Review of Elton John -
Rock of the Westies
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(This may not be actual album art)
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When Elton John went in to record Rock of the Westies in 1975, he was riding high on the strength of twelve Top 5 singles and six Top 10 albums in the previous five years. For this recording, however, John revamped his backing band's line-up, which had remained the same since 1972. Davey Johnstone (guitar) and Ray Cooper (percussion) stayed on while Dee Murray (bass) and Nigel Olson (drums) were replaced by Kenny Perselli and Roger Pope respectively. Also added to John's new band were Caleb Quaye (guitar) and synthesizer player James Newton Howard, whose keyboard talents combine with EJ's to considerably broaden the unit's sound.
The new band helped Elton John sound revitalized after having falling into an easy listening quagmire on some of his previous efforts. The album's overall sound is edgier and more guitar-based without sacrificing its pop accessibility. With the Bernie Taupin (lyricist)/John juggernaut creating up-tempo numbers such as "Grow Some Junk Of Your Own" and "Street Kids," the new band played with such magical synergy that the oddly titled numbers "I Feel Like A Bullet" and "Billy Bones And The White Bird" have their own quirky appeal.
Although most of this album is fairly obscure, Rock of the Westies is a sprightly collection often overshadowed by more known classics like Honky Chateau and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Released Date: 1992
Polydor
Japan
Tracks:
Medley (Yell Help, Wednesday Night, Ugly)
Dan Dare (Pilot Of The Future)
Island Girl
Grow Some Funk Of Your Own
I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)
Street Kids
Hard Luck Story
Feed Me
Billy Bones And The White Bird
Bonus Tracks:
Planes
Sugar On The Floor
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