Review: Graham Parker Opts For Pleasantries

Graham Parker & The Goldtops
Last Chance To Learn The Twist
Big Stir Records
Three Out of Five Stars

Like Elvis Costello, to whom he was once so closely compared, Graham Parker was a product of the late ‘70s, early ‘80s post-punk/power pop renaissance. Yet while Costello has taken several alternate routes ever since, diverging into country, classical, and unabashed MOR, Parker has mostly maintained his curmudgeon-like stance, effectively taking on the role of a rebel with—or without—a cause.

Nevertheless, age seems to have left its mark on Parker of late, as evidenced by this surprisingly amiable offering with the elusive title, Last Chance To Learn The Twist. Nevertheless, it begins on a rambunctious note, courtesy of the suitably scorching rumble of “The Music of the Devil,” a song that suggests the listener ought to expect some menacing music ahead. However, by the time he makes his way to the second track, the similarly expressive “Grand Scheme of Things” Parker has already put his antagonism aside by offering instead a supple ballad, not unlike Costello’s “Allison,” courtesy of its tender tones. 

Much of what follows finds a combination of sway and swagger, almost as if Parker’s adopted a nightclub noir as a means of conveying both humor and happenstance. Some of the titles are curiously compelling—“It Mattered To Me,” “Wicked Wit” and “Cannabis” in particular—but each boasts an inordinate amount of ease and charm, especially compared to Parker’s usual persnickety attitude. The tangled tapestry of “We Did Nothing” aside, the songs that follow towards the end of the album— “Last Stretch of the Road,” “Them Bugs” and “Since You Left Me Baby”—are jovial and jubilant to an even greater degree, robust romps that occasionally incorporate reggae rhythms, a hint of ’50s doo-wop and some breezy brass to add their extra appeal to the proceedings.

That’s not to say Parker’s dispensed with his edge entirely, his voice still retains a certain roughhewn resolve, not unlike that of a curt Costello, or the grit and gruff demeanor the late Willy DeVille evoked while in full soulful stride.  Yet even with longtime guitar foil Martin Belmont and keyboard accompanist Geraint Watkins providing the benefit of their backing, Last Chance To Learn The Twist offers a concise lesson in some unexpected etiquette. 

Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns