Following "Good Morning To The Night" Across The World

United States
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Canada
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United Kingdom
N. 1 (5 Weeks, now Nº 71)

Australia
N. 40 (1 Week)

New Zealand
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Ireland
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France
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Germany
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Belgium
N. 188 VL (1 Week)

Switzerland
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Austria
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Holland
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Italy
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Spain
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Norway
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Sweden
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Denmark
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Russia
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Greece
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Israel
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Taiwan
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Hong Kong
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Brazil
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Sad

United Kingdom
N. 48 (1 Week)

Elton John vs Pnau - who wins? by Stephan Heimbecher

I consider myself a middle age Elton John fan, because at 44 I am probably in dead center of the very wide range of Elton fans which go all the way from infants to music lovers of Elton's age (and beyond). Does that make me part of the target audience for the new album "Good Morning To The Night"? Yes, for the simple reason that I am a fan of Elton's musical work. And no, as I am not into dance music at all - I don't dance! 

But that didn't stop me from downloading the 14 track deluxe version of the album from iTunes - initiated, however, by a very sceptical click on the "Buy now" button. To my own surprise, I like most of the album tracks much more than I had anticipated. Because first of all technically I think it's a good production and a very interesting synthesis of various - mostly older - Elton John songs. The slaughter of Elton's original compositions, in my view, has been kept within acceptable boundaries, so that to me as a listener who is always open to new versions and covers of songs (not just those of Elton) this new approach is opening up a new perspective on very familar tunes. 

But it takes more than just a high level of technical skills, in this case audio mixing, to deliver a good end result. I think that the album once more proves how diverse, timeless, and persistent Elton's melodies can be, so that they maintain their freshness not just through a few decades of time, but also after being squeezed into a completely new musical genre. As a matter of fact, I don't think of "Good Morning To The Night" that much as a dance album, but much more as an easy listening Elton medley collection. 

I don't want to review every mix individually - I don't think it would make much sense. All I can say after a couple of listenings is that I am almost obsessed with the track "Karmatron".

What's interesting is that Elton is heading for his first No 1 album in 20 years in the UK with the Pnau collaboration. Elton said: “There’s been attempts to remix my music before but I’ve never been so excited by the result.” He's probably right about that.

A review by Stephan Heimbecher

www.eltonfan.net

"Good Morning To The Night" by Claude Bernardin

When I first heard of this project my level of excitement was peaked. Maybe someone would finally take all Elton's desires for a Dance Hit to the top and do him right. I had no idea Pnau would be the ones to do this. Only one other Project has come close to this in ingenuity and creativity, that's the Beatles "Love" Project. Is this Project it's equal? No. But it's close. This is some of the most exciting, and appropriate sounding music for its time, that John and Taupin have created in decades. It's great to have that classic 70's Elton "Sound" combine with today's Techno-electric wizardry and boy it works like a charm! It goes along way to suggest "You can be young again!" Listener's will thrill at such brilliant tracks as "Foreign Fields" that cleverly weaves famously loved ballads like "Cage The Songbird and "High Flying Bird" into a whole new experience. And then there's the title cut: "Good Morning To The Night" - already becoming a hit, and well deservedly so. It is unique, clever and original.

But for me the stand out cuts are two:

"Telegraph To The Afterlife" - The track weaves John's 1973 song "Harmony' with "Funeral For a Friend" and some original scoring, into what one hopes will be the Biggest Radio Airplay John Has received in Decades! Folks, Radio....If you do not pick this track up....It will be a travesty of justice. "Harmony" was Taupin and John's most requested song in the mId-1970's and still to this day is a concert favorite. But sadly it never saw the light of day as a single in America. In 90 seconds I could tell it was a hit! Instant classic Rock Radio Hit! It cleverly weaves the song "Harmony" and the repeated opening line of "Hello...Hello..." into a Pink Floydesque montage that instantly grabs you. The album is worth its price for this track alone. Thrilling rock. Conjures up the sound and stylings of Floyd's, "Comfortably Numb". Just a brilliant track! It has Hit written all over it! By the way Elton's people, you missed it once in 1973! Don't make that mistake again! Put this sucker out as a single to American FM radio!
The other track I'd like to highlight is "Karmatron" . Again I got chills when I heard it. It's an in-genius re-working of John's 1971 album title cut "Madman Across The Water" with "Funeral For a Friend". It is outstanding, exciting, mature, and very clever rock music.

