Why Did Elton Dump The Dick James Demos/Drake Sessions?

[BiteUrLip]

I'm currently listening them, and some of these recordings are great, even in that demo quality.

So, why to dump them? He could have used them in his studio albums and replace some fillers.

I don't understand the need to have all songs as brand new compositions every single time he records a new album. Even less I understand using leftovers from the previous sessions, unless the style of the previous album prevented the use in that album.

[kissybissy]

Sometimes we don`t understand what leads Elton to dump great songs. Most of his outtakes are great songs, while he includes mediocre songs in his albums just to complete the track list.

[dougs]

Elton dumping session songs:

Yeah, some of those Dick James demos were good.  Maybe Elton wants his new albums to capture a time or a place and doesn't want to step backwards in time.  I don't know.  Some bands like Pink Floyd would go back to previous sessions to re-work songs into new music;  their album ANIMALS (1977) used two songs written before WISH YOU WERE HERE (1975)and these songs (with new titles) became the focal point of ANIMALS.  Moby has done the same.  Stevie Nicks released "Planets of the Universe" on a solo record in 2001;  the song was almost included on Fleetwood Mac's RUMOURS album in 1977.  She went back to revisit her past on that one.

I agree with kissybissy;  Elton has excluded some really good songs from albums and has let them slide into oblivion.  "Red" (from the MADE IN ENGLAND sessions) did manage to be included on an AIDS charity album called "Sol En Si" but he never released it on anything of his.  Hradly anyone knows about it;  Toronto FM radio gave it decent airplay, by the way.  From the same sessions, "_ell" is clearly a song worthy of inclusion on an album.  Good song.  Too bad his AIDA Demos never saw the light of day;  many of his versions are superb.  

Another thing;  while many bands are currently re-releasing boxed sets of albums featuring alternate takes of songs and demo versions, Elton doesn't give his fans access to this very often. I have purchased 3 Fleetwood Mac boxed sets for FLEETWOOD MAC and RUMOURS and TUSK and all have alternate takes and demos.  Cool stuff.  And, they sell!  Wouldn't it be interesting to hear the other 3 mixes of CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY (!) or the original rocking mixes of some of the BLUE MOVES tracks.  

Elton just doesn't have much interest in revisiting songs that he has done in the past.  That is his prerogative.  He once did;  revamped versions of "Skyline Pigeon" and "Grey Seal."  Too bad, though, as lots of good stuff is truly lost and forgotten.

Doug