Elton John (July 5, 1974) "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" / "Sick City" Single 7" JAP

THE RELEASE

Label: DJM

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: Japan

Catalogue: IFR-10563 Release Date: July 5, 1974

TRACK LIST

A-Side Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John / Bernie Taupin)

B-Side Sick City (Elton John / Bernie Taupin)

WHAT THE LABEL SHOWS

Commercial version: Standard DJM orange/beige labels with full track and production credits. Promo / Demo version: White label with “見本 非売品” (Sample Not For Sale) stamp, large “A” marking, stereo notation, and detailed credits including “© 1974 THIS RECORD CO. LIMITED”.

Produced by: Gus Dudgeon

CONTEXT AND NOTES

One of Elton John’s signature power ballads from the Caribou era, featuring his distinctive piano and soaring vocal performance. The Japanese release includes bilingual sleeve text and was issued alongside the international rollout of the single.

The B-side “Sick City” adds a raw, bluesy contrast to the A-side’s emotional depth.

VARIANTS & PACKAGING

• Commercial pressing with full-colour sleeve (Elton in white outfit and red sunglasses)

• Promo / Demo white label variant marked “Non-Sale Sample”

• Standard Japanese picture lyric inset

INTERNATIONAL VARIANTS

UK – DJM – 1974

Australia – DJM – 1974

Canada – MCA – 1974

Denmark – DJM – 1974

Germany – DJM – 1974

Italy – DJM – 1974

Netherlands – DJM – 1974

New Zealand – DJM – 1974

Philippines – Parlophone – 1974 Portugal – DJM – 1974

USA – MCA – 1974

Yugoslavia – DJM – 1974

PERSONNEL

Songwriters 

• Elton John

• Bernie Taupin

Produced by Gus Dudgeon

CHART PERFORMANCE 

UK Singles Chart: Peak No. 16 (8 weeks on chart)

US Billboard Hot 100: Peak No. 2 Canada: Peak No.1

SOURCES 

Discogs,

45 World,

Wikipedia,

BBC Official Charts.

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