This is some of the most interesting instrumental rock and dance music John has ever produced with anyone. Ground breaking project in my opinion! and one I hope gets repeated again!

Outstanding and frankly thrilling to hear! Hats off to all of you, job well done! 


Elton John VS Pnau - 4 stars out of 5!!!!!!!!!!!
- Claude Bernardin, Co-Author of "Rocket Man"

Meeting Ben Babylon: Jack Rabbit in LA

It had been a week since I’d met Ben Babylon. First reminds of that experience, are in Fred Anderson’s car, going back to the hotel. A tear round on my face and fell in my knees. It was sad someway to leave. What I had lived that day was an experience hard to explain in a few words, mostly because it was very emotional. I have to go to Miquel’s notebook in order to relate his feelings about that big date. He usually writes down his experience while travelling, pages and more pages explaining his memories about what he’s living. So, let’s start from there. 

11:00
Along with Fred Anderson and my wife, Elisabet, we take the road to somewhere behind the hills. The Beatles are on the radio airwaves. Just arrived, one door opens and a smiling Kathy Babylon welcome us. It is very nice to meet her. We exchange mails several times and it seems I knew her someway, although in fact I really don’t. It’s strange how internet approach people who are a thousand miles away from each other. Some kind of magic made the dream come true and we are there. Awesome!

12:00

Ben’s rehearsing with his band. The first reaction is to hold him. It’s really beautiful to be there. He kindly agrees to take a picture together. Two pictures, maybe three or four, it doesn’t matter. I sit on a chair and just listen. Ben Babylon’s band was first to be a trio band, as Elton did on his Tumbleweed Connection days, comprising a bass player, a drummer and a keyboardist. You must remember those names: Alex Naylor, bassist, Alex Andrews, drummer, and Ben Babylon, on keyboards. But if that wasn’t enough, they added a guitarrist, and if Elton’s had Davey Johnstone on Honky Chateau, Ben has Brian Schwartz. Despite their youth, between 15 and 20 years old, they have so much potential and putting all together, they’re a consistent band. It seems they have been playing together for a long time but that’s not so. The list of songs they’re rehearsing are from the album, on process but with a long list of fantastic songs to choose. It’s great to see how much energy they have, and specially, how much they enjoy playing together. It’s happily surprising to see how Ben looks like his father, the unforgettable Guy Babylon, while playing: same gestures, same professionality, same passion. And more than this, what pleasantly surprised me most is how Ben’s growing on stage. The songs from the album are incredibly good, and I have my favourites of course. The first single, “Contradiction” is a winner for sure. But it was unbelievable to see when I suggested to do one song, “No Goodbyes On The Road” to him. Fred Anderson asked if it was possible to play that song for me, althought it had never been rehearsed with the band. He inmediatily said “yes” and taught the band the chords and the keys of the song. And within three or four minutes they play it. “He’s a leader” I think.

13:00
Band rehearsing is finished and band mates leave. More pictures all together. I only have to congratulate that good team, they are absolutely fantastic and nicely complement to Ben. Lunch.

17:00
Well, I now know the meaning of hiking. I didn’t know what does it meant until I was climbing up rocks and mountains in order to find a great view of landscape. And I enjoy it so much although I end up tired. A pina colada in the Malibu Beach recovers anything.

20:30

After dinner, one could be a priviledged person when you have Ben Babylon solo at the piano, for the most thrilling jam session one could expect. He explained me how much Elton and Ben Folds influenced him as a musician. And that’s really is. He starts with his own songs, before paying an amazing rendition of “Rocket Man” and “Take Me To The Pilot” on the piano. If Elton’s had his quote, Ben Folds too, when he goes to “Fred Jones”, the touching story about a man’s retiring of his job. He kindly agree to perform a superb medley between “Dreams For Sale” and “No Goodbyes On The Road”. Both songs, specially the title track, have potential enough to make a big thing. I remember it was the time when this words came to mind: “He’s special, he will do it, he has it all for success”. It was a sensation, but seeing this kid to play piano and the way he does it, you have all the feelings that it could be a possible reality. I had the same feelings as when I saw Elton on piano solo for first time: with the Band I love it, but solo, sitting on an old piano, is when the artist explodes and explores the best of his being. It’s exciting to see how much Ben loves music. Music is a part of his world. He lives for music, and music embraces him to gives his best. It’s a divine partnership, a force of the nature. And Ben has the talent enough to give music his best creations, while music could keep a place for him among his top star musicians. 

