Graham Parker

Twenty-plus years after its release, Graham Parker's best record still jumps out of the speakers and demands your attention. Every song here is a marvel of lyrical inspiration and musical perspiration, from frothy rockers such as "Local Girls" to the harrowing ballad "You Can't Be Too Strong." This re-issue adds live versions of every track, in sequence, plus two covers.

An amazing record. Parker's mood, which has narrowed into existential rage with a circumstantial root, makes for perfect, untamable rock and roll. Guitar, drums, vocals, lyrics, and hooks (and more hooks) mesh into ten songs so compelling that you're grateful to the relative lightweights for giving you a chance to relax. And if Graham is pissed off merely because he's not a big star yet, he translates his frustrations into credible, emotionally healthy anger--the kind you feel when they can't fit the real news into print. (Grade - A)