Graham Parker and The Figgs

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The pairing of Graham Parker with the Figgs seems like an appropriate, fateful combination. Parker, who, along with Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson, planted a caustic, pint-sized tongue firmly in the cheek of '70s new wave; and the Figgs, unsung champions of contemporary workingman's rock 'n' roll, absorbers of the pub rock preen and pose of the former's Howlin' Wind and Shooting Out Sparks.

The Figgs (Mike Gent, Pete Donnelly, and Pete Hayes) are the rough-and-ready backing band, a consummate example of the deferent accompanists. They never flagrantly intrude on Parker's songs and supply the necessary gas to get from point A to point B. Whether the song calls for a Stonesy sway ("She Swallows It", "Suck 'n' Blow"), a reggae groove ("Evil"), or, in the case of "Chloroform", a decidedly Figgsian riff, they get the job done.

The cohesion comes from Parker's voice: it has grown shaggy and sandy with age, situating his delivery somewhere between Marah's Bielanko brothers and contemporary Dylan. Its matured sound can make the acidic rock songs sound all the more grouchy, but it's this sense of accrued knowledge and experience that makes his sneering, droll, and at times contemptuous commentary such a winning and welcome trait. With Parker's observations there's nothing ambivalent -- that's the truth and the consequence.

The Figgs

The Figgs are a rock band out of Saratoga Springs, New York. First formed in 1987 (under the name "Sonic Undertones"), their output has included at least nine traditional full length albums (two on major labels in the mid 90s), multiple EPs and singles, a live album, and gigs backing Graham Parker since 1996 and on Graham's 2005 release Songs of No Consequence, as well as Tommy Stinson of The Replacements fame.

The original lineup of the band included Mike Gent (guitar), Pete Donnelly (bass), and Guy Lyons (drums), who all went to high school together. When Lyons left for a spell in 1989, he was replaced by Pete Hayes. Lyons returned in 1992, this time on lead guitar, to make the band a foursome. A record deal followed late in 1993. Lyons left the band for good in 1997, after recording Couldn't Get High, which followed the band's drop from Capitol Records. The remaining three Figgs have soldiered on, with several further albums and regular concert appearances, as well as careers separate from the band.