A simple concept that's rarely practiced in the indie-rock province: one man alone with his piano writing simple pop songs that quirk along to playful lyrics. Without any backing musicians, fancy studio tricks, or overdubs,
Parker Paul
fits in his own class of lighthearted musical innocents, single-handedly recording
Lemon-Lime Room
live in the studio. Hints of jazz are lightly present throughout the album, as are the influences of
Randy Newman
and early
Tom Waits
. But all in all,
provides pure piano pop, charmingly singing in his low, clear pitch, "You had a friend to sit within the tent and tell you what the dirty words meant." ~ Mike DaRonco