{"product_id":"elton-john-thom-bell-sessions-vinyl-lp-mca-13921","title":"Elton John – The Thom Bell Sessions (Vinyl LP, MCA-13921)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eElton John – \u003cem\u003eThe Thom Bell Sessions\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalog:\u003c\/strong\u003e MCA-13921  |  \u003cstrong\u003eSide A Matrix:\u003c\/strong\u003e MCA 1812 WT-13921-Side A ⧈-G-⧈\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Artist\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElton John\u003c\/strong\u003e needs little introduction — one of the most celebrated and enduring figures in popular music, with over 300 million records sold worldwide. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, Middlesex in 1947, his partnership with lyricist \u003cstrong\u003eBernie Taupin\u003c\/strong\u003e produced some of the most beloved songs of the rock era. By the late 1970s, Elton had conquered stadiums on every continent, and while his commercial fortunes fluctuated through the early 1980s, his artistic curiosity never wavered. \u003cem\u003eThe Thom Bell Sessions\u003c\/em\u003e stands as one of the most intriguing and underappreciated chapters in his catalogue — a deliberate step outside his comfort zone into the world of Philadelphia soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Album\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecorded in Seattle in 1977 but not released until 1989, \u003cem\u003eThe Thom Bell Sessions\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating artifact of a pivotal moment in Elton John’s career. The sessions were produced by \u003cstrong\u003eThom Bell\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Philadelphia-based architect of the lush, orchestrated soul sound behind the Stylistics, the Spinners, and Teddy Pendergrass — and represent a genuine creative experiment: what happens when one of rock’s great piano men surrenders to the warm, string-drenched world of Philly soul?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe result is a quietly stunning mini-album. Bell’s production wraps Elton’s voice in layers of orchestration and rhythm that feel both unexpected and entirely natural. The standout \u003cstrong\u003e“Are You Ready for Love”\u003c\/strong\u003e — later a massive UK #1 hit when remixed and re-released in 2003 — is the centrepiece: a soaring, groove-driven declaration that showcases Elton at his most soulful and uninhibited. \u003cstrong\u003e“Three Way Love Affair”\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e“Shooting Star”\u003c\/strong\u003e further demonstrate the chemistry between artist and producer, with Bell’s arrangements giving Elton’s voice a richness and warmth rarely heard in his rock recordings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe album was originally shelved due to label disputes and contractual complications, which only adds to its mystique. For collectors and Elton devotees, this is a genuinely rare and rewarding find — a window into a road not taken, and proof that Elton John’s voice was always bigger than any single genre.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eRecord Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis copy has been \u003cstrong\u003ecarefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer\u003c\/strong\u003e and stored in a \u003cstrong\u003enew inner plastic sleeve\u003c\/strong\u003e. The vinyl presents with \u003cstrong\u003eminor surface scuffs\u003c\/strong\u003e but played \u003cstrong\u003eflawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips\u003c\/strong\u003e. Minor pops and crackles were noted during playback, consistent with the visual grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecord Grade:\u003c\/strong\u003e VG (Very Good) — plays well, minor surface noise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJacket Grade:\u003c\/strong\u003e VG (Very Good) — wear consistent with age (see photos)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhotos show actual item. What you see is what you get.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Portage MCC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47887390277885,"sku":"Storefront Vinyl","price":12.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/9597\/7651\/files\/Elton_John_The_Thom_Bell_Sessions_Vinyl_LP_MCA-13921.jpg?v=1784824427","url":"https:\/\/portagemcc.com\/products\/elton-john-thom-bell-sessions-vinyl-lp-mca-13921","provider":"Portage MCC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}