***Legendary artist, composer and producer VAN DYKE PARKS launches a unique series of 7-inch vinyl singles, the first new studio music in over 15 years since he released his acclaimed album Orange Crate Art. Each vinyl single (on his own label Bananastan) will be illustrated by some of the most important and remarkable modern artists of our time. Parks has commissioned some of the top contemporary artists in America to illustrate each single with what he describes as "a work of art that relates to the music within." The first two singles to be released will be the ART SPIEGELMAN-illustrated "Wall Street" / "Money Is King." and the ED RUSCHA-illustrated "Dreaming of Paris" / "Wedding in Madagascar." Van Dyke Parks said of the singles: "They are from highly different genres, each of them. They don't cohere. They belong somewhere. But the emphasis on the visual art is a big, big deal. These are the pre-eminent American artists of our time.
7" $9.75
09/09/2022
***This new compilation is presented by VAN DYKE PARK’s Bananastan label. All of the tracks on this album, by a diverse range of artists, have one thing in common: they were arranged by Van Dyke Parks. This compilation covers Parks’ first solo recordings through the classic creative period of Warner Brothers, where his arrangements and production can be found throughout the roster. Including both rare sides and hit records, Van Dyke’s touch can be heard throughout these fine tracks. From the mid sixties through the early seventies, this new compilation contains 15 classics appearing together on one album for the first time. From the earliest work of RY COODER to classic LITTLE FEAT; BONNIE RAIT’s calypso to ARLO GUTHRIE’s gospel; THE MOJO MEN’s psychedelic sounds to six rare or unreleased Van Dyke Parks solo recordings; from DINO MARTIN JR.’s hot reggae to BEAU BRUMMELS’ SAL VALENTINO’s and Little Feat’s LOWELL GEORGE solo sides; these 15 songs all have the arranging imprint of the great Van Dyke Parks. Received an 8.6 Best New Reissue rating from Pitchfork.
LP $17.50
09/09/2022
CD $13.00
09/09/2022
***The third single in the series: "Hold Back Time" is a love song while "Amazing Graces" is an orchestral variation on a hymn. Both front and back sleeve art are photos of two life-size VAN DYKE PARKS statues by sculptor CHARLES RAY.
7" $9.75
09/09/2022
***The legendary 1972 Warner Brothers album, produced by Van Dyke Parks & Andrew Wickham, Hot + Sweet features the finest Calypso vocal recordings ever produced by the man known as "The Calypso King of the World." The Mighty Sparrow's career spans over 40 years and 70 albums. He continues to redefine the true meaning of Calypso Power through his amazing ability-not only to put into words and tempo the exploits of SOCiety,but to crown it all with showmanship and appeal. The Mighty Sparrow is Slinger Francisco, Chief of The Yorubas, who has brought honor, glory, and dignity to an indigenous art form that was once scorned by the elite of Caribbean society. He utilizes his medium not just to entertain, but also to edify, enlighten, and educate. "Recorded during a hurricane in Miami, the power of the wind and rain whipping the studio were matched only by the power and beauty of these compositions, chosen by Andrew and myself as the greatest in Sparrow's prodigious catalogue." - Van Dyke Parks
CD $13.00
03/18/2016