Today we have Elton John's sixth studio album Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. Released in 1973, the album again features his touring band for the songs, but invites Paul Buckmaster back for string arrangements on some of the songs. It was also recorded in the French Château that Honky Château was recorded in.
Although Don't Shoot Me contains the rock backing and song diversification that made Honky Château Elton's best album so far, nothing here is nearly as commanding as "Honky Cat" or "Rocketman" or even "Slave." "Daniel" is a strong cut with strong lyrics and "Teacher I Need You," about a schoolboy's crush, has some fun lyrics. And perhaps the band just compliments them better, but the strings are Buckmaster's best contributions to Elton's songs yet, "Have Mercy on the Criminal" being especially strong. B+ [Later: B]
