Graham Parker – Don’t Tell Columbus

Graham Parker has been unfairly tagged as an angry young man who never grew past his venom-spewing days, but over the years, he’s written and recorded some of the most tender declarations of love, some of the most earnest cries for connection, and some of the downright sweetest songs of hope. While Don’t Tell Columbus has its share of vitriol — the 1965-Dylanesque “Stick To The Plan” is a flurry of anti-right-wing talking points with a wicked sense of humor — the album hangs on songs such as “The Other Side Of The Reservoir”, a meditative look at what is and what could be, or “Somebody Saved Me”, a typically humble ode to Parker’s wife.

Don’t Tell Columbus is not quite as exceptional as his 2005 disc Songs Of No Consequence, but it’s close enough to carry on his career resurgence. As on many of his lesser late-’90s releases, Parker plays all the guitar and bass parts himself, but here, he develops intricate soundscapes that allow his vocals to deliver his always memorable hooks. Sure, a stronger lead guitar would be nice, but the songs are so good it doesn’t much matter.