Set for release by Universal in October, 2010, and produced by T Bone Burnett, The Union marks the culmination of a mutual musical adoration that began in the late 1960s, ahead of Elton's debut US performance in 1970 at The Troubadour Club in Los Angeles. The album is a collaboration between Elton and Leon Russell, with songs by Elton and Bernie Taupin; by Elton, Bernie and Leon; by Elton and Leon and by Leon alone.
The Union was recorded in Los Angeles earlier this year, with guest musicians including Brian Wilson, Booker T, Don Was and Neil Young. Cameron Crowe has filmed the sessions for a documentary, creating too a moment of history as this is the first time that the genesis of Elton's music has been recorded on film. Critics who have had an early preview of the album are united in praise for the work that Elton describes as a "Seventies record with a modern feel." read more..
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Coming Home (And Welcome Back!) by Scott
Sir Elton and the wonderful, if near forgotten, Mr. Leon Russell have put together one terrific recording here with "The Union".
Aside from a singular complaint - as with most CDs, Track One not withstanding, the overall mix comes across as favoring the mid-range a bit too much for my taste - I have little to add to the conversation but my own personal observations. (Not a problem with the vinyl, but not many enjoy those anymore.)
Highlights - the slow, exquisite build from Tracks One through Four ("If It Wasn't For..."/"Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes"/ Elton rocking away on "Hey Ahab"/ with things leveling off at the stark and mournful "Gone To Shiloh"). (Expect many another singer songwriter, no matter their style or bias, to re-record this all but instant classic.)
"Jimmie Rogers Dream" (in another life Bernie Taupin surely must have been an old cow hand).
"Monkey Suit" (classic Elton with a well deserved tip of the cap to Jerry Lee and so many others).
"The Best Part Of The Day" is sweet and poignant.
Oh, Leon! ("A Dream Come True")
Pretty much the whole rest of the album. (Of note, "Hearts Have Turned To Stone" surely needs to also be recorded live.)
Lowlights - but for my one (admittedly 'audiophile') complaint: none really.
Addendum: For those of you who going in have no idea who Leon Russell is, consider purchasing, at the very least, "Retrospective". If not that, the self-titled "Leon Russell" and, of course, "Carney" are MUST Haves.
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