Elton John: Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player

Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player: 50th Anniversary Vinyl Review

Elton John's sixth studio album, "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player," celebrated its golden anniversary in 2023, giving fans a chance to revisit this landmark release that marked his second consecutive U.S. No. 1 album and his first to top the charts in the UK.

The Record Store Day Special Edition
The Record Store Day edition comes pressed on eye-catching 180g red and white swirled vinyl. While the visual presentation and packaging are undeniably impressive, audiophiles should note that this pressing is essentially identical to the mass-released 50th anniversary version—just with the added aesthetic appeal of colored vinyl.

This special release is formatted as a two-record set: the complete original album on one disc, with a collection of outtakes and demos on the second. These alternative takes provide an interesting glimpse into Elton's creative process, though they're likely not compelling enough to warrant repeated listening for most fans.

Sound Quality: The Inherent Limitations
From a sonic perspective, this pressing delivers about as much as can be expected from a mass-produced vinyl record likely cut from digital source materials. The dynamic range is respectable, but not exceptional.
However, the elephant in the room is the album's notorious recording quality issues. As most serious Elton collectors know, "Don't Shoot Me" has never been available in a truly audiophile-quality pressing—and there's a reason for that. Problems with the Dolby recording system during the original sessions have permanently limited what can be achieved with this material.

This technical limitation was highlighted when renowned mastering engineer Steve Hoffman remastered "Elton John's Greatest Hits" for his DCC label. He discovered that tracks sourced from "Don't Shoot Me" suffered from "Misaligned Dolby A" issues. As Hoffman noted, "Some cuttings were mastered with Dolby off, some with Dolby on. Neither worked."

The Vinyl Verdict
The Record Store Day edition makes for a handsome addition to any Elton John collection and certainly represents a worthwhile investment for dedicated fans. The colored vinyl and comprehensive packaging create an appealing physical artifact celebrating one of Sir Elton's most commercially successful albums.
However, those primarily concerned with audio quality might find themselves somewhat disappointed, not because of any deficiency in this particular pressing, but due to the inherent limitations of the source material. For the serious audiophile, a high-resolution digital download may actually represent the optimal listening experience for this particular album.

While not the sonic masterpiece that some other Elton John albums have proven to be on vinyl, this 50th anniversary edition still delivers a nostalgic journey through classics like "Daniel" and "Crocodile Rock" with as much fidelity as the source material allows. 💵

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass