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Thread: Van Dyke Parks - Discover America

  1. #1

    Van Dyke Parks - Discover America

    Few years ago I was in good record shop.I asked the man what would be his very recommended album for me.

    "Van Dyke Parks - Discover America"

    I never seem to find the appeal for the album.


  2. #2
    Member hippypants's Avatar
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    It's an odd album, but I enjoy it for what it is--not commercial by any means. I can see how he influenced Brian Wilson & his songwriting.

  3. #3
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    Never heard this album but I find its predecessor 'Song Cycle' at its best to be an amazing piece of work. There is some over-reach on it (particularly the 2nd side) but when it works, it really does. I've not heard much, if anything, else he's done as a solo artist.

  4. #4
    Member rcarlberg's Avatar
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    Van Dyke Parks, Nick Drake and Richard Thompson, all artists that are held in high regard by critics but I can't see the appeal.

    Van Dyke Parks just sounds like TV commercials to me.

  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by JJ88 View Post
    I find its predecessor 'Song Cycle' at its best to be an amazing piece of work.
    I'm still absolutely flabbergasted by Song Cycle, but I rarely play this one. It's an interesting concept for what it is, but the whole "meta-approach" gets lost on me as far as musical joy is concerned.
    "Improvisation is not an excuse for musical laziness" - Fred Frith
    "[...] things that we never dreamed of doing in Crimson or in any band that I've been in," - Tony Levin speaking of SGM

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by rcarlberg View Post
    Van Dyke Parks, Nick Drake and Richard Thompson, all artists that are held in high regard by critics but I can't see the appeal.
    As for Drake, there's something particularly European about his appeal. I've listened those albums to near-death myself, so I usually won't go there too often anymore, but I still love some of his songs and lyrics. And not just for the "atmosphere".
    "Improvisation is not an excuse for musical laziness" - Fred Frith
    "[...] things that we never dreamed of doing in Crimson or in any band that I've been in," - Tony Levin speaking of SGM

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