Caribou (album)
Encyclopedia
Caribou is the 8th studio album
by British singer/songwriter Elton John
, released in 1974 (see 1974 in music
). It was John's 4th chart-topping album in the U.S. and his 3rd in the U.K. The album contains the singles, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
", which reached # 16 in the UK Singles Chart
and # 2 in the U.S., and "The Bitch Is Back
", which reached # 15 in the U.K. and # 4 in the U.S. Both these singles reached # 1 in Canada
on the RPM 100
national Top Singles Chart (as did the album itself). The album was named for the Caribou Ranch
recording studio, where the album was recorded. In the U.S. the album was certified Gold
on 7/5/1974 and was certified Platinum and 2x Platinum on 3/23/1993 by the R.I.A.A.
In the liner notes to the 1995 CD re-release, Elton described the album as being quickly recorded in January 1974, with only about 9 days to get everything recorded, as he and the band "were under enormous pressure" to finish the album and then immediately embark on a Japanese tour. Dudgeon would later add additional backing vocals, horns and other overdubs after Elton and the band had finished their work.
In addition to the obvious hit singles, John has over the years played several others songs from this album in concert, including "Grimsby," "You're So Static," "Ticking" and "Dixie Lily."
The 1995 CD reissue contains 4 songs from the general period in and around the "Caribou" release, though only two of them, the b-sides "Sick City" and "Cold Highway," were recorded during the album's sessions. "Step Into Christmas" was recorded during a previous one-off single session, and "Pinball Wizard" was recorded at The Who's studio in England during the sessions for the "Tommy" movie score and soundtrack album.
When MCA Records re-issued this album, on cassette tape, in the 1980s, "You're So Static" and "Stinker" were swapped in the album's running order. You're So Static also featured an early fade out. (Just before he sings for the final time)
At one point, the title of this album was to be "Ol' Pink Eyes Is Back" a pun on Frank Sinatra's "Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back".
On the 1995 CD, "You're So Static" is spelled incorrectly as "Your're So Static".
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Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by British singer/songwriter Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, released in 1974 (see 1974 in music
1974 in music
-January–April:*January 3 – Bob Dylan and The Band kick off their 40-date concert tour at Chicago Stadium. It's Dylan's first time on the road since 1966.*January 17...
). It was John's 4th chart-topping album in the U.S. and his 3rd in the U.K. The album contains the singles, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" is the first single from British musician Elton John's 1974 album Caribou; it was released that year during the latter half of May in the United Kingdom, and on 10 June in the United States.-Lyrics and music:...
", which reached # 16 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
and # 2 in the U.S., and "The Bitch Is Back
The Bitch Is Back
"The Bitch Is Back" is a rock song by Elton John, written with Bernie Taupin. It was the second single released from his 1974 album Caribou, and reached number 1 in Canada , number 4 in the United States and number 15 in the United Kingdom. The song has been identified as is one of Elton John's...
", which reached # 15 in the U.K. and # 4 in the U.S. Both these singles reached # 1 in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
on the RPM 100
RPM (magazine)
RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,...
national Top Singles Chart (as did the album itself). The album was named for the Caribou Ranch
Caribou Ranch
Caribou Ranch was a recording studio built by producer James William Guercio in 1972 in a converted barn on ranch property in the Rocky Mountains near Nederland, Colorado, on the road that leads to the ghost town of Caribou...
recording studio, where the album was recorded. In the U.S. the album was certified Gold
on 7/5/1974 and was certified Platinum and 2x Platinum on 3/23/1993 by the R.I.A.A.
In the liner notes to the 1995 CD re-release, Elton described the album as being quickly recorded in January 1974, with only about 9 days to get everything recorded, as he and the band "were under enormous pressure" to finish the album and then immediately embark on a Japanese tour. Dudgeon would later add additional backing vocals, horns and other overdubs after Elton and the band had finished their work.
In addition to the obvious hit singles, John has over the years played several others songs from this album in concert, including "Grimsby," "You're So Static," "Ticking" and "Dixie Lily."
