Expectations vs Reality (what if it all just works out)

Elvis Costello 

Look Now (deluxe edition, gatefold) 

2018 'Indie Record Store Exclusive

translucent red vinyl

Ducking out of work on a Friday afternoon in search of a new release is always a fun adventure. We all love the feeling of New Music Fridays!    Ok yes, I work from home so it’s not quite the spy-thriller to escape my desk as I know it would be for some of you. But I’m sure you can relate to that laser focus of wanting to get your hands on an anticipated, limited edition, special press of a Friday release day. Especially when you feel the heat of the timing; others might want that title too, gonna be big demand for this color variant, will the shop have enough?!? …better get there ASAP!!

The tunnel vision almost has me blinded to anything else in the bins sometimes. 

So how do you handle it when you don’t get what you’re looking for?…

Elvis Costello’s studio albums are a discography I would like to complete. I try to always have an eye out for his stuff and do my best to refocus and make sure to check for his name through the alphabetized cards. Beyond the depth of his catalog, the vocal phrasing, and lyrics, the chameleon like approach to his music is why I chase, every album is a little different. I think he and Dylan share that commonality. Knowing this album holds a sonic shift I actually held off when it initially arrived (7-years ago already), partially to see if the price would fall, also still exploring his other works (you knowing filling in back catalog first). Well waiting makes the wish list grow larger, attentions drift to something new and before you know it sits on the back burner waiting to be remembered…

…So, there I am totally zoomed in on the new release I thought I was hunting and find that I'm face-to-face with this previously neglected title staring at me from the bins with a great price tag and original wrap. What I had planned for a Friday afternoon new release took a turn and I fell backwards into a treasure I wasn’t expecting. (It’s really just an aged new release, right)

 …Serendipity? Luck? Fate?

Returning to the comfort and predictability of my listening room with my prize. Finally able to spin this one and absorb the details of another musical approach. I still find myself caught off guard. An unanticipated swing in musical style and subject matter... It’s not a rocker, not americana/ folk, definitely not the hip-hop partnership with Roots of the previous album. 

It’s does have influence from Burt Bacharach (who co-writes 3 songs), some help from Carole King on "Burnt Sugar Is So Bitter." And of course, the 1st new album with @imposters in 10-years and Steve Nieve keyboards playing a big part. Throw in some strings and horns; you get a mature blended pop, softer with more of a classic 60’s pop sensibility.

#ParkersPlaylist didn’t get what I left the house for but that doesn’t mean i didn’t find something i wanted. Look Now …wishing you serendipitous crated igging.