Graham Parker

Last Chance To Learn The Twist

Big Stir Records

Parker’s Big Stir debut finds him mellowing a bit, but not soft or flabby. More like subtle, understated, nuanced, and as ticked off about everything as on his best work in the 70s.

The relationship songs are biting and curt, like “It Mattered To Me” and “Since You Left Me Baby.” On the political song “We Did Nothing” he snarls about apathy, and “Pablo’s Hippos” snarls general disgust with current politics. Then there are fun songs like “Cannabis” and “Them Bugs.” It all goes down like a stiff drink. In other words, like the best of his 70s work.

And there isn’t a wasted note or one out of place. It's impeccably produced by Graham Parker and Tuck Nelson, and the lyrics are packed with meaning. The Goldtops are wonderful, expert players.

So yes, this is a great album in a career spanning almost 50 years. He’s never really been away, so it isn’t a comeback, just a continuation of what he started as one of the original 70s UK punks, and he still is one today. And I’ll take good punk rock anywhere I can find it these day. I suspect so will you too.

Andrea Weiss