Emerging in the '70s on the cusp between the “pub rock” and New Wave eras, English singer-songwriter Graham Parker, seen here in a 2010 concert recorded in Fairfield, CT, has never enjoyed the renown or commercial popularity of successors like Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. But he has had what he somewhat wryly describes as “a viable career” that is still chugging along as he turns 60. Erstwhile angry young man Parker (1979's “Mercury Poisoning,” probably his best-known tune, is a diatribe aimed at his then record label) is older now, but the fire still burns—numbers such as “Turn It into Hate” don't exactly reek of contentment—on this consistently energetic and entertaining set of 20-plus songs. Parker and his four-piece band, the Figgs, favor their 2010 album, Imaginary Television, but fans will enjoy plenty of earlier stuff as well, all of which plays to Parker's strengths as both a writer with an effortless knack for catchy choruses and a singer whose edgy voice perfectly suits his material. Parker also displays an easy, self-deprecating wit; after assaying a jaunty little guitar solo in “Bring Me a Heart Again,” he plays it a second time, “just to show you how lame it is.” Presented in DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1, DVD extras include an interview with Parker and a bonus audio CD. Recommended. (S. Graham)
Graham Parker & the Figgs: Live at the FTC
(2010) 100 min. DVD: $19.98 (audio CD included). Image Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Volume 26, Issue 2
Graham Parker & the Figgs: Live at the FTC
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: