the pack Elton Goes Pop. one of the best elton john- honky chateau Classic EEJ!

Honky Chateau Elton John Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Madman Across the Water Tumbleweed Connection Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ASIN: B000001EGE Release Date: 1996-05-14

Tracks:

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
11. Slave (Alternate Version)

Amazon.com essential recording

By 1972, Elton John was already a rising star in America, although most casual listeners still identified him as part of the singer/songwriter explosion, thanks to the success of "Your Song" and "Levon." Honky Château changed all that, beginning with the success of "Honky Cat," a rousing New Orleans-ish R&B powerhouse that kicks off this terrific collection of songs. This was the album that first revealed John as a pure-pop craftsman, and he's all over the musical map on this set, moving from country-ish rock to blues-based rockers. But the best things here still might be two gorgeous ballads: "Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters" (displaying the young vocalist at his best) and the hit single "Rocket Man" (which had many rock fans debating which was the better space odyssey of the day--this or Bowie's). And lyricist Bernie Taupin was revealing a new, slightly darker side here via tunes like "I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself." --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

The Honky Cat breaks from the pack.......2007-06-12

The first three Elton John albums found many pegging him as a singer/songwriter, and the more straightforward songs among "Elton John," "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Madman Across the Water" were certainly easy to construe as such. But then came "Honky Chateau," where Elton's tentative steps into more rock territory found traction. Many of the trademarks of those early albums are still here (the naked emotionalism, the fascination with America's rural south), but he was also discovering the edge - like Jon Luc Ponty's violin solo on "Amy" -that concert goers had been buzzed with.

The first single, "Honky Cat," was the harbinger. Set more to a New Orleans piano roll than any previous song, it was poppier than any of his other singles. "Rocket Man" immediately raised the bar. Riding the same trail David Bowie and Major Tom did, "Rocket Man" followed a space oddity of an astronaut with job satisfaction issues; "It's just my job, five days a week." These two hits pushed Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin off and away from their past labels and moved then onto a fast lane towards rock stardom. Throughout the other songs on the album, Elton's strength for melodies was in full bloom and his confidence was growing, while Bernie's words were as oblique as ever (which was one of his strongest suites).

That motion was also significantly aided by the codification of Elton's band. Stalwarts Nigel Olsson, Dee Murray and Davey Johnston sounded terrific here, recording as Elton's backing for the first time. They matched Elton's flair, making songs like "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself" spark. Gus Dudgeon obviously understood what Elton was aiming for and kept his production to a more minimal level than on the other albums. The result was the first Elton John album to reflect the personality that would come to dominate the public image of his showmanship. It also became the first of Elton's seven consecutive #1 albums.

Elton Goes Pop........2007-04-24

I have the greatest admiration and affection for Elton John. He has tackled and conquered most styles of music with great success. HONKY CHATEAU is his fifth album, released in May 1972. I hope to review all his seventies albums and this is the first I drew "out of the hat".

After his two previous albums which were artistic, but not commercial triumphs, Elton went for the larger audience with HONKY CHATEAU and created a more pop orientated album, without sacrficing his artistic ideals. He started to shake off the obsession with the American Wild West and sang about more modern subjects. Americana is atill in evidence especially on HONKY CAT, SLAVE, MONA LISAS AND MAD HATTEERS and ROCKET MAN but it is more varied. Nothing wrong with that as I was getting tired of hearing about people labelled as "guns" in his previous albums. The seeds of what can be described as Elton's band, Nigel Olsson, Davey Johnstone and Dee Murray originated here and they were the core of musicians during Elton's golden period in the early and mid 70's. Even Ray Cooper plays on some tracks.

The cover is one of the most misleading I have seen. Who is that bearded, serious guy? Surely a better cover could have been deivsed. Anyway to the album itself. I would like to give it 4.5 stars but am not allowed by the rating system. Song titles are followed by the song time.

It kicks off with HONKY CAT (5.13). I haven't heard Elton having this much fun since he sang THE CAGE on his self-titled album which was three albums previous. This is a great song with great Taupin lyrics. Definitely one of my favourites.

Next is MELLOW (5.32). This one I can skip although most reviewrs consider it a highlight. I like the verse but not the chorus and it goes on too long. On of my peeves with artists is songs that go on longer than they should. This is one of them. Too many chorus repeats.

