The song, "Fiction," features classy keyboards from Mott the Hoople’s Morgan Fisher and a first-rate string arrangement from David Mansfield who has worked with both Bob Dylan and T Bone Burnett. The song is an echo of some political ideas Hunter has expressed previously as Defiance Part 2 is typical of Ian's common sense politics. Hunter’s perspective and penchant for protest music is as clear-eyed and independent as ever. In an interview Ian noted:
“I’m neither left nor particularly right,” Hunter adds. “I’m just straight down the middle. And so I tried to write from that point of view. An eagle has two wings and if one falls off it perishes. That’s what I’m trying to get at. A bit of common sense, you know, Thomas Paine stuff.”
Thomas Paine, an English-born writer who became a pivotal figure in the American Revolution, is best known for his influential pamphlets. His work, like the hugely popular "Common Sense," argued for American independence from Great Britain and helped inspire the colonists during the fight for freedom. Paine's ideas, informed by Enlightenment ideals, went beyond just revolution. He was a champion for human rights and social reform, advocating for concepts like universal education and social welfare programs.
Moreover, Hunter stated:
"Well, there’s always a reason for everything. There’s an ambiguity in “Fiction,” which I like. Some people are brought up in different circumstances than other people. Some people are brought up in more obscure circumstances than other people. There’s always a reason why this shit happens. I took a while with “Fiction” and I was trying to get that right."
Ian sings: "I am your fiction man," and he is not in love but few want to be alone. He speaks to the congregation with the idea of stopping the poison yet we need a reason to believe (like Rod Stewart). This can be the fiction since we are all gullible about relationships. The song ends with the idea of what is normal? We don't know with a relationship based on fiction.
Dig into the Hunter catalog with On Track Ian Hunter! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1789523044?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_LYF529CX6X4KYALET1Y0
Touring?
Ian Hunter – I don’t know. I was going to, but there were a couple of things that came up that prevented that. I have tinnitus and it’s a frustrating problem. If I do, it would be acoustic, Q&A, that kind of thing. I can’t do a full band… it’s too loud.
‘Fiction’ is Hunter at his most caustic, his lyrical venom counterpointed by a sweet string section, it’s as if this is Hunter fronting ‘70’s ELO.
- Fiction
Dane Clark: Drums, China Cymbal
Steve Holley: Tambourine, Toms, Cymbal Swell
David Mansfield: Strings and String Arrangement
Morgan Fisher: Piano Solo and Organ
Andy York: Bass, 12-String, Baritone and Electric Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano
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