Matthew Berlyant: December 2, 2012

Graham Parker and the Rumour

In honor of the first tour (look for a review of last night’s show here in Philly and accompanying Free at Noon soon) and album from Graham Parker and the Rumour since 1980, here are ten of their finest moments. Between 1976 and 1980, they made five absolutely brilliant records together (though 1980’s The Up Escalator didn’t feature keyboardist Bob Andrews) before disbanding with Parker in particular going on to make many more brilliant albums over the next three decades before this current reunion. I am, at least for the most part, picking personal favorites and not their best known material. The big exception here is #7 (perhaps their most well-known track; it also happens to be a favorite). What are you favorites?

1. Graham Parker – “Nothing’s Gonna Pull It Apart” (from Howlin’ Wind)

2. Graham Parker – “You’ve Got to Be Kidding” (from Howlin’ Wind)

3. Graham Parker – “Turned Up Too Late” (from Heat Treatment)

4. Graham Parker – “Pourin’ It All Out” (from Heat Treatment)

5. Graham Parker and the Rumour – “Problem Child” (from Stick to Me)

6. Graham Parker and the Rumour – “Soul on Ice” (from Stick to Me)

7. Graham Parker and the Rumour – “Local Girls” (from Squeezing Out Sparks)

8. Graham Parker and the Rumour – “Nobody Hurts You” (from Squeezing Out Sparks)

9. Graham Parker and the Rumour – “The Beating of Another Heart” (from The Up Escalator)

10. Graham Parker and the Rumour – “Love Without Greed” (from The Up Escalator)