Elton John – Rock of the Westies
Rock of the Westies is a European DJM Records pressing of Elton John’s 1975 album, released with catalogue numbers DJH 20464 / DJLPH 464. This edition was made in Holland and includes the lyric sheet and inner sleeve with photos.
Recorded at Caribou Ranch and produced by Gus Dudgeon, Rock of the Westies captures Elton John in a tougher, more guitar-driven mood than many of his earlier 1970s albums. Coming immediately after the deeply autobiographical Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, this record shifts the energy toward rock, funk, rhythm and a rawer band sound.
The album features a powerful group of musicians around Elton John, including Davey Johnstone and Caleb Quaye on guitars, Kenny Passarelli on bass, Roger Pope on drums, James Newton Howard on keyboards and Ray Cooper on percussion. Together, they create a lively and muscular studio sound, full of sharp guitars, rhythmic drive and colourful arrangements.
Highlights include the opening medley Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly, the playful Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future), the hit single Island Girl, the funky Grow Some Funk of Your Own and the dramatic ballad I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford). The second side continues with the energetic Street Kids, Hard Luck Story, Feed Me and Billy Bones and the White Bird.
Rock of the Westies is an essential album for collectors interested in Elton John’s mid-1970s period. It shows a different side of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin — less polished balladry, more band energy, and a confident move into a harder pop-rock direction.
This DJM European pressing is especially recommended for fans of Elton John’s classic 1970s catalogue, collectors of original-era DJM releases and listeners who enjoy piano-led rock with strong guitars, rhythm and character.
Record details
Artist: Elton John
Title: Rock of the Westies
Label: DJM Records
Catalogue number: DJH 20464 / DJLPH 464
Format: Vinyl LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1975
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
Made in: Holland
Recorded at: Caribou Ranch
Remixed at: Trident Studios
Producer: Gus Dudgeon
Includes: Lyric sheet and inner sleeve with photos
Every record at Mr. Hansen Records is professionally cleaned, conservatively graded according to the Goldmine Standard and securely packed with collector-grade care.
Rock of the Westies is available from the Mr. Hansen Records collection with NM vinyl and a VG+ sleeve.