Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player [180-Gram Vinyl LP]

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:	07/28/2017
Label:	Mercury / Virgin Emi
UPC:	0602557383096

Tracks

1. Daniel
2. Teacher I Need You
3. Elderberry Wine
4. Blues for My Baby and Me
5. Midnight Creeper
6. Have Mercy on the Criminal
7. I'm Going to Be a Teenage Idol
8. Texan Love Song
9. Crocodile Rock
10. High-Flying Bird

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Elton John   Primary Artist,Flute,Piano,Vocals,Harmonium,Keyboards,Mellotron,Lead Vocals,Farfisa Organ,Piano (Electric)
Paul Buckmaster   Orchestra
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 (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Ken Scott   ARP Synthesizer
Ivan Jullien   Trumpet

Technical Credits

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