Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player

by Elton John

Overview

Elton John became a true superstar with 1972's Honky Chateau. He followed that album with Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, his most direct, pop-oriented album to date. Designed as a pastiche of classic and contemporary pop styles, the album almost sounds like an attempt to demonstrate the diversity of the John/Taupin team. Though the hits are remarkable -- "Daniel" is a moving ballad and "Crocodile Rock" is a sly take on '50s rock & roll -- the album is slightly uneven. Several of the album tracks, particularly the knowing "I'm Going to Be a Teenage Idol" and the rocking "Elderberry Wine," are as strong as anything John had recorded, but there are too many melodies that simply don't catch hold. Nevertheless, the singles were strong enough to keep the album at the top of the charts, and at its best, it is a very enjoyable piece of well-crafted pop/rock. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	11/15/2024
Label:	Mercury
UPC:	0602465793789

Tracks

1. Daniel
2. Teacher I Need You [Remastered 2017]
3. Elderberry Wine [Remastered 2017]
4. Blues For Baby And Me [Remastered 2017]
5. Midnight Creeper [Remastered 2017]
6. Have Mercy On The Criminal [Remastered 2017]
7. I'm Going To Be A Teenage Idol [Remastered 2017]
8. Texan Love Song [Remastered 2017]
9. Crocodile Rock [Remastered]
10. High Flying Bird [Remastered 2017]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Elton John   Primary Artist,Flute,Piano,Vocals,Harmonium,Keyboards,Mellotron,Lead Vocals,Farfisa Organ,Piano (Electric)
Jean Louis Chautemps   Saxophone
Dee Murray   Bass,Vocals (Background)
Jacques Bolognesi   Trombone
Alain Hatot   Saxophone
Nigel Olsson   Drums,Maracas,Vocals (Background)
Davey Johnstone   Banjo,Sitar,Guitar,Vocals,Mandolin,Synthesizer,Slide Guitar,Guitar (Leslie),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Ken Scott   ARP Synthesizer
Ivan Jullien   Trumpet
Paul Buckmaster   Orchestra

Technical Credits

David Larkham   Artwork,Design
Paul Buckmaster   Orchestral Arrangements,Arranger
John Tobler   Liner Notes
Bernie Taupin   Composer,Lyricist
Steve Brown   Coordination
Ken Scott   Engineer
Elton John   Composer,Songwriter
Michael Ross   Design,Artwork
Ed Caraeff   Photography
Gus Dudgeon   Producer,Brass Arrangement