Episode 42 - Jewel Box Companion 1: Bernie's Letter

Episode 42 - Jewel Box Companion 1: Bernie's Letter

Author: Neil Barrett June 7, 2021 Duration: 1:05:00
The first of six 'Jewel Box Companion' episodes. It's taken me a while to get to grips with all of the extra new material and versions that we have been treated to. I've boiled it down into six relatively short playlists, and I'm going to be introducing them, one by one, and providing a little context and interpretation where I can.  'Chapter 1' is focused on the first set of lyrics, sent by Bernie to Liberty Records in June 1967, in response to their call for talent. It features some short snippets of an interview that I have carried out with Elton's first manager, and Elton and Bernie's matchmaker: - Ray Williams. The full interview will be coming up soon.  The playlist for this first episode can be viewed here. There are links there for you to listen on the major streaming services, but here they are anyway: Spotify - - Apple Music - - YouTube Music.  It's not mentioned in the episode, but I've also chorded out the songs for any musicians out there. Drop me a line on eltonpodcast@gmail.com if you'd like to have a look.   

Neil Barrett hosts I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Elton John Podcast, a series built on a simple but powerful idea: you can love an artist's work deeply without needing to know every single fact. This isn't a dry historical archive or a gossip-filled biography. Instead, each episode focuses on the music itself-the songs, the albums, the collaborations, and the sheer craft behind them. You'll hear a thoughtful, often personal exploration of what makes these tracks resonate, from the chart-topping anthems to the deeper album cuts that might have slipped by. The tone is warm and conversational, like discussing records with a knowledgeable friend who’s more interested in sharing appreciation than proving expertise. It’s that balance of affection and detail that defines this podcast, offering a space for both lifelong fans and curious newcomers to hear Elton John's catalog with fresh ears. Barrett’s approach reminds us that music is for enjoyment first, and his episodes are a perfect companion for that journey, whether you're revisiting classic albums or discovering hidden gems for the first time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 42

I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Elton John Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 41 - Old Friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:12
It's the 50th Frenniversary! Elton's 4th album was a pick-and-mix, with three pastoral pop songs from the same mould as the Elton John Album, two spiky rock songs that kept the Tumbleweed rolling, and a 10 minute long Bu…
Episode 38 - Tumbleweed Connection Covered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:02
It's all go in Eltonland! The label have marked the 50th anniversary of Tumbleweed with a reissue of the album on green vinyl, plus an entirely unexpected companion 10" single, featuring the unearthed almost 8 minute lon…
Episode 36 - Jewel Box Joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:35
Well it's finally happened. I've got pretty much everything I've ever asked for, and probably a bit more. In this quickie episode, I dip into the mind-bending rarities track-list, and talk about what's new and what's not…
Episode 35 - 'Elton John' at 50 with John Higgins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:58
Enormous thanks to John Higgins - Feature Writer for the eltonjohn.com website - who came onto the podcast to share his love for the 'Black Album', and to tell me some of the stories that he'd been able to hear during in…
Episode 34 - Fantasy Residency and More Songs They Gave Away [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:32
In this episode I apologise for my absence; make some excuses; review the autobiography, in a limited sense; talk about the way that the book, the film and reality interact in one case; accept that I was wrong in another…
Episode 33 - Anett Murray Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:56
This episode starts off with a Rocketman competition, courtesy of Paramount Home Media (here is the prize pack that's up for grabs) before the main event, an interview with Anett Murray, wife of Dee Murray, and a big par…
Episode 32 - Mysteries of Elton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:27
Welcome aboard the Mystery Machine, as we take a Flight of Fancy into the unknown corners of Elton's musical world. In this episode, I investigate the spookiest, dustiest corners of discogs, I search for the bootlegs tha…