STUCK IN THE VINYL AGAIN - ELTON JOHN - DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER

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Good morning record enthusiasts and welcome back to the Friday edition of Stuck In The Vinyl Again . Today we celebrate the 74th Birthday of English drummer and backing vocalist, Nigel Olsson, best known for his work with Elton John. Happy Birthday Nigel ! With him in mind, we shine a light on Elton's sixth studio album, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. The LP was released January 26, 1973 on the MCA label and produced by Gus Dudgeon. It peaked at #16 in West Germany, #4 in Denmark, #2 in the Netherlands and Finland, and #1 in Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, Spain, the UK, and on the Billboard 200. "Crocodile Rock" (#11 Netherlands, Billboard Easy Listening, #10 Ireland, #6 South Africa, #5 UK, #3 Belgium, Germany, Norway, #2 Australia, #1 Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Switzerland, the Hot 100 and Cash Box)  and "Daniel" (#27 Germany, #14 the Netherlands, #8 Norway, #7 South Africa, #5 Switzerland, #4 Ireland, UK, #2 Canadian Adult Contemporary, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Hot 100, #1 Canada, Billboard Easy Listening)  were released as singles. 

1. "Daniel" 3:55

2. "Teacher I Need You" 4:10

3. "Elderberry Wine" 3:34

4. "Blues for My Baby and Me" 5:39

5. "Midnight Creeper" 3:52

Side two

6. "Have Mercy on the Criminal" 5:58

7. "I'm Gonna Be a Teenage Idol" 3:56

8. "Texan Love Song" 3:33

9. "Crocodile Rock" 3:55

10. "High Flying Bird" 4:12

Elton John – vocals, Fender Rhodes (1, 5), mellotron (1, 2), acoustic piano (2-4, 6, 7, 9, 10), Leslie piano (7) harmonium (8), Farfisa organ (9)

Ken Scott – ARP synthesizer (1)

Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar, electric guitar and Leslie guitar (All tracks); banjo (1), backing vocals (2, 7, 10), sitar (4), mandolin (8)

Dee Murray – bass (All tracks), backing vocals (2, 7, 10)

Nigel Olsson – drums (All tracks), maracas (1), backing vocals (2, 7, 10)

Gus Dudgeon – brass arrangements (3, 5, 7)

Paul Buckmaster – orchestral arrangements (4, 6)

Jean-Louis Chautemps – saxophone (3, 5, 7)

Alain Hatot – saxophone (3, 5, 7)

Jacques Bolognesi – trombone (3, 5, 7)

Ivan Jullien – trumpet (3, 5, 7)

Production

Producer – Gus Dudgeon
Engineer – Ken Scott
Remixed at Trident Studios (London, UK).
Coordinator – Steve Brown
Art Direction and Sleeve Design – David Larkham and Michael Ross
Cover Photo – Ed Caraeff
Booklet Photography – Ed Caraeff, Bryan Forbes, Maxine Taupin and Michael Ross.