THE RUMOUR
“Max”
The Rumour is, of course, best known as Graham Parker’s backing band. The members were virtually a “who’s who” of pub-rock: Brinsley Schwartz (guitar) and Bob Andrews (keys) from the band Brinsley Schwartz, Martin Belmont (guitar) from Ducks Deluxe, and Andrew Bodnar (bass) and Steve Goulding (drums) from Bontemps Roulez (that’s French for “let the good times roll”). They were introduced to Parker at their very first gig in 1975 and taking the path of least resistance, signed on to support the gifted and acerbic songwriter. While their work with Parker was highlight acclaimed, they began nearly immediately recording their own material on the side. One might keep in mind that pub-rock had been deeply influenced by the ensemble work of The Band and being strictly a backing band—however successful—may not have fit the players’ ethos well. Plus, there was more money to be had in songwriting. Their debut album was Max and, in my opinion, it’s their strongest LP. Produced by Robert “Mutt” Lange, it was released in 1977 on Vertigo in the UK and on Mercury in the US.
Very briefly, I must clue the reader into the meaning of the album’s title. You may recall Fleetwood Mac’s blockbuster Rumours, released just a few months prior to Max. As a bit of a in-joke, The Rumour decided to title their album Macs, which was then simplified (or perhaps merely misheard) as Max. Nick Lowe had performed a similar sleight of hand in titling one of his early EPs Bowi, following the release of David Bowie’s Low. I’m not sure which is more clever, really.
One of the best songs on the album is the opener, a cover of Nick Lowe’s “Mess With Love,” a song that would appear a few years later on Lowe’s The Abominable Showman. The Rumour’s version is far superior—soulful and funky with a great horn chart and a smokin’ organ solo by Andrews. Think of a slightly more polished Dr. Feelgood. “Hard Enough to Show” is a ska-influenced soul song with a great chorus and some funky wah guitar. Perhaps my favorite track on the album is a cover of Duke Ellington’s “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me.” A swinging 6/8 beat, mournful lead guitar, rattling keys, soaring horns and just loads of soul. “Looking After Number One” is a gritty shouter borrowing equally from Leiber and Stoller and Otis Redding. Another highlight is “I’m So Glad,” a track reminiscent of the type of pop-soul that Paul Carrack and Nick Lowe perfected on Suburban Voodoo. But even better. “Face to Face” comes the closest to the sound of The Band, especially in the choruses, evoking both the vocal and writing style of Richard Manuel.
The Rumour would go on to record two more albums, hewing a decidedly more new-wave sound: Frogs, Sprouts, Clogs and Krauts in 1979 and Purity of Essence in 1980. In the years following, most of the members of the band have served as session and touring musicians with Belmont being a prominent member of Nick Lowes’s Cowboy outfit. In 2011, the band reunited to support Parker on 2012’s Three Chords Good and 2015’s Mystery Glue.
Max was reissued on CD on Hux Records in 2007. It’s still in print but can be difficult to track down. The original vinyl is perhaps easier to find and quite affordable (typically $10 or less). To my knowledge no legit digital downloads are available, though mp3va.com is selling tracks from a needledrop at 15 cents a pop. Fans of pub rock and Graham Parker will definitely have to get this one!
=================================================
Pop Pioneer and “Lost Treasures” writer, Peter Marston is the leader of long-running power pop band, Shplang, whose most recent album, “My Big Three Wheeler” has been described as “the Beatles meet Zappa in pop-psych Sumo match.” Peter has a new project in 2015 under the name MARSTON. Marston have a track on the latest “Power Pop Planet – Volume 5” compilation just out now and available at: www.PopGeekHeavenStore.com.
CHECK OUT SHPLANG out at this link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/shplang
==================================================
[linebreak style=”25.png”]
LINKS:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rumour
All Music Guide: http://www.allmusic.com/album/max-mw0000492384
Trouser Press: http://www.trouserpress.com/entry.php?a=graham_parker
Blog Post: http://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Artist/rumour-the
VIDEO:
“MESS WITH LOVE”
“LOOKING OUT FOR NUMBER ONE”
“FOOLS GOLD” w/ Graham Parker on BBC, 1977
