Van Dyke Parks

[GoogaMooga]

"Clang Of The Yankee Reaper" by Van Dyke Parks. His most commercial record, with exotic calypso rhythms, self-assured backing singers, and good arrangements all around. Easy on the ear, kind to the ear, kind and candy-like. It's a five star stone-cold classic, is what it is. "Song Cycle" was not for me, but this baby lies somewhere between the apex of "SMiLE" and the nostalgic and very stylish élan of "Orange Crate Art". It's not dusty at all, nor is it self-indulgent. It's just a beautiful thing that is hard to pigeonhole. As should be. Mine is the lovely 1999 Ryko.

[pcqgod]

I love 'Song Cycle;' haven't heard this one. Definitely want to give it a listen some day.

[Your Friendly Neighbourhood Postman]

I am a real VDP aficionado.

Have all his albums, and I also love the LPs he's associated with. Some examples from both categories:

[soundchaser]

Yes, I should listen more to VDP. I love his writing on SMiLE and Orange Crate Art, so I will make the effort.

[GoogaMooga]

I am a real VDP aficionado.

Have all his albums, and I also love the LPs he's associated with. Some examples from both categories:

Nice lot, there! Only seen the Stay Awake and the Popeye before.

[Your Friendly Neighbourhood Postman]

Hi there Googa -

IIRC he was present on several more Hal Willner productions (apart from Lost In The Stars and Stay Awake. And, perhaps needless to say, he did the arranging and producing for Inara George (An Invitation) and Joanna Newsom (Ys). I hope someday someone will put together a complete VDP discography, and, a personal wish, an elaborate boxed set with rare material and a fine book too.