22:00
The final of the jam session. I would say that it is time for goodbyes but as one of the lyrics says: there’s no goodbyes on the road”. Fred Anderson kindly returns to the hotel, not before stopping at Troubadour Club, when Elton performed for first time long years ago.

As I said in the beginning, I was sad for leaving that people behind, but I was plenty happy to see that a new star is ready to conquer the world. Sad and happy? Is that a “Contradiction”? “Big Waves Crashing Down, Shaking the Ground”. You will see, I said one day, the Number One has just arrived: Ben Babylon to reach the stardom. Give time to the artist, not in a hurry, and fasten your seat belts: the journey has begun.

The Eltonite's Day With... Jennifer Sundstrom!!!

Hi Eltonites, welcome to the Eltonites Day. I like this kind of interviews, I must admit. Interviewing an eltonite is very grateful for me: their thoghts, their experiences. Today I have the chance to have one of the kind. She is a wonderful human being first and foremost. And of course a top class Eltonite!! So please, stand up to receive the greatest Jennifer Sundstrom!!!

Welcome Jennifer, thanks for being here. Could you tell us, please more, who are you and where are you from?

Hi! My name is Jennifer Sundstrom and I am from Houghton, Michigan. I live almost as far North as one can in the state. Lake Superior surrounds us.

Great! When did you become an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

The first time I consciously remember hearing Elton’s music was when I was about 10 years old. That’s when "I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues" was first out on the radio. I acquired the 45 rpm vinyl single around that time and played it to death. I still have it in a box, but doubt it’s in good shape! After that I continued to enjoy his music when I heard it on the radio and bought a couple more singles and some of his CDs such as "Love Songs" and "Greatest Hits: 1970 – 2002", but it wasn’t until I first saw him perform live that I really started buying as much of his catalog as I could. Of course, after buying all of the albums, I realized that I had heard and enjoyed his music way before the age of ten, but just didn’t yet know who he was!

Incredible, I have the same experience, my friend. And what was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been?

I first saw Elton perform live at the Red Piano show in LasVegas on March 31, 2008, and have been hooked ever since. However, this was something that almost never happened! My brother, sister-in-law and I had planned a short trip to Las Vegas months earlier, but didn’t have a specific agenda. About 2 weeks before we went, I was flipping through channels on the television and happened upon a rerun of Larry King interviewing Elton. In the interview Elton mentioned the Red Piano show. So after hearing this I checked online and found that he would be performing while we were out there, and we were lucky enough to get tickets. I came down with the flu an hour before my flight took off, but soldiered on. I was so miserable the entire time I was there except of course for the show. So, it almost never was. It must have been fate. I’ve now been to a total of 17 shows in 8 different states and 3 different countries over the past 4 years and have 5 more lined up as we speak. I’ll be seeing him next in Madison, WI, on March 22. Some good friends and I are seeing him solo in April and then Jody and I are going back overseas this summer and will see Elton 3 times in England. I’m so excited!

For you, which member of the band is (or was) irreplaceable? Miss someone, now?

I don’t think any members of the band are replaceable, as each one is so different and extremely talented. Elton’s had several different lineups and all have had their strengths. Nobody can be replaced, but roles can be filled. I love the current lineup so much that I wouldn’t want to see any of them go. With the exception of the unfortunate and sad passing of Guy Babylon, the band has remained in tact since I’ve started seeing live shows and I’m thankful for that. I was lucky to see Guy perform live a few times and he is missed by many others and by me. Kim Bullard is doing an excellent job in the position Guy left. The addition of the girls and the 2Cellos has been very cool and exciting!

What would you do if you met Elton sometime? What would you talk about and which question would you like to ask him?

I know if I ever got to meet Elton, I would be extremely nervous but extremely excited. I’m not really sure what is left to ask him, but I would definitely want to thank him for all the happiness his music and shows have brought me and for all the things he does for humanity. I would also thank him for introducing me to great new friends that I’ve met through sharing a common love.

Which is your Elton item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you’ve got by having it?

