Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
Encyclopedia
Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player is the sixth studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John
. It was released by DJM Records
.
This was Elton's second straight # 1 album in America and yielded his first # 1 single in both the U.S. and Canada – "Crocodile Rock
". "Daniel
" was also a major hit from the album, giving him his second Canadian # 1 single on the RPM
Top Singles Chart and just missing the top slot south of the border, stalling at # 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100
and reaching # 4 in the U.K., one place higher than achieved by Crocodile Rock
. According to writer Philip Norman
in his early 1990s authorized biography, "Elton," during a party in Los Angeles, Elton's friend Groucho Marx
jokingly pointed his index fingers at the singer, as if holding a pair of six-shooters. John is reported to have put up his hands and said, "Don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player," so naming the album. (The album's cover photograph, which shows a young couple going to see a fictional movie, "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player, starring Elton John," also includes a movie poster of the Marx Brothers' "Go West," though whether this was an intentional subtle tribute to Groucho is uncertain.)
Once again, the team returned to France to record at the Château d'Hérouville, also known at the time as "Strawberry Studios," which was how the studio was credited in the album's sleeve. The album featured horns arranged by producer Gus Dudgeon on "Elderberry Wine" (the b-side to "Crocodile Rock"), "Midnight Creeper" and "I'm Gonna Be A Teenage Idol," the latter of which was inspired by Elton's friend, T-Rex frontman Marc Bolan
. The horn players were the same ones, in fact, who were used on "Honky Château." Paul Buckmaster returned to add strings on "Blues For Baby And Me" and "Have Mercy On The Criminal." During his Australian concerts with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1986, Elton lauded Buckmaster's work on songs such as "Have Mercy On The Criminal," calling the string arrangements "revolutionary."
The album was a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic, topping the UK and US album charts and selling about 14 million copies worldwide. It is one of only two albums to feature just the core band of Elton, Davey Johnstone
, Dee Murray
and Nigel Olsson
, without percussionist Ray Cooper
. The other album is Breaking Hearts
.
One of the only outtakes of note was a re-recording of "Skyline Pigeon," which became the b-side to the single of "Daniel."
Critics at the time called some of the performances, especially "Crocodile Rock," derivative, which Elton freely acknowledged years later. In "His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John" by author Elizabeth Rosenthal, Elton said "Crocodile Rock" was written as an overt homage to '50s records, and his vocal intentionally mimicked Bobby Vee. "High Flying Bird" was designed to sound like a Van Morrison record, and "Midnight Creeper" was a tip of the hat to the Rolling Stones.
"Don't Shoot Me ..." was also, according to John, the first album during which he felt comfortable experimenting with his vocal performances and style.
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
. It was released by DJM Records
DJM Records
DJM Records was the record label set up in the 1970s by British music publisher, Dick James, distributed by Pye Records in the UK and various other companies around the world, including the USA...
.
This was Elton's second straight # 1 album in America and yielded his first # 1 single in both the U.S. and Canada – "Crocodile Rock
Crocodile Rock
"Crocodile Rock" is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and recorded in June 1972 at the Strawberry Studios, Château d'Hérouville in France. It was released on 27 October 1972 in the UK and 20 November 1972 in the US, as a pre-release single from his forthcoming 1973 album Don't Shoot...
". "Daniel
Daniel (song)
"Daniel" was a major hit song by Elton John. It appeared on the 1973 album Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. It was written by John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin. In the United States the song reached #2 on the pop charts and #1 on the adult contemporary charts for two weeks in the spring...
" was also a major hit from the album, giving him his second Canadian # 1 single on the RPM
RPM (magazine)
RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,...
Top Singles Chart and just missing the top slot south of the border, stalling at # 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and reaching # 4 in the U.K., one place higher than achieved by Crocodile Rock
Crocodile Rock
"Crocodile Rock" is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and recorded in June 1972 at the Strawberry Studios, Château d'Hérouville in France. It was released on 27 October 1972 in the UK and 20 November 1972 in the US, as a pre-release single from his forthcoming 1973 album Don't Shoot...
