Elton John Album: “Live in Australia With the Melbourne Symphony Orch”

Description :

Personnel: Elton John (vocals, keyboards); Davey Johnstone (guitar); Raul D'Olivera, Paul Spong, David Bitelli, Rick Taylor (horns); Fred Mandel (keyboards, synthesizer); David Paton (bass); Charlie Morgan (drums); Jody Linscott (percussion); Shirley Lewis, Alan Carvel, Gordon Neville (background vocals). Recorded live in Sydney, Australia on December 14, 1986. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Elton John spent much of the '80s in a whirlwind of personal upheaval and his musical unevenness included working with lyricists besides Bernie Taupin (an unthinkable notion during their run at the top of the charts during the '70s). EJ went for a fresh start by auctioning off all the costumes and props that he'd become renowned for during his over-the-top live shows. Right before doing this, the flamboyant entertainer revisited the past one more time by recreating his greatest hits live using orchestral accompaniment. The resulting LIVE IN AUSTRALIA found the John donning a powdered wig and 17th century garb to lead this ensemble, along with members of his regular touring band. Older material such as "Burn Down The Mission," "Madman Across The Water" and "Take Me To The Pilot" is particularly breathtaking as presented in all its symphonic splendor while more obscure numbers such as "Have Mercy On The Criminal" and "The Greatest Discovery" remain odd yet interesting choices. The oddest result of this album's release was that "Candle In The Wind" unexpectedly became a hit 14 years after its original release. A slightly rewritten version dedicated to the late Princess Diana repeated this trick a decade later. -IMPORT In England, this has so far only been released as a limited, numbered (5,000) edition, in a 12 X 12 box with deluxe booklet and other goodies.

I am a huge Elton John fan. Just saw his Captian and the Kid tour in February. Fantastic! Best 2 1/2 hour show I have ever seen. Just as good as the Fleetwood Mac 2003 Say You Will tour. Anyway, let's all just keep hoping and praying that Universal / Chronicles Music group will put out a Deluxe 2-disc set of Elton John's Live In Australia album, the complete show, including the 90 minute opening set of Elton's band without the Melbourne Symphony (check out the video of the show).

This quote "Remastered" version is no more than a re-issue by Island Records. It has no more output or better sound than my original Live In Australia issued by BMG back in 1986. Don't waste your money if you are looking for improved sound. It does have a nicer booklet and new liner notes, but that's all.

The same thing happened to me when I purchased the 2001 Island version of Elton John's Greatest Hits 1976-1986. I figured the newer version surely would sound better than the old 1992 original version. WRONG. They were exactly the same.

Now you know.