Song 3 is I THINK I"M GOING TO KILL MYSELF (3.34). This is very light-hearted and not to be taken seriously. Just listen to the arrangement! Honky-tonk piano, tap dancing and spoons. Sounds like a big spoof.

SUSIE (DRAMAS) (3.24). Another favourite and it is the first gutsy song on the album. The Dramas part escapes me and is not necessary. BLACK-EYED SUSIE would have been a better song title.

Then comes ROCKET MAN (4.41). One of Elton's biggest hits. Great tune, great vocal, great arrangement but some of the lyrics are lazy especially in Verses 3 and 4. "Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids. In fact it's cold as hell" are two wonderful lines but what follows "and there's no-one there to raise them if you did" doesn't make much sense". The next verse about "it's just my job five days a week, a rocket man" etc is also a letdown.

The next two songs: SALVATION (3.58) and SLAVE (4.20) are the two most dismissed songs by other reviewers. SALVATION is quit a nice song with a gospel feel to it but I think SLAVE is a highlight. It has a very laid back whimsical feel to it although the lyrics are on the angry side and it is rare on an Elton song that the keyboards take a back seat. Great acoustic guitar, country guitar and banjo all played by Davey Johnstone!

AMY (4.03) is probably the weirdest song on the album and one of Elton's most unique songs in that there is no tune!. You cannot sing or whistle it but that is why I like it. Very odd lyrics but I love the line "Amy you're the girl that wrecks my dreams". Aslo listen to the bizarre electric violin played by Jean-Luc Ponty!

MONA LISAS AND MAD HATTERS (5.00) gets the most praise and it does hit the nail on the head about New York City. My only problem is that it cries out for a third verse and not an amalgamation of Verses 1 + 2. I feel the song is over half-way through and it has nothing to say for the last two minutes. Sorry for going against the grain of thinking. But it is my one main gripe about Elton John in that some songs could be shorter. TINY DANCER, MY FATHER"S GUN, BENNIE AND THE JETS and SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT are other examples.

Last song is HERCULES (5.20) which is a lot of fun and ends the album on a fun singalong note! Obscure lyrics again from Bernie. I can just about glean from the words that it is about a girl in love with a muscle boy but the words incorporate much more that I cannot fathom.

There is also a bonus track, a fast rocking version of SLAVE(2.51) which is worth listening to but the album version is much better.

one of the best.......2007-03-15

Like most other reviewers have said this is a great album.
Although Rocket Man and Honky Cat were big singles, I actually prefer some of the album tracks. Mellow is a great gospel influenced track. Hercules is cracking rock 'n' roll song. Its a very happy album, and there isn't really a poor track on it.
For me probably only beaten by Tumbleweed and Yellow Brick Road. Its probably also a good buy for anyone new to Elton's music as well, as there isn't the darkness of some of the earlier albums (which are very good as well but more of an aquired taste), or the sometimes overly MOR later albums.

elton john- honky chateau.......2007-01-19

got this one because of mona lisas and the madhatter. great song. what can you say elton does it agian.

Classic EEJ!.......2007-01-12

Being a diehard Eltonite since '71, of CORSE I LOVE this LP (ok, CD)...
We begin with Honky Cat ("WHOO"!). Next: we "mellow" out with "Mellow".
1 of my all time faves is " I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself!" as :1, it's a campy tongue in cheek number, & 2: at the time, I was in High School.
Enuff said! "Suzie (Dramas)" is next followed by my all time epic fave:
Rocket Man!!! Side 2 starts with "Salvation". Then "Slave"& rock out to
"Amy". Calming down with "Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters" & we conclude with (a cat named) "Hercules!" (EJ's middle name, as it were!) BOOGIE ON!!!

Average customer rating: SACD 5.1 is awesome Elton Finds His Sound in Hybrid SACD Elton John's Classic 1972 album sounds better in SACD format Very fine album Super Chateau

Honky Chateau Elton John Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Madman Across The Water Tumbleweed Connection Elton John Captain Fantastic Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ASIN: B00064X3EU Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

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
11. Slave [Demo]

Customer Reviews:

SACD 5.1 is awesome.......2007-06-02

If you know Elton John's music (and who doesn't), then you know this albumn, or at least the hits. And, you know that the songs contained on this album are great. What you might not know is the 5.1 surround arrangement done on this SACD. It is fantastic. Everyone needs to run out and get an SACD compatible player (preferably one which also plays DVD-A's as well) and then get this or any of the other Elton John's SACD's. They are all wonderfully produced, and really open up these songs to another level entirely. You will be amazed.

