Graham Parker - "Howlin Wind"

Released 50 years ago: “Howlin’ Wind” by Graham Parker and the Rumour. Produced by Nick Lowe, this debut LP by the 25-year-old London ‘pub-rock’ / R&B songwriter earned high critical acclaim, if not big sales. It was voted 4th Best Album of 1976 in the Village Voice critics poll. Fan-favorite tracks include “Soul Shoes” “White Honey” “Back to Schooldays” + the title track. Fun fact: Parker is still active with around 25 albums issued so far. More in Comments.

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Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

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.

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