Search - Graham Parker :: Graham Parker and the Rumour / Stick to Me

Too bad about the tapes

Jersey Kid | Katy, Texas, America! | 11/05/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

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`Stick to Me' is a bit of an ironic title in light of the back-story about how the entire album had to be re-recorded after the master tapes were found to have been contaminated with a coating. And, it shows - or rather, can be heard - as the overall sound quality is well below that experienced with GP&R's two earlier albums and the quite remarkable follow-up, `Squeezing Out Sparks.' Parker's voice is pushed back to where, at times, I felt he was fighting to be heard over his ever dependable band. There is also a thinness and boxed-in tone that gives an almost lo-fi DIY aspect to the recording.



That's a shame because while the music may be a shade weaker - maybe less consistent is a better term - than that found on `Howling Wind' or `Heat Treatment,' there are still some sterling pieces of music on it. In particular, `Thunder and Rain' and `Watch the Moon Come Down' find Parker and the band showing their strength to advantage. A weaker track `Heat in Harlem' was a surprise and disappointment, sounding like something the latter day Stones would have done as part of their going-through-the-motions period.



Worth the price of admission, mind you.

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