Graham Parker - The Parkerilla (review)
Graham Parker - The Parkerilla (Lemon; CD LEM 103)
reviewed by Michael Macomber
Arguably one of the finest rock and roll acts of all time, Graham Parker and The Rumour stormed the British charts in the late 1970s, with a unique blend of soul and cynicism. Parker’s sometimes acidic, sometimes romantic lyrics were a perfect match for the note twisting antics of veteran pub rock guitarist Brinsley Schwarz. Keyboardist Bob Andrews, bassist Andrew Bodnar, drummer Steve Goulding, and rhythm guitarist Martin Belmont rounded out a combo that could tear your playhouse down with just a look.
While the band wasn’t initially a chartbuster, live performances were always amazing, as can be heard on this mind blowing 1978 album. Parker is smooth and tough simultaneously, while Goulding slams away behind him, punctuating every sneering line. “Back To School Days” is a rhythm and blues country swinger, with Andrews pounding those keys furiously. “Heat Treatment” is pure soul, underpinned by fabulous horns. The pulse of the band is beautiful, so tight and tough. “Hey Lord, Don’t Ask Me Questions,” Parker’s searing indictment of Western Imperialism, is carried along on a great reggae guitar riff courtesy of Belmont, and ably supported by Schwarz’s strangled interjections.
Historically, Graham Parker and his band belong in a category all by themselves. There just wasn’t anybody else doing the angry young man thing in this particular way. The love for soul, as expressed on “Soul Shoes” and “Heat Treatment,” the affection for old jazz, as found on “The Heat In Harlem,” the brilliant mix of dark sarcasm and total romanticism, and the wide musical range — all these elements combined made for a live show that could not be beat. And all can be found in abundance on The Parkerilla.
September 7th, 2010 at 6:22 am
Brilliant… in no time at all you have made a middle aged bloke very happy… I had no idea that Parkerilla had been re-released…