Pub Crawling with Graham Parker’s Howlin Wind

Howlin Wind

Graham Parker

1976

Pink Floyd had acid (and pot).  The Dead had pot (and acid).  The Eagles had cocaine.  And Graham Parker and the Rumor had a shot and a beer.  Now, hold on.  I’m not saying any of these artists did any of the drugs I just stuck right next to their names.  I’m saying that with some bands, what you do when you’re listening seems to have an impact on what you hear.

Back in the 70s, they called Graham Parker and the Rumor a “pub” band, which was a polite way of saying they played to small audiences, for free beer and a few bucks in small English dive bars known as pubs.  Howlin Wind captured the experience with authenticity.  It’s the sound of pints, urinal cakes, ash trays and fist fights.  By the end of the record you’re exchanging sloppy hugs, apologizing and looking forward to doing the whole thing all over again tomorrow.

Parker never achieved the level of success he felt he deserved, but he was on fire in 1976.  Howlin Wind, his debut, was released in July to rave reviews.  He followed it up before the year was out with Heat Treatment, which some critics liked even better.  The influences are often apparent, but who cares when they’re cribbed from sources like these?  “Gypsy Blood” channels Van Morrison’s Moondance album, pulling imagery from both “Into the Mystic” and “Caravan”.  Dylan’s “Hard Rain” becomes Parker’s “Howlin Wind.” “Silly Thing” nails that classic, early Springsteen boardwalk vibe…saltwater taffy not included.  Just try not to smile as Graham sings “well it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing….you silly thing,” over an unforgettable, infectious harmonized saxophone arrangement.  It’s joyous.  It’s a party.

Beyond the influences, many of the songs are flat-out irresistible on their own terms.  “White Honey,” makes spending rent money on cocaine sound like a real good idea.  “Between You and Me” is quite possibly the prettiest little country rock song in Texas….or anywhere else.  Sad and sweet in all the right places, it summons nostalgia and regret and then makes you thankful for the thrill of it all.  It makes you want to live and die.  It makes you want to drive all night and smoke cigarettes.  I rarely get to this song without stopping the record and playing it again, and then to my embarrassment, another two or three times.  Maybe it’s just me.

Like that favorite local watering hole, Howlin Wind is a cool, familiar place to get drunk and hear the house band.  This is a record to play on a Friday night with friends or a Monday night when you don’t want to be alone.  Probably sucks on a Tuesday morning, but who knows.  Just be sure to play it.  Often.  Between two big speakers.  Kinda loud.

If you want to be notified of new posts, like my Facebook page at Just Riffin’ or follow me on twitter @JiminyPage.  Thanks!