Remixed - EP

Album Review

While there are a few harder to find tracks for the more earnest enthusiast and collector, the centerpiece of this EP is undoubtedly the "Acoustic Mix" of "Candle in the Wind." This "unplugged" version features only an acoustic guitar from Davey Johnstone and John's lead vocals, as well as rich backing harmonies from Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson. Although this version was first issued as a bonus track on the 30th anniversary edition of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (2003), it is also available on this decidedly less pricey extended play CD. While it is the exact same take as heard on the album, producer/engineer Greg Penny has stripped it down. This creates a thoroughly fresh listening experience, capturing a purity of spirit and organic quality that the original arrangement either lacked or, at the very least, was obscured by the other more pervasive instrumentation. While significantly remixing an already established "hit" may seem like revisionist blasphemy to some, its acceptance is a harbinger of the inevitable embrace and widespread use of the practice. The remainder of 2003's Remixed consists of a seemingly random aggregate, such as both the extended and single mixes of the disco-driven "Are You Ready for Love," taken from John's sessions with Philly soul maven Thom Bell. "Rocket Man 03" dates back to a rare 12" promotional-only release that is also known as the "Hani Mix," while the "Song for Guy" remix surfaced on a 1992 U.K. CD single for "The Last Song."