. According to writer Philip Norman
Philip Norman (author)
Philip Norman is an English novelist, biographer, journalist and playwright.Norman grew up in Ryde, Isle of Wight. He attended Ryde School, and his father, Clive Norman, ran the Seagull Ballroom on Ryde Pier. He described his childhood in his book Babycham Night...
in his early 1990s authorized biography, "Elton," during a party in Los Angeles, Elton's friend Groucho Marx
Groucho Marx
Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx was an American comedian and film star famed as a master of wit. His rapid-fire delivery of innuendo-laden patter earned him many admirers. He made 13 feature films with his siblings the Marx Brothers, of whom he was the third-born...
jokingly pointed his index fingers at the singer, as if holding a pair of six-shooters. John is reported to have put up his hands and said, "Don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player," so naming the album. (The album's cover photograph, which shows a young couple going to see a fictional movie, "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player, starring Elton John," also includes a movie poster of the Marx Brothers' "Go West," though whether this was an intentional subtle tribute to Groucho is uncertain.)
Once again, the team returned to France to record at the Château d'Hérouville, also known at the time as "Strawberry Studios," which was how the studio was credited in the album's sleeve. The album featured horns arranged by producer Gus Dudgeon on "Elderberry Wine" (the b-side to "Crocodile Rock"), "Midnight Creeper" and "I'm Gonna Be A Teenage Idol," the latter of which was inspired by Elton's friend, T-Rex frontman Marc Bolan
Marc Bolan
Marc Bolan was an English singer-songwriter, guitarist and poet. He is best known as the founder, frontman, lead singer & guitarist for T. Rex, but also a successful solo artist...
. The horn players were the same ones, in fact, who were used on "Honky Château." Paul Buckmaster returned to add strings on "Blues For Baby And Me" and "Have Mercy On The Criminal." During his Australian concerts with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1986, Elton lauded Buckmaster's work on songs such as "Have Mercy On The Criminal," calling the string arrangements "revolutionary."
The album was a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic, topping the UK and US album charts and selling about 14 million copies worldwide. It is one of only two albums to feature just the core band of Elton, Davey Johnstone
Davey Johnstone
Davey Johnstone , is a Scottish rock guitarist and vocalist, best known for his work with Elton John.-Career:...
, Dee Murray
Dee Murray
Dee Murray was an English bassist, best known as a member of Elton John's original rock band.-Biography:Murray was born David Murray Oates in Southgate, London in 1946...
and Nigel Olsson
Nigel Olsson
Nigel Olsson is an English rock drummer, who is best known for his work with Elton John. Olsson helped establish the Elton John sound as one of the first members of John's band, on drums, percussion and backing vocals. When not working with Elton, Olsson has taken up the role of a session musician...
, without percussionist Ray Cooper
Ray Cooper
Ray Cooper is an English musician. He is a session and road-tour percussionist, and occasional actor, who has worked with several musically diverse bands and artists including George Harrison, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, and Elton John. Cooper is commonly regarded by music fans, critics and fellow...
. The other album is Breaking Hearts
Breaking Hearts
Breaking Hearts is the eighteenth studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1984. It features the quartet of John, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson. There were two hit singles on this album, the U.S...
.
One of the only outtakes of note was a re-recording of "Skyline Pigeon," which became the b-side to the single of "Daniel."
Critics at the time called some of the performances, especially "Crocodile Rock," derivative, which Elton freely acknowledged years later. In "His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John" by author Elizabeth Rosenthal, Elton said "Crocodile Rock" was written as an overt homage to '50s records, and his vocal intentionally mimicked Bobby Vee. "High Flying Bird" was designed to sound like a Van Morrison record, and "Midnight Creeper" was a tip of the hat to the Rolling Stones.
"Don't Shoot Me ..." was also, according to John, the first album during which he felt comfortable experimenting with his vocal performances and style.
