BERNIE TAUPIN/TAUPIN DJLPS 415 (-71) UK

 A whole album containing poems recited to musical background shouldn't be my cup of tea. But as this is Elton John's lyricist and most of the music is composed by Elton John men Caleb Quaye and Davey Johnstone plus renowned singer/songwriter Shawn Phillips - all three playing on the record produced by Gus Dudgeon - it's must be worth a try. One of the songs spoken is a version of "The Greatest Discovery" from Elton John's eponimous second album, the rest new to this. Just listened through and don't know what to think. It's all very well done - he's a good reader, the poems clings well even if I don't understand all of them. The backing, either simple or orchestral, is suberbly done, the audio is sweet and the sleeve opulent. I get a tiny bit touched but certainly not caught. It's probably just me, but I can't get all in even if I try. Anyway it is a nice addition to any Elton John collection and I will keep it for sure. Also released on vinyl 1971 in US, Japan, Germany and Downunder. Don't know of any other issues. Premiere UK had label as shown here in a fully structured fold/out cover with twentyseven pictures inside.