Customer Reviews

Don't Tell Columbus

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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."

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.

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

The first time I listened to 'Don't Tell Columbus,' I was a little disappointed. Instead of stridently angry lyrics amidst R&B-based melodies, I heard words and music that soundly suspiciously like Dylan.

And then I really listened to this absolutely stunning set of insights and observations about life.

Aging gracefully is not an easy propositon for anyone. It's even more difficult for rock 'n' roller where the temptation of reunion tours, nationally televised cosmetic surgery, revolving door stays in therapy/detox and short-lived marriages to significantly younger one-legged gold-diggers all make for life's progress to moprh into the notional highway to hell.

Graham Parker has been aging gracefully and graciously for a number of years. This album marks a pinnacle event in that progession. Whether singing sbout the 'teenage years' of his other homeland or commenting on and about the wisdom gained from enjoying and enduring love and loss, Parker takes us on a journey through 12 pieces of genius.

Among the greatest - and, believe me, this is a matter of individual choice because each and every listener will make equally rational choices of his/her favorite based on their own life-experiences - are 'The Other Side of the Reservoir' and 'All Being Well.' The maturity and sincerity contained in both shine with not a hint of resignation,

I used to keep a fairly long list of folks whose next album I would automatically buy no matter what, sure they could do no wrong. Over the years nearly all have fallen off, some quietly and some with spectacularly loud and ugly thuds (Elvis Costello). Graham Parker has lived on my list longer than anyone and will undoubtedly never leave. "Don't Tell Columbus" is an amazing album by an amazing artist. It defies belief that a human being can make music this good so consistently for so long. It's almost scary to report that he's even getting better - I can think of no apt analogy to any other artist in music or any other field. I urge you to immediately quit reading my ignorant ramblings here and just listen to this CD. Blowhards like me are a dime a dozen - Graham Parker is one of a kind.

Oh us Parker fans are a loyal bunch. What kills me is I actually do like the new Paul McCartney release, "Memory Almost Full," but listen carefully. The first hit, "Dance Tonight" could have been written by a 6 year old...."Everybody gonna' dance tonight, everybody gonna' feel alright" ... and what absolutely FLOORS me is everyone claims this McCartney release is his best in years! It's great claims ... blah, blah, blah and every other magazine and source available. What frustrates me is Graham Parker puts out another excellent, balanced release with meaningful lyrics and good music to boot and Paul is the hero. On "Struck by Lightning," one of my old mellow favorites, Graham released a song called, "Brand New Book," which had the line, "The words came out, not twist & shout, that's not what a grown man writes about ..." Well, Paul will sell millions of "Memory Almost Full" on the strength of "Dance Tonight" while Graham continues to pump out solid, cohesive cd's. I'm done whining, but Graham will always be a guilty pleasure. This CD rates up there with his best. I'm not bashing Paulie but his new music is basically ..... "Twist & Shout." Rock on Graham!

This is exactly the kind of album I look forward to -- melodies and instrumentation that grow on repeated listening (and GP played most of it himself). There's not much I can say about GP that hasn't been said before - so few people know about him these days. Fans should definitely pick this one up. And if you aren't a big GP follower but liked albums like The Mona Lisa's Sister, Your Country, or Struck By Lightning, you won't be disappointed. It doesn't hearken back to the Howlin Wind or Squeezing Out Sparks mode, but don't let that deter you. This is a serious and powerful record from one of the greats.

I am a HUGE Graham Parker fan, and, for the most part, I think his CDs have gotten better and better over the last ten years. But this CD should rank right up there with his best work. I might be wrong, but it seems to be more autobiographical than usual and for that reason it is very poignant. Do not expect the hard rocking Parker from Acid Bubbblegum or Squeezing Out Sparks but instead expect a more reflective, melancholy, and sometimes haunting sound - it is a sound that I think suits him to a tea. It is also a sound that may take a few listenings to grab hold, but once it does - and it will - you will find yourself reaching to play it again and again.

(I just wish that he would tour the Pacific Northwest.)

In a perfect world, Graham Parker would occupy the same superstar status as a Bruce Springsteen (a GP fan by the way), the Stones, etc. In our reality, he can't even get noticed by a major record label, or get radio airplay. But then again, radio has become so fractured and disfunctional, who does get airplay? Graham's last 3 discs: "Deepcut to Nowhere", "Songs of No Consequence", and now "Don't Tell Columbus" contain the best music of his career, period. The shame is that there is no Record Label to promote the hell out of his talents. He's not radio friendly, because radio can't label or categorize him. All the more shame, as these songs need to be heard! GP has come such a long way from the Angry Young Man belting out Pub Rock tunes with the Rumour in the '70s, to the Mature (ahem) Still Slightly Peeved Man of today who writes music all can relate to. His music still rocks, has killer hooks, and he still has his scathing wit, and dry sense of humor; it's just now refocused, and redirected. My hope is that more people discover GP, and some Major Record label takes a chance by signing (and promoting) him, and maybe actually gets some airplay! Standouts on the new disc: "I Discovered America", "Love or Delusion", "Total Eclipse of the Moon", "Stick to the Plan", "Hard Side of the Rain". A five star release, as GP proves that like fine wine, he's just getting better with age!

It is quite astonishing that an artist who has been around so long can still produce work of this quality. There is not one album from a long career which is not worth buying and listening to repeatedly. I personally did not like "Your Country" but that was my taste, as the "Cowboy Boot" official live bootleg showcased those songs far better (again, to my taste!)
This, on short acquaintance, is just about at "Up Escalator" level - a fabulous achievement for the man.
And the "pub rock" thing - well, if it gets you listening, fine. GP is, and always has been, so much more.