Elton Finds His Sound in Hybrid SACD.......2006-11-14

Honky Chateau was the first album to contain an identifiable "sound" for Elton John. Elton's previous albums meandered from country rock to gospel to symphonic to hard rock to pop; it was hard to tell just what type of music Elton was trying to sing. However, with Honky Chateau Elton defined the style that was to be his and which I think is still his style today, evolved with time and skill. Another of Elton's albums that went to number 1 on the album charts, this one was filled with gems that set a new personal standard for Elton, and gave rock music that would one day be classics.

"Honky Cat" was infused with a bit of jazz and had a fast beat, and has some thematic similarity to "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Similar to the latter song, "Honky Cat" charted as a single, and began to establish Elton as a pop star.

"Rocket Man" is a pop ballad that is one of Elton's most requested songs, both in concert and on the radio. This song is certainly one of the most memorable space songs, along with "Space Oddity" by David Bowie. The nearly humorous lyrics ("...Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids...") belie the very serious nature of the song.

"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" is another mellow pop song, with beautiful harmonies. This song is often underappreciated by critics though Elton performed it very well.

There is a lot of quality in the other songs. "I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself" is ironic in that the song is about death, but the music maintains a fast tempo and sounds upbeat. When I listen to this song I tend to ignore that the song is about suicide because the music just sounds so positive.

"Mellow" has moments of musical interest as the music breaks from the expected path and explores side paths. Elton John tries to inject progressive elements into his music?

"Hercules" has been a sort of theme song for Elton himself. During a 1975 concert in Denver, Elton's band played Hercules for a very lengthy period of time as Elton walked around the stage and shook hands with as many fans as he could reach. He has called himself Elton Hercules John from time to time. This is a rocking song that he seems to want to use as a personal identifier.

"Salvation" has the potential to be a gospel song, but it really doesn't sound very gospel. "All the Nasties" from "Madman Across the Water" has a much stronger gospel sound, which was less strong than the previous "Border Song." Elton has used gospel elements in a few songs, but as he progressed in his career the gospel elements became weaker and weaker. On his next album, "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player" gospel sound was essentially non-existent.

Every song on this CD is at least good, and range up to great. The only song I had trouble with on this version was the hyper version of "Slave" added as a bonus track. I guess after getting accustomed to the released version the hyper version sounds like the original speeded up, a lot.

"Honky Chateau" is classic Elton. This album was slightly commercial, but much less commercial than his following albums. He had just found a sound that was all his. He was maturing as a singer and song writer. With this album it was evident to even the most cynical critic that Elton was a force to be reckoned with in the music world. Even given Elton's growing track record, no one could have predicted the power house that he was yet to be.

The SACD hybrid versions of older music usually offer advantages over the original release. The sound of such releases is typically cleaned up and better balanced. However, there are inevitably differences from the original release, and such is the case with this CD. Fans, particularly those with audiophile level equipment, may disagree with the changes made in the SACD version. I typically prefer the SACD releases, but in this case I am not sure the SACD version is really worth the cost. If you do not have a copy of the original version, the SACD version will be a wonderful addition to your collection. If you do have the original version, then the SACD version may be an unnecessary expense for you.

Enjoy!

Elton John's Classic 1972 album sounds better in SACD format.......2006-10-28

"Honky Chateau" is yet another essential Elton John album whose sound quality has been enhanced via the 5.1 mix SACD format used by long-time Elton John associate Greg Penny - who co-produced the album "Made in England" with Elton - working directly from the digital masters compiled by the late Gus Dudgeon, this album's original producer. In the new SACD format, Penny has truly produced a genuine "wall of sound" with each of the instruments heard distinctly, though - and I think correctly - the balance is emphasized for Elton and his piano. From a historical perspective, "Honky Chateau" is memorable for four reasons. First, it gave Elton his first major hit with the song "Rocket Man". Second, this is the album in which the original lineup of the Elton John Band was established finally, with drummer Nigel Olsson and bassist Dee Murray joined by guitarist Davey Johnstone, and, on "Amy", percussionist Ray Cooper. It's also the first Elton John album that doesn't have orchestral arrangements composed by Paul Buckmaster. Finally it would be the first of several Elton John albums to be recorded at Strawberry Studios, located in a medieval chateau outside Paris, of which the most memorable was of course "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road".

