Blog Smith

Blog Smith is inspired by the myth of Hephaestus in the creation of blacksmith-like, forged materials: ideas. This blog analyzes topics that interest me: IT, politics, technology, history, education, music, and the history of religions.

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Guiding Light, Ian Hunter, Shrunken Heads

Excerpt:

Guiding Light is a low-paced, melodic love song which was a respite from the more political songs on the release. Ian's two cents on this invented song is that it is nice and could be about Trudi, and probably is. I would hope he should say that because it is a lovely song and filled with heartfelt lyrics about love. It could be biographical about the mistakes he made as a young boy looking for a guiding light and Trudi has certainly provided support and care for Ian. Love must come sincerely from within so he swears on the cover of a King James Bible that he is in love and they can "shoot for the moon together, babe."

On Track Ian Hunter is shipping soon. Want to promote Ian? The publisher is marketing the book but asked for help from us fans in the Hunter orbit. If you have contacts with podcasts, magazines, or other music outlets let me know so we can promote Ian's music. I'm open for interviews to talk about Hunter's catalog. Thanks!
Great news! Advance copies of On Track Ian Hunter have reached the publisher and will be available soon! I even saw an advance copy on eBay.
Upcoming Podcast Appearances! More details soon:
Frankly Francisco & Full of Words.
Better To ...? Podcast, recorded a terrific conversation, due for release 2 August 2024.
In the meantime, listen to previous appearances!
Tell Me About Your Book, The Phenomenal Musician John Christian
Set Lusting Bruce with Jesse Jackson https://podcasts.apple.com/.../set.../id1038228650...
Toby Gribben Show, awesome show, and live 8 February 2024!
Sign up now for behind the scenes information about On Track
Ian Hunter at TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me!

To book and interview:
TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me




Guiding Light

(Ian Hunter)

Lost in the middle of nowhere
As cold as a stone in the sky
Regretting the mistakes that I made
When I was a young boy
Looking for a guiding light
Looking for a guiding light
Looking for a guiding light
Looking for a guiding light

Lookin' for an answer that I ain't found yet
A twinkle in a blind's man eye
Lookin' for the light at the end of the tunnel
Looking for a reason why

You're my guiding light
You're my guiding light
Where's my guiding light
Where's my guiding light

I know you're out there
I know you're out there
I know you're out there
Somewhere in the darkest night

I swear on the cover of the King James Bible
I'm never gonna let you go
You're my idol, you're my survival
I just want you to know

You're my guiding light
You're my guiding light
You're my guiding light
You're my guiding light

I been searchin'
I been searchin'
I been searchin'
One day I will find my guiding light

And we'll shoot for the moon together
We'll shoot for the moon together, babe
We'll shoot for the moon together, babe
We'll shoot for the moon together, babe



Ian Hunter CD: "Shrunken Heads"

Sleeve and track listing

Yep Roc YEP2152 (USA)/Jerkin Crocus JERK9 (UK)(5 stars!)

  1. Words (Big Mouth)
  2. Fuss About Nothin'
  3. When The World Was Round
  4. Brainwashed
  5. Shrunken Heads
  6. Soul Of America
  7. How's Your House
  8. Guiding Light
  9. Stretch
  10. I Am What I Hated When I Was Young
  11. Read 'em 'n' Weep

Bonus EP:

  1. Your Eyes
  2. Wasted
  3. Real Or Imaginary

Review

This is Ian's first studio album in six years since 2001's Rant. Eagerly anticipated by fans, musically and lyrically it has much in common with its predecessor. Those familiar with Rant will immediately feel comfortable with this album. Whereas before he was lamenting what he sees as the decline of the land of his birth, this time he is commenting on his adopted homeland.

This reviewer always finds it takes a few listens to "get" an Ian Hunter album, and this is no exception. There appears to be little or no filler, and there's a healthy mix of strong, solid rockers and quieter, slower material. Much of the material has a familiar feel - a riff here, a bridge there, very much in the Ian Hunter style where he (perhaps subconciously) leans on his own earlier material.

There are some astonishingly good tracks on here. Words (Big Mouth) opens things up nicely where Ian apologises to a loved one for mouthing off the night before, while Ian yearns for a earlier, simpler world in When The World Was RoundBrainwashed is a great rocker, aimed squarely at the brand-name materialism society seems to be obsessed with today. Shrunken Heads is a great track, with a distinct Springsteen-ish touch to it - close your eyes and it's easy to imagine the E-Street Band accompanying Ian on this one.

In Soul Of America he rails against the current crop of leaders who don't compare to Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin... at the same time as noting how corrupt the whole government machine has become ("feathering their nests while they're rallying the troops..."). How's Your House is a fun, piano-drenched rocker lamenting the lack of help for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Stretch (another guitar-led rocker) sees Ian taking aim at some of the ne'er-do-wells he grew up with, perhaps noting that things could easily have turned out so very differently.

