Record Details
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Record ID
1988
Artist
Graham Parker
Title
Howlin' Wind
Field / Genre
Rock
Year Recorded
1976
Label
Vertigo
Pressing
Jap
Rating
****
Discs
1
Media
CD
Date Bought
10 Jan 2008
Cost
¤0.00
Cover Name
—
Review
<p>For most intents and purposes, Graham Parker emerged fully formed on his debut album, Howlin' Wind. Sounding like the bastard offspring of Mick Jagger and Van Morrison, Parker sneers his way through a set of stunningly literate pub rockers. Instead of blindly sticking to the traditions of rock & roll, Parker invigorates them with cynicism and anger, turning his songs into distinctively original works. "Back to Schooldays" may be reconstituted rockabilly, "White Honey" may recall Morrison's white R&B bounce, and "Howlin' Wind" is a cross of Van's more mystical moments and the Band, but the songs themselves are original and terrific. Similarly, producer Nick Lowe gives the album a tough, spare feeling, which makes Parker and the Rumour sound like one of the best bar bands you've ever heard. Howlin' Wind remains a thoroughly invigorating fusion of rock tradition, singer/songwriter skill, and punk spirit, making it one of the classic debuts of all time.</p><p><b>— Stephen Thomas Erlewine</b></p>