I regard "Honky Chateau" as a brilliant classic Elton John album merely because it was his - and Bernie Taupin's - most refined exploration of country and folk-influenced rock and roll music in the early 1970s; a trend that had started with their earlier album "Tumbleweed Connection". Both the melodies and lyrics sound as vividly fresh as when I had heard them originally back in the early to mid 1970s; the songs are some of Elton's most carefully crafted melodies wedded to some of Bernie's best lyrics during this early stage in Elton John's career, covering gospel and blues influences in addition to the aforementioned ties to country and folk music.

"Honky Cat" is a rollicking bluesy bluegrass/country rock and roll song which still remains among the more popular hits in Elton John's oeuvre, at least amongst his devout fans such as yours truly. "Mellow" is a splendid country ballad about a young woman wooed and loved by Elton, accompanied by spirited violin playing by legendary French jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty (I suppose that if Elton had recorded "Honky Chateau" today, he might have opted for a more acoustic sound, relying on such magnificient musicians as the great Irish-American Celtic violinist Eileen Ivers, the notable bluegrass/country folk violinist Jay Ungar, or the relatively unknown, but still quite brilliant, bluegrass/country violinist Dotty Moore, an old friend of mine and a fellow Brunonian too; however, I think that Jean-Luc Ponty's spirited, fiery playing on "Mellow" and "Amy" is most appropriate with the slightly hard-edged folk rock melodies of both songs.). "I Think I'm Going To Kill Myself" is another classic Elton John folk rock ballad devoted to teenage angst, with a memorable lyric about a suicidal teenager's wish to have Bridget Bardot visiting him every night, featuring a tap dance solo by Larry "Legs" Smith. "Susie (Dramas)" is another funky folk rock song with some memorable guitar solos from Davey Johnstone. "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)" is the John/Taupin songwriting team's memorable ballad devoted to space travel and middle age loneliness; it was truly the first of the many great hits which Elton John had in the early to mid 1970s, featuring some splendid synthesizer solos from David Hentschel and superb melodic drumming from Nigel Olsson.

"Salvation" is one of my personal favorites on this album; it is a bluegrass-flavored religious ode featuring memorable background vocals from Nigel, Davey and Dee, featuring Elton at the piano and Dee and Davey playing their string instruments. "Slave" is a bluegrass-tinged folk rock ballad about a black slave in the pre-Civil War South seeking deliverance from his harsh treatment by his white masters, which is replete with elegant banjo playing by Davey Johnstone. "Amy" is the album's tune that is closest to hard rock and roll, sounding reminiscent of some early Rolling Stones, with yet again a memorable electric violin solo from Jean-Luc Ponty, and with Ray Cooper making his first appearance with the Elton John Band playing congas. "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" is a bluegrass/country ballad in praise of dirty, grimy New York City, featuring great mandolin playing from Davey Johnstone (Many may recognize it from the soundtrack of Cameron Crowe's film "Almost Famous", which also includes "Tiny Dancer" from the "Madman Across the Water" album.). "Hercules" is a rollicking folk rock and roll tune from Elton John and Bernie Taupin that includes a memorable rhino whistle solo from producer Gus Dudgeon. "Slave (Alternate Version)", which is the bonus track not on the original album, is a hard rocking honky tonk version of the song at a faster beat with Nigel Olsson drumming vigorously; clearly both Elton John and Gus Dudgeon were quite wise to use instead the much slower, almost laconic, bluegrass/country folk version of "Slave" in the original album.

Very fine album.......2006-03-09

I bought this SACD when it came out and have listened to it repeatedly. It is one of the most beautiful sounding SACDs I have. The 5.1 mix is very entertaining with the instruments coming to life all around the room. Highly recommended.

Super Chateau.......2005-08-31

Own the original LP. Technology has come a long way. It was a great album back then. Still is. Sounds incredible in SA.

