The Joker is a combination live and studio album by Steve Miller Band. The album was recorded at Capitol Studios in 15 days and released by Capitol Records in October 1973.The album marked a period of significant change for the group as the band abandoned their psychedelic-oriented music for a more melodic, smooth rock/blues sound. It was also their first solid commercial success due to the strong radio-play of the title track. The album reached No. 2 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart and has been certified Platinum in the United States. It reached No. 1 on the Cash Box Albums Charts on January 8, 1974.
Reception
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic rated The Joker three out of five stars, calling it "all bright and fun, occasionally truly silly". He also stated that it "isn't mind-expanding", but concluded by saying that it "nevertheless maintains its good-time vibe so well that it's hard not to smile along... provided you're on the same wavelength as Miller, of course."
Record World said of the single "Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash": "A dynamic rocker, it ain't nothin' but the best!"
Track listing All tracks written by Steve Miller unless otherwise stated.
Personnel Steve Miller – guitar, vocals, harmonica Gerald Johnson – bass guitar (all but 8), vocals Dick Thompson – organ, clavinet John King – drums
Additional personnel Lonnie Turner – bass guitar (8) "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow – pedal steel guitar (9) John Van Hamersveld and Norman Seeff – album cover design Norman Seeff – photography
Artwork In 2023, Steve Miller posted an essay to his website in celebration of the album's 50th anniversary. In it, he wrote:
"I’m always uncomfortable ‘posing’ and it clearly showed. Norman [Seeff] was sympathetic and said, 'I have an idea, come back tomorrow afternoon and we’ll try again.' When we arrived the next afternoon he had a box full of masks… It was suddenly easy posing with a mask on! He shot me wearing all the masks. The session looked great, the Joker image was created and The Joker was looking like it would be the single and the title for the album."
A deluxe vinyl of the LP was released in 2023 containing extra images from The Joker album photoshoot, with Miller wearing various different masks.
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for The Joker Chart (1973–1974) Peakposition Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) 38
Year-end charts +Year-end chart performance for The Joker Chart (1974) Position US Billboard 200 39
Certifications
References
Further reading