GRAHAM PARKER - Cloud Symbols (Sealed) (CD)

With his Rumour packed away, Graham enlists a new gang, The Goldtops, on this record (who, incidently feature former Rumour member Martin Belmont). The album captures exactly the kind of music graham Parker should be making today. There’s a few heavyweight emotional tracks it’s true, both Maida Hill and Is The Sun Out Anywhere being prime examples, and Every Saturday Nite is only thinly disguised as a jolly pop song by dint of its uplifting chorus groove, but the main thrust of the album is concerned with his signature swing and lyrical playfulness that goes all the way back to White Honey and Lady Doctor, from Howlin’ Wind. And there’s six songs with the Rumour Brass on!