Excellent Good Fair Poor : COMPACT DISCS

“The Superior Sound of Elton John (1970-1975).” DJM. The “superior” in the title is meant to draw attention to the production values of this import CD and distinguish it from two other Elton John “greatest hits” collections available in CD. Producer Gus Dudgeon spent five weeks in the studio remixing much of John’s early catalogue into digital stereo, and the care shows in the excellent sound. The 11 songs (from hits like “Daniel” to well-chosen sidelights like “Love Lies Bleeding”) document the marvelous accessibility and craft of John and lyricist Bernie Taupin during their peak years. 1/2