I have several Elton items that are special to me. The top three are: 1.) my "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" yellow vinyl LP that Elton signed for me at my very first regular band show in Lubbock, Texas, 2.) my poster of Elton and Leon Russell from the Beacon Theatre debut of "The Union", which I have since had signed by Elton in Philadelphia on his birthday last year and by Leon in Milwaukee, WI, this past summer, and 3.) a personalized signed photo of him.

Wonderful! What have you done for Elton and, vice versa, what has Elton done for you?

Elton has a special place in my heart. His music brings me so much enjoyment and comfort. Elton has said many times that without the love and support and loyalty from us, his fans, he wouldn’t be here. So, what I do for him is exactly that. I attend shows when I can and support his music and theatrical endeavors. I also make contributions to the EJAF and have supported and helped out with LATWs.

What kind of place do you see for Elton John in the History of Rock Music?

Elton is a legend and will always be a legend. He’s one of the top rock piano players and has one of the best, most soulful voices I’ve ever heard. His place has been solidified.

And finally, could you tell me your five favorite Elton songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

This is a very hard question for me to answer. Even to limit my favorites to 10 would be tough. I love so many of his songs, but 5 that will always be up there for me are: Your Song, Come Down in Time, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, Harmony and Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.

Thank you. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

I just want to say that the last 4 years of my life have been very enjoyable. I’ve been to so many places I never would have gone to see Elton perform and I’ve been blessed to meet so many great people through sharing a common love. Some have turned into best friends.

Oh, What do you remember about your days in Ireland, last June?

Last June, Jody Towles and I went overseas for the very first time. We traveled to both Ireland and England. We had such a wonderful time. We saw Elton and the band in Cork, Ireland, along with some very special people, fellow Eltonites: Paul, Kilian, Mary and Aine. They were so great to us and we will never forget the experience. The show in Cork was very different than in the US in that it was under a big circus tent, basically, and we were all packed on the floor like sardines for the entire show. Of course, all of us were right up front. The crowd was great! That was the show where something went wrong with Elton’s piano the very first note he played. We ended up hearing the intro to Funeral For a Friend three times by the time the issue was finally corrected! It was a great show! In England, we saw Leon Russell on his own with his band and got to meet him after the show! He was so nice and so appreciative of us and of Elton.

Thank you. Precisely, we have here two dear people, two dear friends that would love to surprise you. How could we define Jennifer as an Eltonite? So, come on, you have the word.

Paul Purcell, from Ireland: "First of all, Jennifer is one the nicest people you could ever want to meet. There is nothing but generosity, kindness and good humour flowing through her. Which makes her an ideal candidate to be an Eltonite. And because we both share this wonderful passion, this is how I came in contact with her. Which in turn led to the wonderful experience of meeting her and Jody last summer when they came over to see Elton here in Ireland. An event I will never forget. So enjoy this moment Jen, the spotlight is on you for a change!! It is an honour to call you my friend and fellow Eltonite. :-)".

Jody Towles, from Florida, US: "I must admit that In the 2 years since I've met Jennifer, I must say that her and I have grown very close. When it comes to all things Elton, she is truly my other half. We have been all over the U.S. together and we traveled to Europe on our first overseas trip. Its hard to put into words how much someone can truly enrich your life but to put it simply, she has. We've shared laughter together that is beyond compare, Two perfect understudies for a clown. She's a blast to travel with, and she has a fabulous shoe collection that rivals Elton. Thank you Jennifer for 2 amazing years and many shows. Hopefully, there will be many many more."

Paul, Jody, thanks so much for your collaboration and my best wishes for you both. You know how much I respect you, always it's a pleasure for me to be in touch. Well, Jennifer, my special guest, this your day. I have not words enough to express you my gratitude for being here, thanks so much for sharin', your time with us, it was a nice time for me to spent with you. I had so much fun, God bless you! Hope you like this song: this is for you:



Pictures courtesy of Jennifer Sundstrom

Stampin' Elton: The Collection

A schoolmaster from England, Rowland Hill invented the adhesive postage stamp in 1837, an act for which he was knighted. The result, called the Penny Black, was engraved the profile of Queen Victoria's head, and remained on all British stamps for the next sixty years. Before the Penny Black stamp ever existed, payment had to be taken in cash for every article to be posted and that had to be done in person at the post office. Hill's stamps made the prepayment of mail postage possible and practical. The first United States general issue postage stamps, stamps for distribution throughout the country, were prepared under authorization of the Congressional Act of March 3, 1847. Postmaster General Cave Johnson initially instructed the firm to use a portrait of recently deceased President Andrew Jackson on the 5-cent stamp and George Washington on the 10-cent denomination. Since then, many stamps have been issued around the world. Some of the most popular types have included sports figures, cartoons, national landmarks, nature images and, of course, celebrities: like Elton. A number of illegal stamps featuring Elton John are in circulation printed by private firms without the knowledge of the postal authorities of the countries concerned. Here's is a selection what Jack Rabbit found on every corner of the world.

