My Amazon Reviews: Graham Parker & The Rumour "Three Chords Good"

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.