Tim Brough's Black Leather Bookshelf

When it's good, it's three chords good,
4 Out Of 5 Stars 

Graham Parker was one of the original angry young men (with Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson) in the 80's, and his band The Rumour was like his version of The Attractions. Around the album "Another Gray Area," he jettisoned the band and began a series albums with session musicians and another ad hoc group, "The Shot," for one album, "Steady Nerves," but it was his days with The Rumour that produced many of his finest works. So imagine my surprise when "Three Chords Good" appeared with The Rumour as the billed backing. While I have been picking up a few of Graham's independent released (and really dug "Imaginary Television,") I knew I had to grab this one.

Timed to go along with Graham's appearance in the movie "This Is 40," where he plays himself, "Three Chords Good" is a satisfying album and seems to have inspired Parker to dig into his lyrics a bit more then usual. "Coathangers" is a follow-up of sorts to "You Can't Be Too Strong" and there's an easy reggae lope to the opening "Snake Oil Capitol Of The World." What you'll notice is how much Parker has improved as a singer. He no longer is a howler, he strides the song with control as organist Bob Andrews plays the groove with drummer Steve Goulding. Even better, Martin Belmont plays his parts with strength and subtlety through out.

Parker was once touted as a "New Dylan," and some of the songs here re-merit the comparisons. Both the title song and the snide "Last Bookstore In Town" pull great couplets worthy of Dylan or perhaps Randy Newman out of their collective hats. Even some of the lesser songs ("Stop Crying About The Rain" and "She Rocks Me"; oddly enough back to back in the album's middle) are supple enough to merit repeat listens. Reportedly, Parker recorded the songs live with the band, which explains the easy gait of some of the tracks and the two rockers ("A Lie Gets Halfway Around The World" the best of the batch) just seem so naturally tasty.

Probably a reunion that few expected or where actively rooting to happen, "Three Chords Good" still makes it worth the wait. Parker should have thought of this years ago. It may be his best work since "12 Haunted Episodes," another underrated Parker album from the early 90's.






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Channel Changers
3 Out Of 5 Stars

It's been over 20 years since Graham Parker has managed to chart an album on the American top 200, yet the man has been building a steady and sturdy body of work now since "Struck By Lightning" squeaked onto the charts in 1991. Like many of his fellow pub rockers from the period, like Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello, Parker has mellowed with age, but not gone dull. "Imaginary Television" finds Parker playing a game where he invents his own Television network and writes themes for the shows he dreams up. Instead of a lyric sheet, Parker comes up with a synopsis of each show and tart mini-reviews.

The music? Parker can still turn as clever a phrase as ever, but his music now is more folk-rock than pub-rock. His voice is still hardy and gruff, suiting the temper of his selections. "Weather Report" is the closest thing to an electric song here, and one of many character sketches Parker places through the album. Best of the bunch is the sardonic "It's My Party (But I Won't Cry)," which both nods to Leslie Gore and Parker's longevity as an artist. Even the lone cover, of Johnny Nash's "More Questions Than Answers," lopes along on an easy reggae groove.

I'm also partial to the album's closer, "First Responder," about a Dad who tells his kid that Pops'll be there no matter what. Even if the kid's gonna get a 'box your ears till your head comes loose' comeuppance from the old man. It's a fun song and actually has a sweet center, despite the lyrical twists. It's just one more reason why, to his loyal legion of fans that have been picking up the occasional Parker CD since he went independent (on the terrific "12 Haunted Episodes" in 1995), you'll never walk away with a let-down.