Don't Tell Columbus

Graham Parker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 13, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Bloodshot Records
• ASIN: B000MR9C1Y
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,006 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The prolific veteran continues to cover a lot of musical territory on an album that resonates with the sound of his glory years of the mid-to-late 1970s. On the first two songs, Parker recalls his breakthrough with Dylanesque phrasing on "I Discovered America" before flashing forward to the current state of British pop celebrity on "England's Greatest Clown." There's his trademark sardonicism in the socially-conscious singalongs of "Ambiguous" and "Stick to the Plan," while other highlights include songs of resilience ("Suspension Bridge," "Hard Side of the Rain") and redemption ("Somebody Saved Me"). At almost eight-and-a-half minutes, "The Other Side of the Reservoir" is epic by Parker's standards, as he follows Van Morrison into the mystic. The closing "All Being Well" could pass as a traditional Irish benediction. With arrangements largely built around Parker's acoustic guitar, the predominantly midtempo material doesn't rock as hard as Parker has, but the hooks sink deep into the soul. --Don McLeese

Review

If, as many claim, Elvis Costello stole Parker's angry young man mantle, here he steals it back and delivers sinuous grooves and righteous footstompers. Claims of a career high point aren't overstated. --Uncut

You can tell he was inspired in writing these 12 new songs, because they serve up verse after verse, each one sharper than the last, and the bare-bones pub-rock arrangements provide plenty of room for Parker to unleash some of the finest rock and soul singing of his career. --The Washington Post

The best thing Graham Parker's done since his 1970s heyday. --Popmatters

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DON'T TELL COLUMBUS BUT TELL EVERYONE ELSE, March 18, 2007

By 

Alan Dorfman - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Don't Tell Columbus (Audio CD)

Now beginning his fourth decade of recording, it's still hard for me to forget that day in 1976 when Graham Parker's debut album (we still had vinyl in those days) "Howling Wind" wound up on my desk in the buyer's office at the record and tape distributor for which I then worked. Halfway down in a pile of new releases from Mercury Records (who he would later fight with and write the classic "Mercury Poisoning" about) there it was, a classic raw rock tornado that blew my young ears away. Who would've thought back then that the London-born Graham Parker would, all these years later, turn into the quintessential American singer/songwriter. Not necessarily a star and without that one song to grant him one hit wonder status and yet 30 years of writing, recording and touring in his rear-view mirror speaks volumes about lasting success.

With the vocal rawness of Bob Dylan and the same career arc (from angry young man to wizened old but still relevant guru), the accessible songwriting and performance chops of Bruce Springsteen, the American populism of John Mellencamp (a Mercury labelmate back at the beginning of both careers) and the breadth of musical knowledge and influences of Ry Cooder, Graham Parker has rightfully sustained a successful career despite less than megamillion sales because he always has interesting, important and clever things to say in ways that are seldom repetive on disc and explosive on stage.

"Don't Tell Columbus" continues a long streak of sold, rocking, dependable discs from Graham Parker. There is not a weak cut among this bunch but special mention must go to the opener "I Discovered America (Don't Tell Columbus)," the mock optimism of "Stick To The Plan," the longing for simplicity of "The Other Side Of The Reservoir," the unflagging energy of "Total Eclipse Of The Moon," the wise yet wistful "Love Or Delusion" and the cynicism of "Bullet Of Redemption."

If you're not familiar with Graham Parker this is as good an introduction as any of his studio stuff. If you're already a fan you're now on notice that there's new Graham Parker to get for your collection. Graham, if you're reading this, "Howl On."

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Work from the best kept secret in the west, March 15, 2007

By 

Bellboy (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don't Tell Columbus (Audio CD)

While often being compared to Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello is not quite an insult, it misses the reality that Graham Parker is the greater of the three at the ability to convey a true artistic vision with consistently great songs. Here he plays most instruments and uses help only where necessary(could he do female backup singing?). This is a singular achievement about a complex world at a complex time. It straddles an ocean(England's Latest Clown; I Discovered America) it is about our times(Stick to the Plan), past times(Other Side of the Reservoir, Suspension Bridge) and is timeless(Somebody Saved Me). With so much to chew on, it may be premature to say anything but this may be the greatest work from the best kept secret in the west.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HATS OFF GP! DAMN!, March 18, 2007

By 

Antoniades Giorgos - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Don't Tell Columbus (Audio CD)

For the record I don't usually write reviews. I loved the previous album but this one is brilliant and so fresh! The songs are original and terrific, great lyrics as always and the band is very solid; I even danced with the damn thing! If Dylan made an album like this it'd be hailed as a masterpiece, honest! Thank you Graham!

"If I never make a record again, that'll be fine with me. This is it. My work is done here." -- Graham Parker