lp, album, vinyl, record, 1970s, 70s, Elton John, Empty Sky, Skyline Pigeon, Steve Brown, Bernie Taupin, Hookfoot

DEALS: 10% off your purchase when you order 3+ records. $4.99 flat-rate shipping on orders over $50. Free shipping on orders over $100. (Applies to sealed old-stock and used vinyl.)

All of our used records are play-graded and come in a protective outer-sleeve. NOTE: Listing info may change after your purchase, but you'll receive the album that you ordered** (more details at bottom). If you have any questions, please ask. Catalog Number: DJLPS-403

CONDITION DETAILS Import from UK. Vinyl plays with occasional light-crackles (play-graded). Gate-fold cover looks great; a few creases near edges; light-scuffing and discoloration spots on inner-gate; moderate scuffing and surface impressions (front/back). Inner-sleeve is original (generic white). Spine is mostly easy-to-read with mild-wear. Shelf-wear along top/bottom-edge and corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and a few divots. (Not a cut-out.)

ABOUT THE RECORD Empty Sky is the début album by British singer/songwriter Elton John. It was originally released in U.K. in 1969 and finally released in the U.S. in 1975, with a different cover photograph, well after John's fame had been established internationally. It peaked at No. 6 on Billboard's Albums Chart in the U.S. Recorded during the winter of 1968 and spring of 1969 in a DJM 8-track studio, Empty Sky is the only album in the early part of his career not produced by Gus Dudgeon, instead helmed by friend and DJM staffer Steve Brown. John plays harpsichord on several tracks, including Skyline Pigeon, which John has described as being "the first song Bernie and I ever got excited about that we ever wrote." The original sleeve design was done by David Larkham (billed as "Dave"), who would go on to create designs for John and other artists. Skyline Pigeon is the most popular and best known song on the album, and is the only one which John, albeit infrequently, performs as part of his live shows. Although John has since called the album naive, he does have fond memories of making the record. These include walking home from recording at 4 a.m. and lodging at the Salvation Army HQ in Oxford Street, which was run by Steve Brown's father. "I remember when we finished work on the title track - it just floored me. I thought it was the best thing I'd ever heard in my life," John recalled. John used musicians that were either his or Brown's friends. Guitarist Caleb Quaye and drummer Roger Pope, both members of the band Hookfoot at the time, played on many of the tracks. (Quaye and Pope would rejoin John a few years later as part of his studio and touring band behind Rock of the Westies in 1975 and Blue Moves in 1976.) Tony Murray from The Troggs played bass. Empty Sky is the first appearance with John of then Plastic Penny and Spencer Davis Group member Nigel Olsson, who played drums on Lady What's Tomorrow? (Olsson and fellow Spencer Davis bandmate, bassist Dee Murray, would soon join John as his early '70s touring band.)
Portions of our "About the Record" section are taken from information gathered from Wikipedia and AllMusic.

TRACK LISTING Empty Sky Val-Hala Western Ford Gateway Hymn 2000 Lady What's Tomorrow Sails The Scaffold Skyline Pigeon Gulliver-Hay Chewed-Reprise

Important (please read): Our used records are play-graded in their entirety and rated accordingly. We DO NOT necessarily make note of, or take into consideration, any visual imperfections that do not affect the sound while being played on our record players. If you would like a visual description of the vinyl itself, please ask, and we will be happy to provide one for you. **NOTE: Listing info, pictures, and/or product may change after your purchase. You will receive the item that you ordered. You may look at your PayPal receipt for an accurate account of your order. On eBay, you may also confirm your order by doing the following: Click the number sold (which is near the price on the listing). Then find your username and click "more actions" (to the right of your name). Select "view purchased item," and that will show you the listing as it was when you made your purchase. Promotional shipping offer: $4.99 flat S&H for orders totaling $60 or more for 2+ albums. For orders under $60, we combine shipping (it will be calculated at check-out or sent through an invoice). Please take note of the estimated delivery date (which is located at the top of the page, beneath the price box). Media mail sometimes takes longer than the estimate shown. International, APO, and FPO orders can take up to several months to arrive, but will be shipped in the time stated. Returns/Exchanges/Damage: We will work with you to resolve any given situation. Please contact us if there is a problem. Please to find other items (and sign-up for our Weekly Newsletter of newly-listed items and specials). If there is another title by the same (or a similar) artist that you don't see listed in our store, please contact us - we take requests!!

Keywords: lp, album, vinyl, record, 1970s, 70s, Elton John, Empty Sky, Skyline Pigeon, Steve Brown, Bernie Taupin, Hookfoot