I was 8 years old when Honky Château was released in May, 1972. It’s Elton John’s fifth studio album, following Madman Across the Water (1971) and preceding Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1973). I just found out it was recorded at the Château d’Hérouville in France; which, of course, partially explains its title.
Four months later — 5 September 1972, to be exact — the Israeli Olympic team was taken hostage by Palestinian terrorists. The only reason I mention this is it’s my earliest memory of a world event. I was in the second grade. Mrs. Raymond was my teacher. The thing I remember most about her was in the Spring of that year she read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe to our class in its entirety. This sent 8-year-old-me on a Chronicles of Narnia obsession. I had to have all seven volumes. And sure enough, that Christmas I got the 7-volume, boxed edition. I wish I still had it.
The only reason I mention any of this is as I age, I’m starting to recall events in my life way more now than any other time. Which is to say I never sat around at, say, 25 years ago thinking about Mrs. Raymond and CS Lewis. Nor would I have ever sat down to listen to any Elton John record from start to finish. Up to finding this really clean, first-pressing of Honky Château (with gatefold!) at the Topanga flea (for 5 bucks!), I wouldn’t have even considered buying an Elton John record. (That’s not entirely true. When I sold my collection, I had a copy of Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road and Madame Across The Water.)
I’m not sure what any of this means, except it’s all a function of age. That and by far the very best track on Honky Château is “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.” It’s buried on side 2, the 3rd of 5 tracks, which kinda surprised me.
My record collection now, as it currently stands:
