Two Rooms
Celebrating The Songs Of Elton John and Bernie Taupin
1991Two Rooms was a compilation of songs chosen and sung by various artists. These are the songs and each artists' quote taken from the CD's liner notes
Artist: Eric Clapton
Song: Border Song
from the album Elton John
"I felt that I could identify with 'Border Song', it reminds me of when I first met Elton - 1 could feel a way of doing it; with a horn section in a bluesy kind of way. Everything I have ever heard Elton and Bernie write has moved me at the time - moved me, encouraged me and inspired me — everything."
Artist: Kate Bush
Song: Rocket Man (I think it's going to be a long, long time)
from the album Honky Chateau
"From the age of 11, Elton John was my biggest hero. I loved his music, had all his albums and I hoped one day I'd play the piano like him (I still do). When I was asked to be involved in this project and was given the choice of a track it was like being asked 'would you like to fulfill a dream? Would you like to be Rocket Man?' ... yes, I would."
Artist: Sting
Song: Come Down In Time
from the album Tumbleweed Connection
NOTE: Elton on piano, credited as Nancy Treadlight
"I was an English student when 'Tumbleweed 'Connection' came out and 'Come Down In Time' was my favourite track. I learnt to play it on the guitar and used to perform it in the clubs. I love Bernie's lyrics and it's just one of those songs you wished you'd written yourself."
Artist: The Who
Song: Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
from the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
"Elton is one of the few people to have covered a classic Who song, So it's great to. have the opportunity to get our own back!'!"
Artist: The Beach Boys
Song: Crocodile Rock
from the album Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
"We are honored and very happy to be included in this project. Elton and Bemie are incredible and have our absolute respect."
Artist: Wilson Phillips
Song: Daniel
from the album Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
"'Daniel' is a classic, well, they're all classics, but 'Darnel' is a perfect song for Wilson Phillips to cover, not only is it a lyrically great song, but it has many vocal opportunities and is simply one of the sweetest melodies ever written."
Artist: Joe Cocker
Song: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
from the album Blue Moves
"Way back in '68 1 met Elton in the office of the publisher Dick James. I was given a tape of 'Border Song' which for some obscure reason I turned down. I hope I've made up for it with this rendition of 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word', that shows the deeper side of Reg and Bernie's writing."
Artist: Jon Bon Jovi
Song: Levon
from the album Madman Across The Water
"Every once in a while, I hear a song that I wish I had written. The first time I heard 'Levon', I knew it was one of those songs."
Artist: Tina Turner
Song: The Bitch Is Back
from the album Caribou
"I covered the 'Bitch Is Back' on an old album of mine in the 70s when I went solo - it used to open my shows and everyone loved it. I thought the time was perfect for an updated version. The attitude is right for me - a little bit shocking."
Artist: Daryl Hall & John Oates
Song: Philadelphia Freedom
from the album Greatest Hits Volume 2
"Elton and Bernie have so many great songs that it was hard for us to pick which one to do. We chose 'Philadelphia Freedom' because the music is so close to our hearts and the lyrics represent the way we feel about Philadelphia."
Artist: Rod Stewart
Song: Your Song
from the album Elton John
"Elton and Bernie are both shorter than me which is a weakness in my eyes. They're very sweet guys, I love them dearly and I'd love to see more of them."
Artist: Oleta Adams
Song: Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
from the album Caribou
"Elton John and Bernie Taupin offered the world a quality blend of exciting Rock 'n Roll expressed through stirring lyrics and memorable melodies, with the voice and grand piano at center stage. I chose to sing 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me' for the same reason that I sang it at the start of my musical career. It had some of my favorite elements of good music: Beautiful lyrics simmering in gospel gravy."
Artist: Bruce Hornsby
Song: Madman Across The Water
from the album Madman Across The Water
"Elton inspired me to learn to play the piano. I remember specifically the - time and place I heard Elton's music for the first time, it moved me that intensely. I chose 'Madman Across The Water' because I always loved the song, and its dark mood; and I wanted to try to take it to another place musically."
Artist: Sinead O'Connor
Song: Sacrifice
from the album Sleeping With The Past
"I can't believe no-one did 'Candle in the Wind'."
Artist: Phil Collins
Song: Burn Down The Mission
from the album Tumbleweed Connection
"Elton has been a great pal over the years, and both he and Bernie have written some wonderful songs. To choose one was tough, but 'Burn Down The Mission' seems to sum up their early work. I hope they feel we do it justice."
Artist: George Michael
Song: Tonight
from the album Blue Moves
"I can still remember the first time I heard this song. As usual, I had bought Eiton's latest album, (in this case, 'Blue Moves') on the day of release, and I listened to it the entire evening. Even though I was only 13 years old, Tonight was possibly the most moving song I had ever heard. To sing that same song 15 years later, with an adult understanding of its' lyric, and as a friend of the two men who wrote it, is a great privilege."
Although these pages honor the career of Elton John, they are dedicated to one-forth of the greatest touring band since the Beatles. And like John Lennon's passing ten years earlier ended the possibility of the four ever touring again, Dee Murray, bass player on the best of Elton's records and onstage for the best of shows, left drummer Nigel Olsson, guitarist Davey Johnstone, and keyboard player, Elton John when he lost his battle with cancer on January 15, 1992. Thanks Dee for all the great playing, even that tour with Alice Cooper in '79! Rest well.
Code Word: Levon
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