Today (November 22) marks the 50th anniversary of U.S. leader John F. Kennedy's assassination, and orchestral pop icon Van Dyke Parks is acknowledging this pivotal event by releasing a single with two previously unreleased tracks.
"I'm History" was produced by Parks, along with Doug Lacy. According to a press release, the song "reflects Parks' regret, risking being viewed as a scold, he really aims to celebrate youth, and its potential for a higher bar in social expectations. It's not a tune built for a dance floor."
On the flip is "Charm School," which was co-written and co-produced with friend Ira Ingber; it is said to be a sequel of sorts to the '70s albums Discover America and Clang of the Yankee Reaper.
A slightly confusing announcement describes it like this: "Set in a post-Colonial, pre-Mac-World Caribbean idyll, set around lovers lounging in tree-limbs, watching croquet. Trinidadians who were there and can remember, will pick up the reference to Lord Mayor Cipriani, and a scent of frangipani."
The songs will be released digitally today via Bella Union. A vinyl 7-inch will follow on December 2. The croquet-themed cover art — an oil panting by Kenton Nelson — is above.
"I'm History" was produced by Parks, along with Doug Lacy. According to a press release, the song "reflects Parks' regret, risking being viewed as a scold, he really aims to celebrate youth, and its potential for a higher bar in social expectations. It's not a tune built for a dance floor."
On the flip is "Charm School," which was co-written and co-produced with friend Ira Ingber; it is said to be a sequel of sorts to the '70s albums Discover America and Clang of the Yankee Reaper.
A slightly confusing announcement describes it like this: "Set in a post-Colonial, pre-Mac-World Caribbean idyll, set around lovers lounging in tree-limbs, watching croquet. Trinidadians who were there and can remember, will pick up the reference to Lord Mayor Cipriani, and a scent of frangipani."
The songs will be released digitally today via Bella Union. A vinyl 7-inch will follow on December 2. The croquet-themed cover art — an oil panting by Kenton Nelson — is above.
