12 Haunted Episodes

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12 Haunted Episodes
Studio album by
Graham Parker
Released1995
LabelRazor & Tie
ProducerGraham Parker
Graham Parker chronology
Live Alone! Discovering Japan
(1993) 		12 Haunted Episodes
(1995) 		Live from New York, NY
(1996)

12 Haunted Episodes is an album by the English musician Graham Parker, released in 1995 on Razor & Tie.[1][2] Parker supported the album by touring with his backing band, the Episodes.[3] It was Parker's first studio album for an independent label.[4] 12 Haunted Episodes is primarily an acoustic album.[5]

Production[edit]

Recorded in Saugerties, New York, the album was produced by Parker.[6][7] He chose to write the songs in an open G tuning, after being annoyed when someone advised creating an album similar in style to the rock and roll of Squeezing Out Sparks.[1] Parker thought that he was able to sing more "naturally" with the new tuning.[8] He spent five hours recording the demo, then decided a few days later to add overdubs to it with other musicians.[9][10][11]

Many songs are about the work of maintaining romantic love.[12] "Disney's America" is about the proposed theme park.[13] "Haunted Episodes" added a flute to the instrumentation.[14] "Force of Nature" quotes Bob Dylan's "She Belongs to Me".[15]

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Daily Breeze[14]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music[16]
The Indianapolis Star[17]
MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide[18]
Orlando Sentinel[19]
Rolling Stone[20]
Spin Alternative Record Guide6/10[21]
Martin C. Strong5/10[22]
USA Today[7]

The Orlando Sentinel wrote that "Parker's famous acerbic wit is either missing or misplaced, and he seems to be low on hooks at the moment."[19] The Philadelphia Inquirer determined that "the acoustic-flavored tunes tend toward folk-rock, and the usually pugnacious Brit focuses on his tender and introspective side."[23] Rolling Stone stated: "Autumnal in mood, gracious and honest, this is music of a clean, unsentimental maturity."[20]

The Washington Post opined that "it's doubtful any other album this year will bring as much insight and passion to the subject of adult romance."[13] The Indianapolis Star concluded that Parker "abandons vitriolic irony for the more mature, and less memorable, perspective of a contented grownup."[17] The Guardian noted the "comfy tastefulness" and labeled the album "one for designer bedsits."[24]

Track listing[edit]

No.TitleLength
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."Loverman" 
11."Fly" 
12."First Day of Spring" 

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Bessman, Jim (January 28, 1995). "Graham Parker finds a new haunt". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 4. pp. 16, 34.
  2. ^ Maples, Tina (January 29, 1995). "Cranking up the old machine: A couple of blasts from the past highlight the new releases". The Milwaukee Journal. p. E8.
  3. ^ Pareles, Jon (April 3, 1995). "A Mellower Graham Parker". The New York Times. p. C16. Archived from the original on May 26, 2015.
  4. ^ Haymes, Greg (March 23, 1995). "Parker Downshifts for His 'Minor-Label' Debut". Times Union. Albany, New York. p. P11.
  5. ^ Pensiero, Nicole (March 26, 1995). "Sunday's TLA show with the always-interesting Graham Parker...". The Press of Atlantic City. p. C5.
  6. ^ Orr, Jay (May 18, 1995). "Graham Parker". Nashville Banner. p. C3. ProQuest 283715562.
  7. ^ a b Ayers, Anne (May 1, 1995). "Graham Parker, 12 Haunted Episodes". USA Today. p. 8D. ProQuest 306717195.
  8. ^ Sachs, Lloyd (April 9, 1995). "Graham Parker Praising James Taylor? What's the Deal?". Showcase. Chicago Sun-Times. p. 5.
  9. ^ Sculley, Alan (April 9, 1995). "Just Call the Guy Romantic". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 3C. ProQuest 305021284.
  10. ^ Sculley, Alan (May 26, 1995). "Parker goes beyond his 'angry man' reputation". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 22, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  11. ^ Lozaw, Tristram (March 24, 1995). "Veteran Parker still a label rebel". Boston Herald. p. S13.
  12. ^ Boehm, Mike (April 20, 1995). "Graham Weighs In". LV Desk. Los Angeles Times. p. 4. ProQuest 2031276630. Archived from the original on November 28, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Himes, Geoffrey (March 31, 1995). "Parker Mixes Anger and Love". The Washington Post. p. N12. ProQuest 903253260.
  14. ^ a b Gnerre, Sam (March 17, 1995). "Graham Parker '12 Haunted Episodes'". Daily Breeze. p. K20.
  15. ^ Marcel, Joyce (March 23, 1995). "Graham Parker unmasks his softer side". The Republican. Springfield, Massachusetts. p. WK1.
  16. ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 6. MUZE. p. 420.
  17. ^ a b Hall, Steve (April 10, 1995). "Graham Parker '12 Haunted Episodes'". The Indianapolis Star. p. D3. ProQuest 240140612.
  18. ^ MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1999. p. 857.
  19. ^ a b Gettelman, Parry (March 10, 1995). "Graham Parker". Calendar. Orlando Sentinel. p. 7. ProQuest 278611310.
  20. ^ a b Evans, Paul (May 4, 1995). "Rollin' & tumblin' — 12 Haunted Episodes by Graham Parker". Rolling Stone. No. 707. p. 69. Archived from the original on November 28, 2023.
  21. ^ Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. 1995. pp. 286–287. ISBN 0-679-75574-8.
  22. ^ Strong, Martin C. (2004). The Great Rock Discography (7th ed.). Canongate U.S. p. 1142. ISBN 9783861507017.
  23. ^ Cristiano, Nick (March 31, 1995). "Graham Parker". Features Weekend. The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 15. ProQuest 1840842954.
  24. ^ "Your essential guide to the new CDs". The Guardian. April 28, 1995. p. T13. ProQuest 295001085.
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