Acid Bubblegum
1996 studio album by Graham Parker
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Acid Bubblegum is an album by the English musician Graham Parker, released on 1 October 1996.[1][2] Its title is a play on the genres of acid rock and acid house.[3] Parker supported it with a North American tour, backed by the Figgs.[4]
| Acid Bubblegum | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1 October 1996 | |||
| Genre | Rock and roll | |||
| Label | Razor & Tie | |||
| Producer | Graham Parker | |||
| Graham Parker chronology | ||||
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Production
Parker wrote the songs on acoustic guitar.[3] "Turn It into Hate" was written a few years before his previous studio album, 12 Haunted Episodes, and set the tone for the rest of Acid Bubblegum's "aggrieved" songs.[5] Parker was backed by Andrew Bodnar on bass, Gary Burke on drums, and Jimmy Destri on keyboards.[6] He produced the album, which was recorded in 13 days.[6] "Obsessed with Aretha" was written after Parker saw Aretha Franklin perform at the Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1995; he had long been impressed with her "technically great" voice but found it to be symbolic of a lack of "soulfulness" in society.[7][8] "They Got It Wrong (As Usual)" alludes to the suicide of Kurt Cobain.[9] "Bubblegum Cancer" criticizes the tobacco industry for marketing cigarettes to minors.[10] "Girl at the End of the Pier" is about the suicide of a young woman.[11]
Critical reception
The Record called the album "a soulful rock-and-roll treat that proves the old basher still can summon the spit and vinegar."[22] The New York Times stated that Parker "returns to the stubborn righteousness that has brought him loyal fans for 20 years."[23] Lincoln Journal Star said that he "surrenders completely to his baser impulses, firing caustically and hilariously at all sorts of pop-culture targets" and "the playing is lean and rocking, the melodies some of Parker's best in years".[17] The Observer noted that "while he can still write some potent lyrics, trying to be the most rage-filled rocker around is an odd ambition for a 45 year old."[24]
The Chicago Tribune concluded that "though the verbal hostility sometimes sounds staged, the music truly sizzles."[13] The Los Angeles Times stated, "It's a cranky thinking-person's album, along the lines of Lou Reed's ticked-off-guy-on-a-barstool record, New York."[3] The Washington Post noted that Parker "now distrusts youth culture every bit as much as he has always distrusted the Establishment."[25] The Tampa Tribune called it a "punchy, intelligent and tuneful treat".[21] The Indianapolis Star labeled the album "probably the best unheard disc of 1996."[26]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Turn It into Hate" | |
| 2. | "Sharpening Axes" | |
| 3. | "Get Over It and Move On" | |
| 4. | "Bubblegum Cancer" | |
| 5. | "Impenetrable" | |
| 6. | "She Never Let Me Down" | |
| 7. | "Obsessed with Aretha" | |
| 8. | "Beancounter" | |
| 9. | "Girl at the End of the Pier" | |
| 10. | "Baggage" | |
| 11. | "Milk Train" | |
| 12. | "Character Assassination" | |
| 13. | "They Got It Wrong (As Usual)" |