Graham Parker

Live From New York captures Graham Parker with his backing band 12 Haunted Episodes live in concert. Recorded at the Bottom Line in June of 1995, Live from New York features highlights from Parker's long career, spanning from "Stick to Me" to "Disney's America." Although he doesn't add anything new to the songs, Parker sounds charged on the newer material, bringing out an edginess on the material from his RCA albums and 12 Haunted Episodes that wasn't necessarily on the original recordings. Still, that doesn't prevent the album from being more than a little predictable -- after all, it is the fifth officially-released live album in Parker's career (sixth, if you count the 1979 promo-only Live Sparks which was officially released a couple of months after Live in New York NY). For anyone but dedicated Parker fans, Live in New York, NY is unnecessary, although it is a pleasant, enjoyable listen (with the notable exception of a forced cover of Nirvana's "In Bloom"). ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide