Yes....Mark Ewing has finally defeated Tony Signore and all that's left to do now, is to let the bands play one last song. Parker would appear to be the heavy favorite in my opinion.
The CDs? Read below:
Imaginary Television by Graham Parker:
The ostensible premise behind Graham Parker's new studio release is that he created a batch of imaginary TV shows and then wrote the theme songs to accompany them. In the liner notes, he even provides a synopsis of each show rather than the song lyrics. It's an original, offbeat idea, befitting the witty Parker.
And it has absolutely nothing to do with the songs on this album. Not a damn thing. Yes, Imaginary Television is most certainly a concept album, but THAT isn't the concept. Rather than the collection of amusing novelty songs one might expect, Imaginary Television may be the most personal, vulnerable collection of songs Parker has ever released. It's a portrait of a man looking back over his life and re-evaluating everything, a man trying to come to grips with who he is---as an artist, a father, a husband, a human being.
The Shins: "Chutes Too Narrow" 2007 release:
This analogy probably doesn't make much sense, but this album somehow feels like a crisp, sunny autumn day in October. It's harvest season, leaves are falling, and the air is swirling with the scent of pumpkins, apples, and burning wood. It's very odd that I relate this music to a very specific image and season, but it might have something to do with the fact that it's by far my favorite time of year.
This 10 song collection borders on perfection. There are many musical styles and instruments present throughout: at different times we hear keyboards, violins, harmonica, and even a steel guitar accompanying the perpetual layers of acoustic and electric guitars. But even with the varying instrumentation and styles, there is an all encompassing sound. It's hard to explain, but it's extremely uplifting and satisfying.
