Customer Reviews

Tell It to the Dust

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

 

 

If you haven't checked out these new tunes by Anders Parker, then you need to get on it! I'm a Varnaline fan from way back, and Anders continues to surprise me with each record he pust out. These songs are honest and heartfelt and come from a variety of interesting perspectives. Watch out for the closer "Doornail"...it's a firestarter!

I admit I had never heard of Anders Parker when I saw him open for Richard Bucker a few weeks back (Neurolux, Boise-ID). I was immediately hooked into Anders beautiful, passionate, and hauting music and lyrics. "tell it to the dust" was the song that I remember as being the one that first struck me as both really catchy and beautiful. By the end of the show, I was really blown away. Great stuff! I bought the album later that night, from Anders himself (really nice guy, a bit shy). I have listened to it around 8-10 times since then, and it grows on me more and more. After hearing the live versions of the songs, I was somewhat (but mostly pleasantly) suprised to hear a full band backing Anders on most tracks. While these didn't have the more minimalist appeal of the live show, they also add a new dynamic and energy to the songs. A great example is "So It Goes", which has a wonderful droning wall of sound with electric guitar and drums. Other tracks I think I would prefer stripped-down, with just Anders and his guitar (and keyboard) like he did live. I am hoping either a live album is in the works, or perhaps an all acoustic solo album.

Overall, this is a great album, and one to likely be on frequent rotation in my collection. If you are a fan of M. Ward, Jay Farrar, Nicolai Dunger, Nick Drake, Richard Bucker, etc. then you owe it to yourselve to give "tell it to the dust" a few spins. Also, check out Anders Parker's old band, Varnaline.

This album sounds good on the surface, but the songs really don't stand up to repeated listens. One of the annoying things about Parker is that he often has strong starts to a song, Tracks 1, 2, and 6 for example, and then gets to a chorus or bridge that is out of place or otherwise weakens the song. Especially track 6, which is a fine song until he starts an out-of-place "la-la-la" and then comes to a guiter solo that sounds like it belongs on a Hall and Oats album from the 80's. I cannot recall a song that goes from good to awful in such an extreme way. In summary, if this album is playing in the background, it sounds great. If it has your full attention, the songs simply do not impress, and ultimately disappoint.

After reading the reviews I decided to buy this album, hoping to hear music as exciting and fresh as Varnaline's "Songs in a northern key". What it does offer is the occasional mediocre song(the title song for instance), strong rock songs (goodbye friend)and nice ballads. What it's lacking for me, is the experimental side of "songs in a northern key". Still reason enough to buy it.

I knew Anders for a few years back when he used to play at Vassar. I was always impressed with his musical ability. I just bought this cd at a local store in New Paltz that continually supports his stuff. I must say I am blown away. I have liked Varnaline, but this is in a different league. Fantastic stuff! And Anders, if you happen to read this, drop me a line....