Average customer rating: The Honky Cat breaks from the pack Elton Goes Pop. one of the best elton john- honky chateau Classic EEJ!

Honky Chateau Elton John Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Madman Across the Water Tumbleweed Connection Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ASIN: B000000IRM Release Date: 1990-08-03

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com essential recording

By 1972, Elton John was already a rising star in America, although most casual listeners still identified him as part of the singer/songwriter explosion, thanks to the success of "Your Song" and "Levon." Honky Château changed all that, beginning with the success of "Honky Cat," a rousing New Orleans-ish R&B powerhouse that kicks off this terrific collection of songs. This was the album that first revealed John as a pure-pop craftsman, and he's all over the musical map on this set, moving from country-ish rock to blues-based rockers. But the best things here still might be two gorgeous ballads: "Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters" (displaying the young vocalist at his best) and the hit single "Rocket Man" (which had many rock fans debating which was the better space odyssey of the day--this or Bowie's). And lyricist Bernie Taupin was revealing a new, slightly darker side here via tunes like "I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself." --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

The Honky Cat breaks from the pack.......2007-06-12

The first three Elton John albums found many pegging him as a singer/songwriter, and the more straightforward songs among "Elton John," "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Madman Across the Water" were certainly easy to construe as such. But then came "Honky Chateau," where Elton's tentative steps into more rock territory found traction. Many of the trademarks of those early albums are still here (the naked emotionalism, the fascination with America's rural south), but he was also discovering the edge - like Jon Luc Ponty's violin solo on "Amy" -that concert goers had been buzzed with.

The first single, "Honky Cat," was the harbinger. Set more to a New Orleans piano roll than any previous song, it was poppier than any of his other singles. "Rocket Man" immediately raised the bar. Riding the same trail David Bowie and Major Tom did, "Rocket Man" followed a space oddity of an astronaut with job satisfaction issues; "It's just my job, five days a week." These two hits pushed Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin off and away from their past labels and moved then onto a fast lane towards rock stardom. Throughout the other songs on the album, Elton's strength for melodies was in full bloom and his confidence was growing, while Bernie's words were as oblique as ever (which was one of his strongest suites).

That motion was also significantly aided by the codification of Elton's band. Stalwarts Nigel Olsson, Dee Murray and Davey Johnston sounded terrific here, recording as Elton's backing for the first time. They matched Elton's flair, making songs like "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself" spark. Gus Dudgeon obviously understood what Elton was aiming for and kept his production to a more minimal level than on the other albums. The result was the first Elton John album to reflect the personality that would come to dominate the public image of his showmanship. It also became the first of Elton's seven consecutive #1 albums.

Elton Goes Pop........2007-04-24

I have the greatest admiration and affection for Elton John. He has tackled and conquered most styles of music with great success. HONKY CHATEAU is his fifth album, released in May 1972. I hope to review all his seventies albums and this is the first I drew "out of the hat".

After his two previous albums which were artistic, but not commercial triumphs, Elton went for the larger audience with HONKY CHATEAU and created a more pop orientated album, without sacrficing his artistic ideals. He started to shake off the obsession with the American Wild West and sang about more modern subjects. Americana is atill in evidence especially on HONKY CAT, SLAVE, MONA LISAS AND MAD HATTEERS and ROCKET MAN but it is more varied. Nothing wrong with that as I was getting tired of hearing about people labelled as "guns" in his previous albums. The seeds of what can be described as Elton's band, Nigel Olsson, Davey Johnstone and Dee Murray originated here and they were the core of musicians during Elton's golden period in the early and mid 70's. Even Ray Cooper plays on some tracks.

The cover is one of the most misleading I have seen. Who is that bearded, serious guy? Surely a better cover could have been deivsed. Anyway to the album itself. I would like to give it 4.5 stars but am not allowed by the rating system. Song titles are followed by the song time.

It kicks off with HONKY CAT (5.13). I haven't heard Elton having this much fun since he sang THE CAGE on his self-titled album which was three albums previous. This is a great song with great Taupin lyrics. Definitely one of my favourites.

Next is MELLOW (5.32). This one I can skip although most reviewrs consider it a highlight. I like the verse but not the chorus and it goes on too long. On of my peeves with artists is songs that go on longer than they should. This is one of them. Too many chorus repeats.