The 1995 CD reissue contains 4 songs from the general period in and around the "Caribou" release, though only two of them, the b-sides "Sick City" and "Cold Highway," were recorded during the album's sessions. "Step Into Christmas" was recorded during a previous one-off single session, and "Pinball Wizard" was recorded at The Who's studio in England during the sessions for the "Tommy" movie score and soundtrack album.
Side one
- "The Bitch Is BackThe Bitch Is Back"The Bitch Is Back" is a rock song by Elton John, written with Bernie Taupin. It was the second single released from his 1974 album Caribou, and reached number 1 in Canada , number 4 in the United States and number 15 in the United Kingdom. The song has been identified as is one of Elton John's...
" – 3:44 - "Pinky" – 3:54
- "GrimsbyGrimsbyGrimsby is a seaport on the Humber Estuary in Lincolnshire, England. It has been the administrative centre of the unitary authority area of North East Lincolnshire since 1996...
" – 3:47 - "Dixie Lily" – 2:54
- "Solar Prestige a Gammon" – 2:52
- "You're So Static" – 4:52
Side two
- "I've Seen the Saucers" – 4:48
- "Stinker" – 5:20
- "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on MeDon't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" is the first single from British musician Elton John's 1974 album Caribou; it was released that year during the latter half of May in the United Kingdom, and on 10 June in the United States.-Lyrics and music:...
" – 5:36 - "Ticking" – 7:33
Bonus tracks (1995 Mercury and 1996 Rocket reissue)
- "Pinball WizardPinball Wizard"Pinball Wizard" is a song written by Pete Townshend and performed by the English rock band The Who, and featured on their 1969 rock opera album Tommy. The original recording was released as a single in 1969 and reached No. 4 in the UK charts and No. 19 on the U.S...
" (Pete TownshendPete TownshendPeter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career...
) – 5:09 - "Sick CitySick City (song)"Sick City" is a song by Elton John with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin. It is the B-side of the single release of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", released in 1974. It later appeared on the 1995 remaster of the album Caribou. The song is about a groupie, and the life in 1970's New York which...
" – 5:23 - "Cold Highway" – 3:25
- "Step into ChristmasStep Into Christmas"Step into Christmas" is a Christmas song by Elton John released in 1973. It was originally released as a stand-alone single in 1973 with the B-Side "Ho! Ho! Ho! ", peaking at #23 in the UK. Due to Billboard magazine's editorial policy it was held off the Hot 100...
" – 4:32
When MCA Records re-issued this album, on cassette tape, in the 1980s, "You're So Static" and "Stinker" were swapped in the album's running order. You're So Static also featured an early fade out. (Just before he sings for the final time)
At one point, the title of this album was to be "Ol' Pink Eyes Is Back" a pun on Frank Sinatra's "Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back".
On the 1995 CD, "You're So Static" is spelled incorrectly as "Your're So Static".
B-sides
| Song | Format |
|---|---|
| "Sick City" | Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me 7" (US/UK) |
| "Cold Highway" | The Bitch is Back 7" (US/UK) |
Personnel
- Elton John - vocals, piano
- Davey JohnstoneDavey JohnstoneDavey Johnstone , is a Scottish rock guitarist and vocalist, best known for his work with Elton John.-Career:...
- acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin - Dee MurrayDee MurrayDee Murray was an English bassist, best known as a member of Elton John's original rock band.-Biography:Murray was born David Murray Oates in Southgate, London in 1946...
- bass, phased Pignose bass - Nigel OlssonNigel OlssonNigel Olsson is an English rock drummer, who is best known for his work with Elton John. Olsson helped establish the Elton John sound as one of the first members of John's band, on drums, percussion and backing vocals. When not working with Elton, Olsson has taken up the role of a session musician...
- drums - Ray CooperRay CooperRay Cooper is an English musician. He is a session and road-tour percussionist, and occasional actor, who has worked with several musically diverse bands and artists including George Harrison, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, and Elton John. Cooper is commonly regarded by music fans, critics and fellow...
- tambourine, congas, whistle, vibes, snare, castanets, watergong, bells
Additional musicians
- Bruce JohnstonBruce JohnstonBruce Arthur Johnston is a member of The Beach Boys and a songwriter, remembered especially for composing "I Write the Songs". Johnston was not one of the original members of the band...
