Howlin' Wind from 1976 is the debut album by Graham Parker and the Rumour and an announcement to the world of a great new soul voice and a top class band,
It has only recently found its way onto the CC shelves to join a good few of his others and is the final recent St Andrews purchase to feature and indeed the only vinyl acquisition from that trip.
And what a terrific record it is too from the former Camberley petrol pump attendant.He had touted demo tapes around London to considerable acclaim but it was felt by the record companies that he needed a band.
He was introduced to a certain Dave Robinson then running the Hope and Anchor who put him in touch with members of the recently defunct pub rock bands Brinsley Schwartz, Ducks De Luxe and Bontemps Roulez who were rehearsing under the name of the Rumour.
It was indeed a musical marriage made in heaven.
Produced by Nick Lowe, six of the twelve songs from the album (including the two below) feature in the 1980 Best of compilation also on the Vertigo label.
Graham Parker & the Rumour -White Honey
Graham Parker & the Rumour - Howlin' Wind
What a record indeed CC. Should be featured in my 'Inflammable Material' series soon. Good to know that someone else likes this record too.
ReplyDeleteI knew this would be right up your street Walter given your excellent Pub Rock series
DeleteThis sounds really good, CC. I have a few albums but not this one. It's going on the list.
ReplyDeleteYou will recognise a good few of the tracks Brian
ReplyDeleteNever knowingly ever listened to Graham Parker, even though Stiff's older brothers had albums including The Parkerilla, the cover of which gave me the creeps, possibly why I never listened to him come to think of it.
ReplyDeleteNo time like the present Drew
DeleteRather good. Will need to investigate further.
DeleteThe only album I have by him is a double VBO that came out in 2014, which features both these tracks. Also has a great cover of I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down. Never seems to get the credit he deserves.
ReplyDeleteWhite Honey - fine song. I thought you had a plethora of Graham Parker albums. Do you think it sounds a bit like Elvis Costello? (I suppose that should be the other way round)
ReplyDeleteI've got about half a dozen. As Jamie says Costello sounds like him at times
DeleteGood stuff. Looked out my copy of Heat Treatment last night and enjoyed hearing it again. Must get a copy of this album too.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes George, I think Costello does sound like him in places.
Jamie