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Graham Parker - 12 Haunted Episodes Audio CD

A fair review of the Graham Parker "12 Haunted Episodes" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Graham Parker reviews here, or go back to the Graham Parker tabs.

Graham Parker Band: Graham Parker
Title: 12 Haunted Episodes
Rating:
Release Date: 1995-03-14
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Partner for Life 2: Pollinate 3: Force of Nature 4: Disney's America 5: Haunted Episodes 6: Next Phase 7: Honest Work 8: Cruel Stage 9: See Yourself 10: Lover Man 11: Fly 12: First Day of Spring

Somewhere in the middle
His recordings have ranged from the brilliant to the barely acceptable (for him) and this recording has me split down the middle. Graham Parker has never been the most consistent of aritists. Listening to the lyrics and his emotionally charged singing alone, this ranks with his best work. From the forever in love vibe of "Partner for Life" to "Haunted Episodes" with its searching questions about what has been and could be; lyrically this is as interesting as anything Parker has produced. But then take that same "Haunted Episodes" and listen to the wandering flute and casually strumming guitar and you find yourself looking for more energy. This occurs repeatedly where the quality of lyrics and singing don't match with the casual musical style. Some of these songs need a bit of edge and they're not to be found anywhere on this CD. I like it, but it just doesn't stand musically with many of Parker's other works.


More like 12 Great Episodes
I love this CD,is it my favorite Graham Parker CD no it is not. 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. 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.


If you like Struck by Lightning, you'll love this one
The first is his Rumour days, 1976-79, angry young man and all that. If you ask me, there are three kinda distinct stages of GP's career (god, I hate that word). . . . 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.


An incredbile album
Please have a few listens; you will not be able to put it down. 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. The First Day of Spring might be Parker's greatest creation ever.


Weak GP album
It just simply isn't very good. I love Graham Parker and love most of his albums, but this one is an exception. Partner For Life is a eloquent song about marital bliss without being too sappy, and it is the one highlight of the album.

He has a couple excellent acoustic albums, mainly Struck By Lightning and Live! Alone In America which are both excellent albums.


You can see a complete list of all Graham Parker discography, or go back to the Graham Parker tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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