It will be interesting to see how much of this material come across live (I suspect 'very well'). Initial copies of this album come with a 3-track bonus CD - for once the "limited edition" tag is accurate, as bonus-less versions are already in the shops. The tracks are as strong as on the main album (ie definitely not demo tracks). Your Eyes in particular would not have been out of place on the main album, while Wasted has more than a touch of Ian's own God (Take One) about it. At about 50 minutes the album is the right length and the production is very clean.

Overall, a good album that rewards repeated listening. Initially I thought "maybe a notch or two down on his very best" but you know, I'm gonna change my mind. The more I listen to this album the more it grows on me. I'm now firmly convinced this is one of his very best, up there with Alien Boy and Schizophrenic. Now where's that repeat button on the CD player...

Guiding Light4:09Originally released on Shrunken Heads.

Friday, June 23, 2023

Great Expectations (You Never Know What To Expect), Ian Hunter, movie soundtrack; Once Bitten Twice Shy, Tilting The Mirror - Rarities (box set only).

The song is a highlight of the Once Bitten Twice Shy compilation which was originally released as part of the1984 Up the Creek movie soundtrack. The song has a good riff and a great chorus. 

It sounds like a father concerned about his daughter's errant ways. 

Great Expectations

(Ian Hunter)

Now my little girl's a cute little thing
But she ain't grown up much yet
She plays with the toys
N' she plays with the boys
And you never know what to expect

She does what she wants
She says what she wants
Cause she knows what she wants - she gets
And she tells me lies, she makes me worry a lot
And I never know what to expect

Well you never know what, you never know what,
you never know what - comes next
They tell you lies, they make you worry a lot
And you never know what to expect

Now my little girl likes to travel a lot
She thinks she's one of the jet set
She talks to strangers
She don't care about the dangers
And she never knows what to expect

I said, "You little Creep
You're in too deep
You're gonna get your neck wet
Stop messin' with the boogers in the parking lot
Cause you never know what to expect"

I said, you never know what, you never know what,
you never know what - comes next
You're messing with the boogers in the parking lot
And you never know what to expect (do ya?)

Her old man came to the house last night
He said, "I'm just a little bit upset"
I said, "What's she done?"
He said, "Everyone!"
I said, "You never know what to expect"

No you never know what, no you never know what,
no you never know what - comes next
You love 'em to death, and in the very next breath
You never know what to expect

You never know what, you never know what,
you never know what - comes next
But like it or not, you're all that I've got
You never know what to expect

You never know what to expect
I got great expectations (great expectations)
I got great expectations (great expectations)
You know, I got great expectations (great expectations)
I got great expectations (great expectations)

You never know what, you never know what,
you never know what - comes next
You love 'em to death, and in the very next breath
You never know, you never know, you never know what

Ian Hunter CD: "Once Bitten Twice Shy"

Sleeve and track listing

Sony/Columbia 496284 2. (4 stars!)

[Box set sleeve]

Disc 1: Rockers

  1. Once Bitten Twice Shy (single version) (3:53)
  2. Who Do You Love (single version) (3:17)
  3. Colwater High (3:12)
  4. One Fine Day (2:19)
  5. The Truth, The Whole Truth, Nuthin' But The Truth (5:58)
  6. All American Alien Boy (single version) (3:52)
  7. Common Disease (3:53)
  8. Justice Of The Peace (single version) (3:00)
  9. When The Daylight Comes (single version) (3:45)
  10. Cleveland Rocks (3:48)
  11. Bastard (6:34)
  12. Gun Control (3:11)
  13. Speechless (3:39)
  14. Traitor (single b-side) (3:57)
  15. (I'm The) Teacher (4:00)
  16. Great Expectations (You Never Know What To Expect) (3:54)
  17. Good Man In A Bad Time (3:41)
  18. Women's Intuition (single version) (4:22)
  19. Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady (4:32)
  20. All The Young Dudes (live with Def Leppard) (4:00)

Running time: 78m 58s

Disc 2: Ballads

  1. Shades Off (poem) (1:37)
  2. Boy (6:25)
  3. Letter To Britannia From The Union Jack (3:47)
  4. You Nearly Did Me In (single version) (3:30)
  5. (God) Advice To A Friend (5:28)
  6. Shallow Crystals (3:57)
  7. Ships (single version) (4:09)
  8. Standing In My Light (4:34)
  9. The Outsider (5:58)
  10. Junkman (with Genya Ravan) (5:52)
  11. Old Records Never Die (4:15)
  12. All Of The Good Ones Are Taken (3:44)
  13. Seeing Double (4:23)
  14. Bluebirds (4:18)
  15. Sunshine Eyes (4:21)
  16. Ill Wind (3:22)
  17. All Is Forgiven (3:14)
  18. Michael Picasso (live) (6:52)

Running time: 79m 56s

Review

This 2-CD set has been a long time coming. Once Sony released a 3-CD Mott The Hoople Anthology, it was inevitable they would issue a similar "box set" covering Ian Hunter's solo career. Comparisons with that set are therefore inevitable, although somewhat unfair.

