Detective Kalita - The Michael Parks

Kelp Records
Released: 05.23.06

First, let’s get it straight. You might be confused by the cover. Many people are. The band’s name is Detective Kalita. The album is called The Michael Parks.

Combining the laid back pop elements of the Flaming Lips and Pavement, DK has made one of the most enjoyable albums of the year. Opener Altona MB beings with an acoustic guitar and some slight tinges of psychdelia. By the time the backing vocals creep in, the music has already become personal and caring, evoking images of “a prairie town with a small town feel.” The next two songs show another side of DK. “The 8:45’s” is stripped down, and “Mary 16” is an all-out minute-nineteen-second party. There’s no fighting here, just spastic dancing and mildly drunken gropes. “Waking Up Is Hard To Do” evokes early morning feelings of nostalgia and love upon finding your girl/boyfriend has already left the bed. “Coupling Un-coupling” has a late-Sebadoh Lou Barlow feel that makes you move your ass and shake your shoulders. “Best Man Blues” displays a certain humor that’s present throughout the album. Kicking off with a quick guitar riff, the vocals come in “All your fucking life you said you wanted more...” The result is more funny than accusatory. “Fairweather Friends” would make the best single from The Michael Parks. The bass line kicks in a manic frenzy, infecting the rest of the instruments, causing the band to clap their hands and sing with elation.

The Michael Parks is perfect for a party, but you’ll probably hit skip on a couple of the slow tracks. While in bed or the car, these more laid back tracks hold the album together. Without them, it might be too poppy. The real strength of the album is that it fits into almost any activity. Driving, absolutely. Preferably on a country road. Post-sex layabouts. Without a doubt. Cuddle up, laugh when you want to laugh, sigh when you want to sigh. Reminiscing about old friends and lovers. Go for it. There’s plenty of honest emotion in songs like “This Night” that you’ll feel someone out there understands, and that while you might be nostalgic right now, tomorrow you might be shaking it down at a party.

- Matt Thompson