Song 3 is I THINK I"M GOING TO KILL MYSELF (3.34). This is very light-hearted and not to be taken seriously. Just listen to the arrangement! Honky-tonk piano, tap dancing and spoons. Sounds like a big spoof.

SUSIE (DRAMAS) (3.24). Another favourite and it is the first gutsy song on the album. The Dramas part escapes me and is not necessary. BLACK-EYED SUSIE would have been a better song title.

Then comes ROCKET MAN (4.41). One of Elton's biggest hits. Great tune, great vocal, great arrangement but some of the lyrics are lazy especially in Verses 3 and 4. "Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids. In fact it's cold as hell" are two wonderful lines but what follows "and there's no-one there to raise them if you did" doesn't make much sense". The next verse about "it's just my job five days a week, a rocket man" etc is also a letdown.

The next two songs: SALVATION (3.58) and SLAVE (4.20) are the two most dismissed songs by other reviewers. SALVATION is quit a nice song with a gospel feel to it but I think SLAVE is a highlight. It has a very laid back whimsical feel to it although the lyrics are on the angry side and it is rare on an Elton song that the keyboards take a back seat. Great acoustic guitar, country guitar and banjo all played by Davey Johnstone!

AMY (4.03) is probably the weirdest song on the album and one of Elton's most unique songs in that there is no tune!. You cannot sing or whistle it but that is why I like it. Very odd lyrics but I love the line "Amy you're the girl that wrecks my dreams". Aslo listen to the bizarre electric violin played by Jean-Luc Ponty!

MONA LISAS AND MAD HATTERS (5.00) gets the most praise and it does hit the nail on the head about New York City. My only problem is that it cries out for a third verse and not an amalgamation of Verses 1 + 2. I feel the song is over half-way through and it has nothing to say for the last two minutes. Sorry for going against the grain of thinking. But it is my one main gripe about Elton John in that some songs could be shorter. TINY DANCER, MY FATHER"S GUN, BENNIE AND THE JETS and SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT are other examples.

Last song is HERCULES (5.20) which is a lot of fun and ends the album on a fun singalong note! Obscure lyrics again from Bernie. I can just about glean from the words that it is about a girl in love with a muscle boy but the words incorporate much more that I cannot fathom.

There is also a bonus track, a fast rocking version of SLAVE(2.51) which is worth listening to but the album version is much better.

one of the best.......2007-03-15

Like most other reviewers have said this is a great album.
Although Rocket Man and Honky Cat were big singles, I actually prefer some of the album tracks. Mellow is a great gospel influenced track. Hercules is cracking rock 'n' roll song. Its a very happy album, and there isn't really a poor track on it.
For me probably only beaten by Tumbleweed and Yellow Brick Road. Its probably also a good buy for anyone new to Elton's music as well, as there isn't the darkness of some of the earlier albums (which are very good as well but more of an aquired taste), or the sometimes overly MOR later albums.

elton john- honky chateau.......2007-01-19

got this one because of mona lisas and the madhatter. great song. what can you say elton does it agian.

Classic EEJ!.......2007-01-12

Being a diehard Eltonite since '71, of CORSE I LOVE this LP (ok, CD)...
We begin with Honky Cat ("WHOO"!). Next: we "mellow" out with "Mellow".
1 of my all time faves is " I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself!" as :1, it's a campy tongue in cheek number, & 2: at the time, I was in High School.
Enuff said! "Suzie (Dramas)" is next followed by my all time epic fave:
Rocket Man!!! Side 2 starts with "Salvation". Then "Slave"& rock out to
"Amy". Calming down with "Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters" & we conclude with (a cat named) "Hercules!" (EJ's middle name, as it were!) BOOGIE ON!!!

Average customer rating:

Honky Chateau Elton John Manufacturer: Universal/Polygram ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Elton John Madman Across the Water Tumbleweed Connection Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Aqualung ASIN: B00005NS1B Release Date: 2007-06-25

Tracks:

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
11. Slave [Alternate Take][*]

Album Description

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. Universal. 2006.

