Anders Parker

You Should Know


Anders Parker is yet another example of an artist making great music in relative anonymity. Anders has released five critically lauded albums under the Varnaline name, two with the band Space Needle, and recently two solo full-lengths and an EP. Anders also has some impressive connections. He teamed up with former Uncle Tupelo member Jay Farrar under the moniker Gob Iron to release 2006's Death Songs For The Living . Anders has also received the praise of living legend Steve Earle, who actually released Varnaline's last album on his own boutique label E-Squared/Artemis. Musically, Parker's music generally fits into the alt. country category but he runs the gamut from guitar-heavy rock (namely his EP The Wounded Astronaut ) to sparsely orchestrated acoustic guitar numbers. His latest release, 2006's self-titled Anders Parker , plays as the troubadour's most organic release. The album's material was played, sung, and recorded live in three days and most of the songs were captured on the 1st or 2nd take. Alt. country fans will find much here to like, so I recommend picking up Parker's latest material and working your way back to his Varnaline days. -- Capt. Obvious