Elton John, best sounding album

My husband is an audiophile, I just nod my head yes when he's talking about albums. I've recently heard some Elton John songs from BBC sessions. The music sounds great to me, no instrument is overbearing and they sound very clear? If that's the right word. I'm considering buying him a great sounding EJ album for Father's Day. Is there a certain album that is recommended along those lines? I understand that everyone will have a different opinion so this will be a good starting point for me. He enjoys listening to the way the music sounds as opposed to rocking out like a normal person. Thanks!

 

If it’s vinyl you’re talking about, Honky Chateau may be the sonic leader of the pack.

 

Your last phrase “...like a normal person...” made me smile!

Only in the context of this forum, can that ever be considered as a compliment!!!

 

I haven't heard any of the recent reissues, which are widely available. But it must be easy to find some "Uni" MCA edition of "Honky Chateau", which sounds great. Of course, if possible, some of the British DJM pressings of "Elton John" or "Madman Across the Water" would make an excellent gift.
I really enjoy Elton John's SACDs, especially "Tumbleweed Connection", which shouldn't be hard to get either.
Finally, I think almost any 1970s Elton John record will be an excellent gift.

 

Does the 2019 SHM CD come close to the DCC?

 

I second this emotion. Album sounds good and is good.
And ! Welcome to you.

 

If he has a nice turntable/cartridge, pick up an original 70’s UK DJM LP - they sound phenomenal.

Listening last night to a first UK pressing of TUMBLEWEED CONNECTION was almost a religious experience.

 

He has a linn sondek turntable and that’s all I know. This looks expensive and hard to find. I think he gets that same feeling listening to a superb album

 

Well, I don’t think my dad likes any type of rock and roll. And my husband prefers vinyl albums.

 

Great! So just any Honky Chateau or does it have to be a specific recording of an album, recorded in Germany, Japan, or Timbuktu?

 

I thought you might like that!

 

Sorry, I don't have the SHM for that one.

 

I’d say Capt.Fantastic is the best sounding album in his catalog. Amazing dynamics.

 

Does everyone have a different idea of what sounds good or is it kind of a universal sound everyone is striving to hear?

 

Do you know roughly what you would want to spend? Because an original UK Elton John LP can be had for a pretty decent price if you search Discogs.com.

If he’s an audiophile, it might be worth it - those albums are gorgeous and sound fantastic.

 

That made me chuckle too!

 

Thank you. What is a SACD?

I am going to pass on the info to my son. He's loaded!

Husband just told me has Honky Chateau.

 

Just get the new reissue of “Tumbleweed Connection”. Fairly cheap and sounds very good.

Elton John - Tumbleweed Connection

 

Highcountryrider,

Elton John's LPs, especially his famous 70s albums with his well known hits were all well recorded. While the US pressed UNI albums sound good the UK pressed DJM (Dick James Music) albums sound better. I don't care for the MCA re-issues though so avoid those. The US or UK pressings should be easy to find, EJ sold tons of those famous 70s albums that you are interested in.

By the way, I have a Linn Sondek LP12 too!

Scott

 

Thank you!

Sorry, I don't really know how to write on these threads. That should tell you how old I am.

 

This really is all about taste and personal preference, rather than an absolute, like "best."

The thing with Elton John, at least to me, is that I don't think I could ever reduce it to a single album.

I've got all of his early albums on vinyl. Probably all of his albums on CD. And for sure, all of his SACD releases.

If I had an urge to play some Elton, right now, I'd start with the SACDs. Then... I'd probably grab Captain Fantastic, Honky Chateau, Madman, and Tumbleweed. All because I continue to be amazed by the quality of, and shear entertainment derived from listening to, the multichannel mixes. It really would be a crapshoot as to which one I'd play first.

Jeff

 

What is a SACD?

 

Super Audio CD. To play them you need a SACD player. Although many SACDs are hybrids and if you don't have a SACD player you can play the redbook layer.