Search - Graham Parker :: Don't Tell Columbus

DON'T TELL COLUMBUS BUT TELL EVERYONE ELSE

Alan Dorfman | DELRAY BEACH, FL United States | 03/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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.""

A journey through life with an expert guide

Jersey Kid | Katy, Texas, America! | 04/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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,"

HATS OFF GP! DAMN!

Antoniades Giorgos | Cyprus | 03/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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"