12 Haunted Episodes
1995 studio album by Graham Parker
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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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1995 | |||
| Label | Razor & Tie | |||
| Producer | Graham Parker | |||
| Graham Parker chronology | ||||
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Production
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
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
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 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" |