Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Discover our selection of turntables
4.5
Average of 19 reviews
12
6
1
0
0
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
As a newcomer to Elton John's music, I recently delved into his extensive discography. A few years back, I purchased the breathtaking Jewel boxset, but it gathered dust on my shelf until earlier this year when I finally gave it the attention it deserved. Immersing myself in so much material was thrilling, and I grew to appreciate the collection deeply. Even the accompanying book was captivating. After exploring Jewel, I turned my attention to Elton's seventies albums. One of the first I acquired was this double CD anniversary edition. While I'm not dissatisfied, this anniversary release seems somewhat lacking in bonus content: just a few demos and a smattering of live Captain Fantastic tracks from 2005. Judging by the discussions on the Hoffman site, other EJ fans share this sentiment. My knowledge of Elton John is quite limited, but even I would have welcomed a more comprehensive collection: more demos, radio sessions, work-in-progress tracks, and a live show from the era, not something recorded decades later. With all that and a wealth of text (a lovely book; all that gorgeous artwork preserved from the original sleeve and booklets, they could have truly outdone themselves with this), we're left with this two-disc set in an "okay" cover. This is genuinely one of those cases where you'd want to buy the vinyl to fully appreciate the artwork alongside the music. But I'm not complaining. This album is, so far, my favorite Elton John release. Every track is either a groovy number or a heartfelt ballad. The confidence and passion in the performances shine through. There are truly enchanting moments here. The sound quality is excellent—I haven't noticed any audio issues and have enjoyed the main CD on my Sennheiser headphones without any discomfort. It's a shame the lyrics aren't included. So, I'd wholeheartedly recommend this album if you're not already familiar with it. I've read comments from Elton himself confirming this is his favorite as well, and I agree. While I'm a big fan of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, and Madman Across The Water, this one takes the crown in my opinion. A well-deserved 5 stars.
The audio quality is truly fantastic. Sadly, every single Elton John record from the 70’s on MCA has the loudest vinyl. My copy is nearly perfect and plays like a VG+ record.
This is a fantastic listen. Excellent recording. Highly suggest this pressing. Great mastering job.
Wow, awesome album! So dynamic, clear, and the soundstage is just out of this world! Amazing pressing too!
Should I ever find myself banished to a deserted island, allowing me to bring along just ten albums, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy by Elton John would definitely be among my choices. Every track is outstanding. This is an album that truly shines when listened to in its entirety, from start to finish without any interruptions. And now, we have what I consider to be the ultimate version of this masterpiece. The audio experience delivered by the Blu-ray is unmatched. The Dolby Atmos mix breathes new life into the album, offering immense depth, transparency, and clarity. The mix beautifully captures the original spirit of the album while utilizing the surround channels to enhance texture and definition. At times, the Atmos version elevates the music to extraordinary levels. Take a listen to Better Off Dead, where the percussion reverberates through every channel. Every instrument and vocal is presented with remarkable depth across a wide and captivating soundstage. This is yet another outstanding release from the SDE Shop Exclusive Blu-ray Audio series!
See exactly which store has this album in stock and where you can get the best deal. Compare prices below and order your LP directly.
| Date | Lowest price | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 31, 2025 | $29.98 | €31.99 |
| Nov 30, 2025 | $22.49 | €30.82 |
| Dec 31, 2025 | $22.49 | €30.16 |
| Jan 31, 2026 | $22.49 | €30.82 |
| Feb 28, 2026 | $22.49 | €30.82 |
| Mar 7, 2026 | $22.49 | €30.82 |