Honky Château (Bonus Track Version)

*Honky Chateau* is the pinnacle of Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin’s obsession with all things American, not least because its themes are funny (“I Think I’m Gonna Kill Myself”) and personalized (“Amy,” a sly paean to young lust). Elton’s small group, augmented with some daredevil electric violin by Jean-Luc Ponty, adapts to everything from the New Orleans carousel music of “Honky Cat” to the Ray Charles-ready “Mellow.” Similarly riding varied currents, the man does some of his best singing here; he’s positively funky on the Band-informed “Susie (Dramas).”