Quick Elton DJM tidbit

For those who collect the early Elton DJM CD's, here's a little bit more info on the self-titled "Elton John" album that might be of interest.

I did comparisons on the various DJM's of this album and...

The first pressing German DJM CD (the one with the alternate "Sixty Years On") has been cloned with the first pressing Japanese DJM CD. They're bit identical in every way.

Now here's the interesting part. The first pressing UK DJM CD (with the "standard" version of "Sixty Years On") was cloned by the 90's US Polydor CD! *They're* bit identical in every way.


While, the German/Japanese has the "friendlier" tone, I'm now starting to believe that the UK DJM/US Polydor clone might actually be the truer representation of the master tape. Who knows...

Bottom line. Be careful when discussing DJM Elton CD's. They *may* vary from country to country.

Dave

 

Interesting, Thanks Dave, I never knew about the UK DJM's only the W. German and Japanese.

 

Hmmm. Oh no! Going to have to get a copy of the mentioned UK..EJ...have any for sale David?

 

I've got a scratched up one, but I'll probably hang on to it for the time being (famous last words!). I see 'em on Ebay UK from time to time. UK catalog number is DJM CD8.

Like I said Mike, the 90's Polydor US is absolutely identical to the UK DJM right down to the last bit. It might be an easier way to check out the sound (they're dirt cheap used...usually 2.50-5.00) to see if you like it. But be forewarned, you may not like the sound as compared to that German you have. It's brighter, leaner, edgier...probably closer to what the tape actually sounds like.

That German/Japanese DJM is the one "wacky" title I've found while doing Elton comparisons. It sounds nothing like the usual "DJM sound" that the other titles have. It's a friendly tone....warm, bassy, rolled-off - most likely from a copy (or a different assemblage entirely) that was dispatched to different parts of the world. Thus, the alternate mix of SYO.

I'd be interested to see how other Euro/Asian vinyl pressings compare. I've got an original UK DJM vinyl arriving, hopefully, in days. That should tell us a little more, tonally, regarding the CD comparisons.

Dave

 

Great stuff Dave! Be sure to post back here when you know what's going on. I only have 2 W. German CD versions (Capt. Fantastic and G.B.Y.B.R.), but would like to know before I go hunting for other DJM CD's.

 

Thanks Dave, if and when your ready to part with your scratchy EJ UK DJM...I'll BUY It! ....wasn't the Polydor EJ US clone NoNoised?

 

Not at all. It's absolutely bit identical to the UK DJM. I've put it through bit comparison tests, null-inversion tests, etc. So, unless they were using digital NR in 1983 when the UK CD was released...

"They're as cloned as cloned can be!"

Which I have to admit...shocked me to no end. I was never a "great" fan of the Polydor CD, so to see that it was identical to the lofty, politically correct UK first press CD was a bit of a humbling experience...to say the least!

 

David I found this out when I put on an ebay-won DJM from the UK and was greatly disappointed when I DIDN'T hear the alternate mix of 'Sixty'. Good sounding-cd, but I have yet to come across a DJM from Japan or Germany.

 

..fear not, It's on the ...To Be Continued box set.

 

I know, now

 

Can anyone tell me the differences between the versions of "Sixty Years On"?

I can't wait til I get home to have a listen to the "To Be Continued" box!

By the way, US or UK box... or both?

I've got a strange mix of "Greatest Discovery" on Portuguese DJM vinyl that uses a horn intro rather than strings, but knew of no other mix variations on "Elton John".... until now!


PS Just got back from the States.. could only find "Elton John" and "Peachtree..." on SACD.... love the little studio chat bit on the surround of "Rock And Roll Madonna".

The SACDs aren't out in the UK til Monday