Elton John – Caribou
 
This 1974 Scandinavian pressing of Caribou was released on DJM Records with catalogue number DJLPH 439. The album comes with its original printed inner sleeve featuring lyrics, credits and photographs of Elton John.
 
Recorded at the legendary Caribou Ranch in Colorado and produced by Gus Dudgeon, Caribou captures Elton John and Bernie Taupin during one of the most successful and creatively confident periods of their partnership. Following the enormous success of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, the album combines energetic rock, expressive piano ballads and richly arranged pop with a direct, spontaneous studio sound.
 
The album opens with the powerful The Bitch Is Back, driven by Elton John’s commanding vocal performance and the unmistakable brass arrangements of the Tower of Power Horn Section. Another major highlight is Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, one of Elton John’s most enduring ballads, featuring an impressive backing-vocal arrangement with Carl Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Billy Hinsche and Toni Tennille.
 
Other standout tracks include the melodic Pinky, the playful Dixie Lily, the atmospheric I’ve Seen the Saucers and the dramatic closing song Ticking. Throughout the album, Elton John’s piano and vocals are supported by his classic band: Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums and Ray Cooper on percussion.
 
Additional backing vocals from Dusty Springfield and Clydie King, together with the prominent horn arrangements and David Hentschel’s synthesizer work, give the album a varied and colourful sound. Caribou moves confidently between hard-edged rock, sophisticated pop and introspective storytelling, making it an essential release from Elton John’s classic 1970s period.
 
Record details
 
Artist: Elton John
Title: Caribou
Label: DJM Records
Catalogue number: DJLPH 439
Format: Vinyl LP, Album
Country: Scandinavia
Released: 1974
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
Includes: Original printed inner sleeve with lyrics, credits and photographs
Recorded at: Caribou Ranch
Remixed at: Trident Studios
Producer: Gus Dudgeon
Songwriting: Elton John and Bernie Taupin
 
Every record at Mr. Hansen Records is professionally cleaned, conservatively graded according to the Goldmine Standard and securely packed with collector-grade care.