Live In Australia With The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (180 Gram Vinyl) (2 Lp's)

Personnel: Elton John (vocals, keyboards); Davey Johnstone (guitar); Raul D'Olivera, Paul Spong, David Bitelli, Rick Taylor (horns); Fred Mandel (keyboards, synthesizer); David Paton (bass); Charlie Morgan (drums); Jody Linscott (percussion); Shirley Lewis, Alan Carvel, Gordon Neville (background vocals). Recorded live in Sydney, Australia on December 14, 1986. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Elton John spent much of the '80s in a whirlwind of personal upheaval and his musical unevenness included working with lyricists besides Bernie Taupin (an unthinkable notion during their run at the top of the charts during the '70s). EJ went for a fresh start by auctioning off all the costumes and props that he'd become renowned for during his over-the-top live shows. Right before doing this, the flamboyant entertainer revisited the past one more time by recreating his greatest hits live using orchestral accompaniment. The resulting LIVE IN AUSTRALIA found the John donning a powdered wig and 17th century garb to lead this ensemble, along with members of his regular touring band. Older material such as "Burn Down The Mission," "Madman Across The Water" and "Take Me To The Pilot" is particularly breathtaking as presented in all its symphonic splendor while more obscure numbers such as "Have Mercy On The Criminal" and "The Greatest Discovery" remain odd yet interesting choices. The oddest result of this album's release was that "Candle In The Wind" unexpectedly became a hit 14 years after its original release. A slightly rewritten version dedicated to the late Princess Diana repeated this trick a decade later. -IMPORT In England, this has so far only been released as a limited, numbered (5,000) edition, in a 12 X 12 box with deluxe booklet and other goodies.