Wikipedia

12 Haunted Episodes

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]

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)

Production

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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

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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

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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

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  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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