If you like your rock with a hint of Southern, a whole lot of Joplin, a dusting of the 70s and a real groove to keep you coming back for more, then look no further than Parker Barrow‘s debut album, ‘Jukebox Gypsies’. This is an album full of gold, scattered between a generous portion of absolute gems. We kick off with a beast of an opener in the form of up-tempo ‘Peace, Love, Rock n’ Roll’ which has you hooked from the off. Pacey, catchy rock n roll with an earworm chorus which gets you moving from the off.
First single ‘Count Your Dollars’ is one of the heavier on this release of ten tracks, before we are graced with one of my highlights, the outstanding ‘Back to Birmingham’. The gentle piano opens to Megan Kane’s stunning vocal, but don’t be fooled in thinking this is a simple ballad, as this builds to a crescendo of powerful Bonham-like drums, choral harmonies and a guitar solo that will have your hair standing up on the back of your neck. Simply brilliant. ‘Throwin’ Stones’ is a 70’s groover, trudging along at a lazy pace but with the power and precision to impress, with it’s wonderful backing vocals and Dylan Turner’s exceptional drum work. Guitarists Manning Feldner & Alex Bender are creative & excel throughout ‘Jukebox Gypsies’.
Acoustically led, ‘Partner in Crime’ is another of the slower beginnings before kicking in with a killer riff and that wonderful signature drum tone that Turner has captured so well, throughout the album. ‘Good Times Gone Away’ is another riff laden beauty that will have you entrapped, once again drizzled with choral backing vocals, and heavy punch. ‘Long Black Train’ is catchy foot tapper with a fabulous chorus and fun guitar solo with almost country vibes, before we get the second single to be released and another song of real quality. ‘Desire’ is the track that first sucked me in, dragging me towards Parker Barrow, wanting to hear more and it is a real standout on an album that is full of them. Kane’s vocal takes on another level here and during our recent interview she said it was a song that she had no idea she had in her, pulling out all the stops vocally. The rest of the band don’t just sit back to let her do her stuff either… building to an emotional end, with fine drum, bass & guitarwork evident. It’s gutsy, wonderful and possibly one of my singles of the year to date! Breath taking!
I’m not normally a fan of cover songs thrown in, especially when a band has created so many good tracks but their version of Cream’s ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ fits perfectly. Parker Barrow deliver it with a real 70’s feel, fuzzy guitars, superb harmonies and guitars that Clapton will be more than happy to hear. Michael Beckhart’s bass work is fantastic (as it also is throughout the album). The album closer allows us to draw breath with a beautiful acoustic guitar/ harmonica combination before Megan’s clean vocal are joined by the rest of the band with another tip of a hat to a more country style. Wonderful stuff.
If you love 70s infused Southern Rock with a smattering of alternative country then check out Parker Barrow. They really could have the world at their feet with this release. Top three album of the year for me right here!
9.5/10
JUKEBOX GYPSIES TRACKLISTING:
Peace, Love, Rock N’ Rollin’
Count Your Dollars
Back to Birmingham
Throwin’ Stones
Partners In Crime
Good Times Gone Away
Long Black Train
Desire
Sunshine Of Your Love (Cream Cover)
Where The Bluebird Goes”