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Post by dougs on Feb 17, 2023 21:51:10 GMT
RECORD STORE DAY 2023 (April 22nd);
Elton will be releasing a limited edition 2-LP version of DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER on RECORD STORE DAY 2023!
This RECORD STORE DAY 2023 album features the original record on the 1st vinyl album while the 2nd album features 7 "demos" of songs from the album plus the demo to the never-before-released "Hi-Heel Sneakers" plus a demo for "Skyline Pigeon" and a demo for "Jack Rabbit." The finished version of "Jack Rabbit" first appeared on the B-side of "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)." This release coincides with the 50th anniversary of the original release of DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER in January of 1973.
This special release is available, at this time, only in actual record stores - on April 22nd. Incidentally, 2022 saw the highest vinyl sales since the last century! Yep, 1999! Vinyl is an actual growth sector within the music industry which is seeing declining sales digitally and on CD. Elton has been a consistent contributor to RECORD STORE DAY events.
This particular DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER is limited to 4000 albums worldwide. Check recordstoreday.com for info including a list of some of the record stores which will be participating in the event.
More to come...
Doug
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Post by dougs on Feb 28, 2023 20:12:29 GMT
"Propeller Splatter"!
Welcome to a slightly psychedelic DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER on RECORD STORE DAY 2023!
Apparently, the 4000 limited edition copies of the special release will be pressed on a "propeller splatter" design. A flashback to what is hip again! Yep, the Elton album in question will not be on traditional black or even clear vinyl but will appear with a dramatic "propeller splatter" design. The party continues...
Doug
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Post by dougs on Apr 20, 2023 17:47:10 GMT
Reminder: DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER special vinyl release on Saturday, April 22nd in record stores only! Elton will be releasing a limited (4000 copies) edition 2-LP version of DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER on RECORD STORE DAY 2023! This RECORD STORE DAY 2023 album release features the original record on the 1st vinyl album while the 2nd album features 7 never released "demos" of songs from the album plus the demo to the never-before-released "Hi-Heel Sneakers" plus a demo for "Skyline Pigeon" and a demo for "Jack Rabbit." The finished version of "Jack Rabbit" first appeared on the B-side of "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)" in 1973. This release coincides with the 50th anniversary of the original release of DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER in January of 1973. Check out the official RECORD STORE DAY info on EJ's release: recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/15842No news yet if the demos will appear digitally at some point... Doug |
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Post by dougs on Apr 22, 2023 13:51:19 GMT
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Post by dougs on Apr 25, 2023 9:52:35 GMT
RSD 2023: DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER special vinyl double album - review:
Elton and his record company are doing a good job celebrating the 50th anniversaries of EJ's early 70s albums with special packaging, extra songs including demos and never-before-released versions & other tracks. DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER came out this past week fully packaged as it had been with double gatefold and insert of photos & lyrics PLUS an extra album featuring 10 demos, 3 of which were of songs that didn't make the original album. The only suggestion; it would have been nice to have a special new booklet as both MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER and HONKY CHATEAU did for their recent 50th anniversary editions - a booklet with rare photos and new interviews.
As a quick review, this special release will focus on the 10 demos. "Daniel" interestingly does not have EJ singing along with the song but occasionally humming and very gently singing in the background. It is great to hear this incredibly tight band (Elton, Dee, Nigel, and Davey) do their thing. Elton's electric piano comes though very nicely on "Daniel." Both "Teacher I Need You" and "Elderberry Wine" have more bounce to the ounce and really show off Elton's piano work. "Blues For Baby and Me" and "High-flying Bird" are brilliant. It reminds me of how great many of EJ's non-singles (album tracks) were. Nigel's playing is so interesting & good and he combines with Dee to create such an impressive rhythm section. "Have Mercy On The Criminal" comes across surprisingly well and includes some vocal ideas that were not used in the final album version. "I'm Going To Be A Teenage Idol" sounds as impressive as on record - funky. The 3 other demos were of songs that never appeared on the album. Elton & band do a cover of "Hi-heel Sneakers" which rocks nicely and EJ is clearly having a blast with the playful vocals. Elton does a great demo version with the band of "Skyline Pigeon" which may be my all-time favourite version of the song. A very similar version did end up as the B-side to "Daniel" back in 1973. To finish off, the bonus album of demos includes an early version of "Jack Rabbit." They revisited the song later and it made its way as a B-side to "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)."
Sometimes an artist's demos can be very unstructured and/or from very early moments in a song's creation. The demos here on this album show the songs nearing or at completion. It is truly remarkable to recall that Elton would usually write songs within a hour, do a couple of run-downs with Dee, Nigel, and Davey and then record them - usually finishing the song all the way through (as a keeper for the album) in only 2, 3, or 4 takes by this point in their recording history. Everyone involved was on top of their game. The ideas came quickly and they worked. Just think, these demos are of songs usually not more than a few hours old! Insane.
Doug
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