Recorded during the winter-that-never-really-was of 2014, in various homes and studios around the south west of England, Angry Pork and the Occasional Bird is the long-awaited second full-length offering by singer songwriter Nick Parker. Always slightly tongue-in-cheek – perhaps originating from the same ‘How to write lyrics’ book that’s been next to Loudon Wainwright III’s toilet for the last 40 years – the songs range from the super-serious: ‘The Conjuror’ and ‘Something Someone Said’, through the semi-sensible: ‘Oceanographer’ and Could We At Least Try?’ to the downright daft: ‘Terry and June’ and ‘Tom, Dick and Harry’. For the record, Nick has enlisted the help of his band ‘The False Alarms’ and a bunch of other friends armed with drums, bass, fiddles, various guitars, harmonicas, accordions, keys, trumpets, flutes, banjos and mandolins to add colour to his songs. Although generally a folky/country affair Angry Pork occasionally borrows from the new and old skool of synth technology, most notably on the soothing “Come On! Jump Over Your Shadow” which wouldn’t sound out of place on a Björk record.

Could We At Least Try?
I met a guy at a bar in Amsterdam. He was a bit down. He’d just discovered that his girlfriend of 6 weeks was a prostitute. This song is how I saw the ensuing conversation going. It’s about trying to get on in relationships even when there are good reasons not to.
Jerusalem
From time to time I struggle to write songs. This is a song about not being able to write songs. Jerusalem is a famous hymn which was probably not written in a day, although the jury is still out on that one.
Oceanographer
This is a song about trying to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and finding a place to spend quality time with the one you love.
Never Been To Dublin
All the music I listened to growing up (and most of what I still listen to) has its roots in Ireland and the busy music scene in Dublin. This song is a nod in the general direction of some of the artists that have inspired me – including quotes from some of their songs. Visiting Dublin is on my ‘To Do’ list.
Come On! Jump Over Your Shadow
This song is based on the German phrase ‘Mit einem lachenden und einem weinenden Auge’, and it’s about touring and being so happy to make new friends, but also the sadness of having to leave for the next town the next morning.
Something Someone Said
After meeting a girl in Berlin who was very unhappy about the way she looked, I was inspired to write this song from the point of view of the mirror in her room, with her entering the room being the highlight of my day.
Tom, Dick and Harry (Ode to the Open Mic part II)
On my first album I had a song about the dark side of the Open Mic night. This is basically a sequel. A collection of some pretty daft things I’ve heard on a Tuesday night. No musicians were harmed in the writing of this song.
The Conjuror
Inspired by a film I saw a while back, this is a song about finding that one person who is so perfect in every way that they make you want to break all the rules to be with them.
Terry and June
Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words to tell someone you want to be with them. Terry and June has a few ideas for you.
Another Journey Home
A tour story song that usually rears its head at the end of gigs as a kind of farewell.