Several tracks were eventually released, but the bulk went unheard for decades.

If you haven’t been blessed to stumble into a New Orleans gig from Tom McDermott, then the forthcoming Bamboula compilation — overseen by Van Dyke Parks — is your chance to get caught up. You May Also Like: Michael McDermott – Willow Springs (2016) Susanne Ortner Trio – ‘Last StopRead More

Are there any famous albums out there that you’ve ignored over the years? I have a small cache of them, which I keep secret because when people find out I’ve never listened to them they sort of freak out. You May Also Like: How David Bowie’s ‘Reality’ Stood Out ForRead More

A little too mannered at times, Van Dyke Parks songs would fall flat on their ass were it not for his flair for musical mischief making. “Dreaming of Paris,” for instance, is the picture of genteel reverie until he announces that JFK has been shot You May Also Like: AaronRead More

Van Dyke Parks has collaborated, over the years, with the likes of Randy Newman, Ringo Starr, the Byrds, Harry Nilsson, Ry Cooder, and others. More recently, he has been issuing a series of seven-inch vinyl singles, the most recent of which was “Sassafrass”/”The All Golden.” You May Also Like: NoRead More