Side one
- "DanielDaniel (song)"Daniel" was a major hit song by Elton John. It appeared on the 1973 album Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. It was written by John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin. In the United States the song reached #2 on the pop charts and #1 on the adult contemporary charts for two weeks in the spring...
" – 3:54 - "Teacher I Need You" – 4:10
- "Elderberry Wine" – 3:33
- "Blues for My Baby and Me" – 5:42
- "Midnight Creeper" – 3:55
Side two
- "Have Mercy on the CriminalHave Mercy on the Criminal"Have Mercy on the Criminal" is a song by Elton John released on his 1973 album, "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player". It is the most frequent live-track on the album besides the two dominating singles, "Daniel" and "Crocodile Rock".-Musical structure:...
" – 5:57 - "I'm Going to Be a Teenage Idol" – 3:55
- "Texan Love SongTexan Love Song"Texan Love Song" is a song by Elton John released on his 1973 album, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. The music was written by Elton John and the lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It is significantly more Country-orientated than any other songs on the album...
" – 3:33 - "Crocodile RockCrocodile Rock"Crocodile Rock" is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and recorded in June 1972 at the Strawberry Studios, Château d'Hérouville in France. It was released on 27 October 1972 in the UK and 20 November 1972 in the US, as a pre-release single from his forthcoming 1973 album Don't Shoot...
" – 3:58 - "High Flying Bird" – 4:12
Bonus tracks (1995 Mercury and 1996 Rocket reissue)
- "Screw You (Young Man's Blues)" – 4:43
- "Jack Rabbit" – 1:49
- "Whenever You're Ready (We'll Go Steady Again)" – 2:51
- "Skyline PigeonSkyline Pigeon"Skyline Pigeon" is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It is the eighth track off his first album, Empty Sky. John performed the song at the funeral of AIDS victim and friend Ryan White in 1990 on a grand piano although he played Roland Piano on tour and in the studio at the time...
" [Piano version] – 3:56
B-sides
| Song | Format |
|---|---|
| "Skyline Pigeon" (Piano Version) | Daniel 7" (US/UK) |
Personnel
- Elton John – vocals, piano, electric piano, Leslie piano, Farfisa organ, harmonium, mellotron
- Davey Johnstone – acoustic, electric, and Leslie guitars, banjo, sitar, mandolin
- Dee Murray – bass
- Nigel Olsson – drums, maracas
Additional musicians
- Davey, Dee, Nigel – Backing vocals (tracks 2, 7, 10)
- Ken Scott – A.R.P. synthesizer (track 1)
- Gus Dudgeon – Brass Arrangement (tracks 3, 5, 7)
- Paul Buckmaster – Orchestral Arrangement (tracks 4 and 6)
- Jacques Bolognesi – Trombone
- Ivan Jullien – Trumpet
- Jean-Louis Chautemps & Alain Hatot – Saxophones
Chart positions
| Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart Kent Music Report The Kent Music Report was a weekly record chart of Australian music singles and albums which was compiled by music enthusiast David Kent from May 1974 through to 1998... |
1 |
| Canadian RPM Albums Chart RPM (magazine) RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,... |
1 |
| Dutch Mega Albums Chart MegaCharts MegaCharts is responsible for the composition and exploitation of a broad collection of official charts in the Netherlands, of which the Mega Top 50 and the Mega Album Top 100 are the most known ones. Mega Charts also provides information to the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, of which the Dutch Top... |
2 |
| Italian Albums Chart | 1 |
| Japanese Oricon LP Chart Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... |
4 |
| Norwegian VG-lista Albums Chart VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... |
1 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
1 |
| West German Media Control Albums Chart | 16 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1973) | Position |
|---|---|
| Italian Albums Chart | 4 |
| Australian Albums Chart | 4 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard Year-End Billboard Year-End Billboard Year-End charts are a cumulative measure of a single or album's performance in the United States, based upon the Billboard magazine charts during any given chart year. Billboard's "chart year" runs from the first week of December to the final week in November... |
8 |