Ploughing the same field as Howe Gelb and Mark Lanegan, John Parish has slowly but surely built one of the most satisfying rock catalogues in recent memory, choosing to work with other artists (notably, PJ Harvey, Eels and Sparklehorse) rather than take the role of front man himself.In spite of, or perhaps, because of, this, Once Upon A Little Time feels like a life time’s work; Parish’s wife, Michelle, designed the sleeve and his daughter, Honor, set the type and his other daughter, Hopey, plays shakers and organ on the rollicking Sea Defences.
As for Parish himself, picking up the microphone for the first time fifteen years, his voice barely lifting above conversational volume, is world weary and raspy. In other words, his lyrics are the perfect accompaniment to the cracked production style that has realised them.
That’s not to say that the album is pedestrian. In fact, Parish gets dangerously close to rocking out on the Cajun-tinged Even Redder Than That and the devilish Trick Pilot.
Accomplished and graceful, Once Upon A Little Time sees Parish finally take centre stage. It’s been worth the wait.
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