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

Honky Chateau Elton John ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000MTNZCO

Average customer rating:

Walk in the Sun Honky Tonk Chateau Manufacturer: Slewfoot ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000A4GDA Release Date: 2003-07-08

Tracks:

1. Dreaming About A Place
2. Twenty-Six Miles
3. Fate
4. Let You Go
5. In My Head
6. Hit You Too Hard
7. Long Holidays
8. Chalk It Up
9. Distraction
10. Walk In The Sun
11. Goodbye

Average customer rating: Sheri Hurst - Matt Netzer: Up and Coming...AWESOME

The Honky Tonk Chateau ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005UJTG Release Date: 2001-11-27

Tracks:

1. If It Were So
2. Everything is Blue
3. Running Through My Veins
4. Don't Walk Away
5. Stranger In Love
6. Guilty
7. Distraction

Album Description

Lilting pop, garage rock and back-roads Americana -- all fit under the roof of the Honky Tonk Chateau. The Springfield, Missouri quartet delivers a little bit of everything on their debut EP.

Customer Reviews:

Sheri Hurst - Matt Netzer: Up and Coming...AWESOME.......2003-07-22

I came across the voice of Sheri Hurst when I watched a LifeTime Movie called "Winding Roads". This singer and the band she is currently affiliated with (Honky Tonk Chateau)are fabulous! I thoroughly enjoy their style which is uniquely refreshing. Sheri's voice sends shivers down my spine! Next on my agenda is to locate the soundtrack for Winding Roads which she totally dominates. EXCELLENT MUSIC!!!

Average customer rating: Elton Finds His Sound

Honky Chateau Elton John Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Rock of the Westies Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy ASIN: B00000E5KB Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

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
11. Slave [Alternate Take][*]

Customer Reviews:

Elton Finds His Sound.......2005-05-05

Honky Chateau was the first album to finally contain an identifiable "sound" for Elton John. Elton's previous albums meandered from country rock to gospel to symphonic to hard rock to pop; it was hard to tell just what type of music Elton was trying to sing. However, with Honky Chateau Elton defined a style that was to be his, and which I think is still his style today, evolved with time and skill.

Another of Elton's albums that went to number 1 on the album charts, this one is filled with gems that set a new personal standard for Elton, and gave the world rock music that would one day be classics.

"Honky Cat" was infused with a bit of jazz and had a fast beat, and has some thematic similarity to "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". Similar to the latter song "Honky Cat" charted as a single, and helped to establish Elton as a pop star.

"Rocket Man" is a pop ballad that is one of Elton's most requested songs, both in concert and on the radio. Certainly one of the most memorable space songs, along with "Space Oddity" by David Bowie. The nearly humorous lyrics ("...Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids...") belie the very serious nature of the song.

"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" is another mellow pop song, with beautiful harmonies. Underappreciated though very well performed.

There is a lot of quality in the other songs. "I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself" is ironic in that the song is about death, but the music maintains a fast tempo and sounds upbeat. When I listen to this song I tend to ignore that the song is about suicide because the music sounds so positive.

"Mellow" has moments of musical interest as the music breaks from the expected musical path and explores stylistic variations. Was Elton John trying to inject progressive elements into his music?

"Hercules" has been a sort of theme song for Elton himself. During a 1975 concert in Denver Elton's band played Hercules for a very lengthy period of time as Elton walked around the stage and shook hands with as many fans as he could reach. He calls himself Elton Hercules John. This song is a rocker that he seems to want to use to identify himself.

"Salvation" has the potential to be a gospel song, but it really doesn't sound very gospel. "All the Nasties" from "Madman Across the Water" has a much stronger gospel sound, which was less strong than the previous "Border Song." Elton has used gospel elements in a few songs, but as he progressed in his career the gospel elements became weaker and weaker. On his next album, "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player", the gospel element was essentially non-existent.

Every song on this CD is at least good, and range up to great. The only song I had trouble with on this version was the hyper version of "Slave" added as a bonus track. I guess after getting accustomed to the released version the hyper version sounds like the original speeded up, a lot.

"Honky Chateau" is classic Elton. The music is still not commercial. He'd just found a sound that was all his. He was maturing as a singer and song writer. With this album it was evident to even the most cynical critic that Elton was a force to be reckoned with in the music world. However, even given Elton's growing track record, no one could have predicted the power house that he was yet to be.

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