Elton John - Skyline Pigeon (Don't Shoot 14 of 14)

[dugongyogurt]

Empty Sky Pigeon is better

[americanson099]

Music is less a judgement, and more a statement. Any song can be " improved " by more engineering, or technology, but the statement it makes is more times than not,clearer, and with more feeling, when it's new... fresh. The original comes straight from the heart, and this is more important to an artist like Elton John. I love both versions, but for somewhat different reasons.

[asphaltspreader]

I am a life long Elton fan but never heard this version. I have only heard him play it dolo ("Here and There") and on "Empty Sky". Of course I was 13 in 1973 and didn't buy the "Daniel" 45 so that may explain it! Astounding... the full accompaniment takes nothing away from the emotional punch of the song. Still very moving.

[wakecatt]

I never really cared for the Empty Sky version of this. I think the harpsichord was distracting. The lyrics and voice here are just too great to masked. IMO this is by far the better version and is toward the top of favorite my Elton compositions.

[Mrmanbran1]

The pure "musical talent" of Elton will never be equalled again!!  The professional "marriage" of Elton & Bernie must truly have been inspired of GOD!

[jcboutoire]

I could listen to this song all day... any version... live or studio. There's something magical about Elton and Bernie that even John and Paul couldn't reach. I'm glad my parents raised me on Elton.

[hooeybrown]

What Elton fans should remember is that Empty Sky was Elton's first LP, and although this song was a well written song, he was just getting his feet wet a Is a recording artist. Think of the Empty Sky version as a demo, and this, the later version, was the fully realized version. The Empty Sky version has it's charm, as some of the tracks there do. But I too prefer this version. It deserves a place among Elton's early classics.

[zkxv]

Wonderful. Even if this was the only song Elton ever wrote it would be a major accomplishment.

[penniner]

@zkxv So true.

[Pmfried]

When did this version come out? Was this before or after the one on Empty Sky?

[apx24]

@Pmfried This version was released after the Empty Sky version. The Empty Sky version was released in 1969 whilst this version was released in 1972

[rjciccone]

@Pmfried This is the second time Elton recorded this song, and it was after the 'Empty Sky' version from 1968 - it was the b-side of the "Daniel" single issued in 1973. I believe this is the better version.

[SaturnTrack]

I enjoy this version more than the one I heard on 1969's Empty Sky. This just feels more like an Elton tune to me.

[SCOPOtuaMADRE]

Original version with the harpsichord is unreachable..

[SaddleCat1]

Never heard this version. Nice bass-line (Dee Murray?)...

[bookerirene]

@SaddleCat1 f-off

[eltonfreak]

I love this version best. This song has always given me comfort when dealing with loss. Beautiful.

[eurositi]

@kennygr8 And on the original version, Elton plays the harpsichord instead of piano. ;-)

[ivoryman996]

Gorgeous ^^

[chefypop]

im surprised knowone played this at mj's memorial .....very apropreate....and beautifully done..thanx

[forloveoffilm]

Good point. However, Sony had exclusive rights to all music at the memorial due to the contract Jackson had with them. I understand fully, it was a great way to make money from beyond the pale.

[sydlivy]

Yes, Empty Sky

[ticoinjapan]

nope, the version on Empty Sky has a different arrangement, this later version here came out on a 7" single only, in 1972 (UK) and 1973 (US)