1988

Grenada issued a set of eight $1 stamps featuring rock, pop and reggae stars Tina Turner, Lionel Ritchie, Whitney Houston, Joan Armatrading, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Marley, all of whom have had more longevity than is usual in the ever-evolving world of music.

1995

The Tanzanian "Rock And Roll History" sheetlet collection countaining 9 value unmounted mint with music celebrities like Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson and Elton, covering all periods of rock between 50s to nowadays.

2000

Elton John in concert on 6 postage stamps - from Udmurtia, a Russian republic located in European Russia about 1300km east of Moscow and west of the Ural mountains.

Stamp printed in Turkmenistan shows USA stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, Madonna, Mike Myers, Chris Isaak, Michael Jackson, Elton John. As long as Jean Claude Van Damme, Bill Gates, Fidel Castro, Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

2002

In February 2002 Australia Post released a SES sheetlet and CD pack with 4 songs from recent album, Songs From The West Coast, to commemorate Elton John’s ‘A Journey Through Time’ tour. Gift Pack included 10 Elton Personalized stamps. This special pack was sold in a specially designed flowwrapped cover/folder.

'Rock Legends: Elton John' pertaining to be from the Republic of Somalia. The stamp features Elton wearing his 1986 world tour outfits, although there's another version of sheetlet containing set of 4 values unmounted mint. These "stamps" is counterfeit, not valid for posting and has no investment value. Other celebrities are on the collection like David Bowie, Prince, or Michael Jackson, among others, as part of their Rock Legends series.

A fantastic sheet of 9 Mint Stamps to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 50th or Golden Jubilee, features Elton John, Prince William and Prince Andrew, Soccer Stars like David Beckham, the Beatles, the Royal Ship and more. They were released on Congo or Tadjikistan.

2003

Released in Malta, celebrating Elton's open-air concert in Floriana, Maltapost, as one of the sponsors, has been promoting a personalised souvenir sheet featuring four images of the entertainer, views of him as a young man and in some of his most memorable looks. It has no philatelic or postal worth, except an authentic Malta stamp valued at Lm1.50 reproducing the view of the Marsamxett side of Valletta from the Frama label set.

2004

Printed in Austria, the stamp joined Elton and Lady Diana. Sir Elton John performed at the annual Life Ball in Vienna, late May 15, 2004 and was back in June, again in Wien.



A limited collectors set issued by the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau on 10th September 2004 to commemorate the 300th Anniversary concert performed at Victoria Stadium on Gibraltar's National Day, comprising of a first stamp mounted in a circular minature sheet & unopened card backing sheet with unique wrap-around presentation picture card featuring superb Elton image & concert info, a second stamp consisting of just the circular sheet plus a third stamp mounted on an official first day cover envelope, all housed in a unique presentation slipcase.

2008

Rock Stars like Elton John, Eric Clapton, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Jean Michael Love and more were released in Komi Republic, Russia, on a 8 Mint Stamps. They were not valid for postage, but they were extremely popular because of their lively and colorful designs.

2011

Sheet of 9 stamps, issued by Djibouti in 2011, displaying famous music stars. Featured celebrities shown include English rock singer-songwriter & pianist Elton John, British pop rock musician George Michael, English musicians from The Beatles John Lennon & Paul McCartney, English vocalist & lyricist Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin, lead rock vocalist from the Rolling Stones band Mick Jagger, Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox, English glam rock musician David Bowie, and English progressive rock lead singer from the band Genesis, Peter Gabriel.

Another sheet of 6 stamps, issued this time by Guinea in 2011, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the birth of Princess Diana. Also featured on the sheet shown include Prince William, Prince Harry, Charles, Prince of Wales, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Grammy Award-winning English singer & pianist Sir Elton John.

Sources: Mary Bellis from about.com