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Sunday, December 14, 2014

Record Collecting: Elton John - Friends

Elton John - Friends (Original Soundtrack)
Paramount Records, 1971
Produced by Gus Dudgeon

Technically this could be considered Sir Elton John's 4th album though a lot of times you won't find it on a discography list because it is a soundtrack. This album was released between Tumbleweed Connection, 1970, and Madman Across the Water, 1971 (That's if you aren't counting his live album 17-11-70, which was released in 1971 and before Madman.) So, if you think about it, this project came along before Elton John and Bernie Taupin became full blown superstars. 

There is nothing super exciting about the songs here. The title track was a minor hit reaching #34 on the Pop Chart. Personally, I really like "Can I Put You On" but as Elton John songs go, there are many better songs in his discography. There is not a thing wrong with any of the tracks on this album. It's just that you are comparing little known songs written to go along with a movie - that turned out to be a flop - to the well known rest of the career of a bona-fide superstar.

However, it is an interesting look at Elton John before the fame was fully realized. Also, this one can be found for pretty cheap. As you can see I paid $5 for mine. And on top of everything else you get some great album art to display!

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