- backing vocals track 9 - Carl WilsonCarl WilsonCarl Dean Wilson was an American rock and roll singer and guitarist, best known as a founding member, lead guitarist and sometime lead vocalist of The Beach Boys...
- backing vocals track 9 - Davey, Dee, and Nigel - backing vocals (tracks 2, 3, 7)
- Clydie KingClydie KingClydie Crittendon is an American singer, best known for her session work as a backing vocalist....
, Sherlie MatthewsSherlie MatthewsSherlie Matthews is an American singer, songwriter and record producer, best known as a backing vocalist for Pop, R&B and Rock groups from the mid 1960s to the present time.-Early life:...
, Jessie Mae Smith, Dusty SpringfieldDusty SpringfieldMary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'BrienSources use both Isabel and Isobel as the spelling of her second name. OBE , known professionally as Dusty Springfield and dubbed The White Queen of Soul, was a British pop singer whose career extended from the late 1950s to the 1990s...
, Carl Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Toni TennilleToni TennilleCathryn Antoinette "Toni" Tennille is one-half of the 1970s Grammy Award-winning duo Captain & Tennille. Tennille has also done musical work independently of her husband Daryl Dragon. Tennille has a contralto vocal range.-Biography:...
, Billy Hinsche - additional backing vocals - Brass - Tower of PowerTower of PowerTower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing for over 43 years. They are best known for their funky soul sound highlighted by a powerful horn section...
Horn Section - Dave HentschelDavid HentschelDavid Hentschel is an English recording engineer, writer and music producer who engineered on George Harrison's All Things Must Pass and Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, as well as with artists including Genesis, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Queen, Marti Webb, Andy Summers, Mike Oldfield, Peter...
- A.R.P. synthesizer - Lenny Pickett - tenor sax, soprano sax, clarinets
- Chester Thompson- Organ
Production
- Producer: Gus DudgeonGus DudgeonAngus Boyd Dudgeon , most commonly known as Gus Dudgeon was an English record producer, most notable for production of many of Elton John's recordings.-Early career:...
- Engineers: Clive Franks, David HentschelDavid HentschelDavid Hentschel is an English recording engineer, writer and music producer who engineered on George Harrison's All Things Must Pass and Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, as well as with artists including Genesis, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Queen, Marti Webb, Andy Summers, Mike Oldfield, Peter...
- Assistant engineer: Peter Kelsey
- Arrangers: Daryl Dragon, Davey Johnstone, Del Newman
- Liner notes: John ToblerJohn ToblerJohn Hugen Tobler is a British rock music journalist, writer, occasional broadcaster, and record company executive.With Pete Frame, he was one of the founders of ZigZag magazine in April 1969...
- Recorded at: Caribou RanchCaribou RanchCaribou Ranch was a recording studio built by producer James William Guercio in 1972 in a converted barn on ranch property in the Rocky Mountains near Nederland, Colorado, on the road that leads to the ghost town of Caribou...
Chart positions
| Chart (1974) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart Kent Music Report The Kent Music Report was a weekly record chart of Australian music singles and albums which was compiled by music enthusiast David Kent from May 1974 through to 1998... |
1 |
| Canadian RPM Albums Chart RPM (magazine) RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,... |
1 |
| Italian Albums Chart | 8 |
| Japanese Oricon LP Chart Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... |
20 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart | 20 |
| Norwegian VG-lista Albums Chart VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... |
6 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
1 |
| West German Media Control Albums Chart | 33 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1974) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart | 4 |
| Canadian Albums Chart RPM Year-End RPM Year-End charts are a cumulative measure of a single or album's performance in Canada, based upon the RPM magazine charts during any given chart year.-RPM year-end number ones:... |
7 |
| Italian Albums Chart | 45 |
| UK Albums Chart | 15 |
| U.S. Billboard Year-End Billboard Year-End Billboard Year-End charts are a cumulative measure of a single or album's performance in the United States, based upon the Billboard magazine charts during any given chart year. Billboard's "chart year" runs from the first week of December to the final week in November... |
65 |
Certifications
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