Search - Graham Parker :: 12 Haunted Episodes

12 Haunted Episodes
Graham Parker
12 Haunted Episodes
Genres: Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, Rock, Classic Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

12 Haunted Episodes is yet another good album for Graham Parker, full of some of the best rock-singing this side of Van Morrison, and full of songwriting that never tires of wrestling with contradictions. The paradox that ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Graham Parker
Title: 12 Haunted Episodes
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Razor & Tie
Original Release Date: 3/15/1995
Re-Release Date: 3/14/1995
Genres: Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, Rock, Classic Rock
Styles: New Wave & Post-Punk, Singer-Songwriters, Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 793018281720

Synopsis

Amazon.com
12 Haunted Episodes is yet another good album for Graham Parker, full of some of the best rock-singing this side of Van Morrison, and full of songwriting that never tires of wrestling with contradictions. The paradox that obsesses Parker this time out: How can he be an angry iconoclast and a happily married husband at the same time? On 12 Haunted Episodes, he integrates the two themes into songs which explore the interface between public discontent and private solace. On "Partner for Life," for example, he pledges fidelity to his wife with a raspy ferocity as if battling off all the distractions and temptations of the world at large. "Next Phase" is a lovely soul ballad that describes how a spouse's love can help one through the trials of the workday. Other songs, such as "Force of Nature," "Loverman," and "Pollinate," introduce a rock & roll lust into the context of marriage. Another song, "Disney's America," turns the recent battle over a theme park in Manassas into a fable of lost innocence. Parker is a marvelous singer and songwriter, but he's not the world's best producer. His unimaginative pub-rock arrangements and his bland, dull sound don't do his songs and performances justice. --Geoffrey Himes

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CD Reviews

An incredbile album
11/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of the Chairman since the 70s and this album, while bereft of the angry chords, is still filled with rage albeit within the bounds of the most beautiful music GP has ever created. Please have a few listens; you will not be able to put it down. The First Day of Spring might be Parker's greatest creation ever."
If you like Struck by Lightning, you'll love this one
Jason Garland | 12/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you ask me, there are three kinda distinct stages of GP's career (god, I hate that word). The first is his Rumour days, 1976-79, angry young man and all that....the second is his "slick producer days" (1980-1985)where he did some gosh-awful things selling out to the labels, being someone he wasn't. And, most importantly, his "post-Mona Lisa's sister" phase, where he has written his best material.
I just had to post a 5-star review for this one when I saw it averaged 3 stars....."
More like 12 Great Episodes
Richard Rimmer | Johnson City,TN,USA | 12/01/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wow when I see some of the nasty comments about this CD I have to wonder if they are listening to the same Cd I am.I love this CD,is it my favorite Graham Parker CD no it is not.That would be Squeezing Out Sparks which is one of my top five favorites ever.

That being said there is a lot to said for this release, it is more mellow than his typical release if there is such a thing but it has a drive to it and a great rock track Honest Work which to my ears would have made a great single if he had a label pushing him.

Force of Nature,Disneys America,Haunted Episodes are enough to justify this CD alone but wait there's more Cruel Stage.Fly,Next Phase are all great songs.

This is a CD I have to be in the mood for,it is not a CD to listen to on a road trip but it is a CD when in the mood for it It will get repeat listens to.

Even at Grahams worst he is better than almost anything you will hear on the radio so listen to the samples and then buy this CD and give it several listens before you put it away for something else and you will be very happy that you bought this."