This set attempts to include all the rarities: single A-sides, B-sides, movie soundtracks, a few outttakes and demos as well as the great/classic album tracks. Lovingly put together by Campbell Devine, Ian's input was, I'm told, minimal: recording vocals on two or three otherwise unfinished tracks, a handful of demos, and a request the set be split into "Rockers" and "Ballads".

Colwater High is an early highlight on the Rockers disc. An outtake from Ian's first album, it is very keyboard-oriented since Mick Ronson never laid down a guitar part for it. As such, it would not be out of place on the Hoople album. Common Disease is an outttake from the Alien Boy sessions, and is more up-tempto than other tracks on the album. Otherwise, it is a worthy song and I'm surprised it has taken so long to see the light of day.

Traitor (b-side to the Good Ones single) has never worked for me. It starts strongly, with powerful keyboard playing from Tommy Mandel, then it suddenly changes tempo and just sort of plods along. Three of the four movie soundtracks Ian recorded in the 80's are here (Wake Up Call being the one missing), the highlight for me being Great Expectations which has a good riff and a great chorus. I'd love to see Ian do this live some time.

Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady is an outtake from the Artful Dodger sessions, and takes a couple of listens to appreciate. I'd have put it on the "Ballads" disc, but then what do I know? The "Rockers" disc finishes with a live version of ATYD by Def Leppard (with Ian as special guest, of course).

The "Ballads" disc continues in a similar vein, mixing rare singles with alternate versions and previously-unreleased material. Shades Off is a spoken version of the track on Ian's first album, while Advice To A Friend is an alternate take of God (Take One) from the Alien Boy sessions. Don't ask me to chose which one is the better version, as both work for me.

Bluebirds is the highlight of this disc - an outtake from the Good Ones sessions, it is a power ballad - starts quietly but keeps building. Stylewise it is close to something Meat Loaf would do (when Jim Steinman is producing).

Both Sunshine Eyes and All Is Forgiven are demos, recorded in Ian's home studio and as such are true solo recordings. They are certainly interesting, and demonstrate the breadth of styles Ian is capable of. But demo quality is all they are, and Ian didn't see fit to record them on any of his albums.

The set comes complete with 32-page booklet featuring a short biography, track-by-track notes from Ian, and many rare and previously-unpublished photos.

As a compilation of Ian Hunter solo material, this is certainly the best so far, covering as it does both CBS and Chrysalis material. However, my main complaint concerns the balance of material presented. We get no fewer than six tracks from Schizophrenic, but only one from YUI Orta (heck, there are two tracks from Overnight Angels, Ian's least favourite album), and nothing at all from Dirty Laundry or Artful Dodger.

Ian says (in the sleeve notes) that this compilation will go a long way to answering the question "what have you done since 1975?". This compilation answers the question concerning Ian's 1970's and 1980's work, but the question of Ian's output in the 1990's remains unanswered here.

Great Expectations (You Never Know What To Expect)3:54Originally a movie soundtrack; it can be found on the compilation Once Bitten Twice Shy. It can also be found on Tilting The Mirror - Rarities (box set only).

Thursday, June 22, 2023

The Great Escape (Hunter/Andy York), Ian Hunter, Man Overboard

The Great Escape is the lead off to the CD and is based on a true story. Biographical songs are a forte of Hunter's and this is one of them including a humorous story line that is engaging and demonstrates a sense of humor.  There is a bit poetic license but the occasion was about a bunch of guys who wanted to attack Ian after a gig.  These were "seriously heavy, dangerous people." Hunter took off with a chef buddy of his in his "Austin Metropolitan." Ian and producer Andy York wrote the tune about Ian's 21st birthday. The local thug with "best left hook in the business" was after blood once Ian "sullied" the character's reputation. As our hero is in danger there is a pop culture reference to his heart pulsing like a funny car which is a type of drag racing vehicle. Hunter left his belongings behind while he ducked into the loo and instead of returning Ian flew away never to be caught. When the other guy is a bigger ruffian here is guidance about what needs to be done, the great escape. Get out!  

After the two preceding more political CDs this release is more personal and Ian's tales of the rougher life from places such as his youth in Northampton. This opening track harmonizes closely with the title track stating: "They say crime doesn't pay, well take a walk down my way."   

There is a clever line about discretion is the better part of valor. 

The winners are losers, the losers are covered in blood and they can't get it off

It's not a good idea to fight even if you win since you are a loser and if you fight and lose then you are covered in blood never to lose that stain. Hunter is suggesting fleeing is better than fighting regardless if you are a winner or a loser. Just to get your proper revenge Ian cleverly adds:

I seen his eyes when I gave him the finger

This was Hunter's Alamo, the 1836 pivotal military engagement during the Texas Revolution, and the end as the operatic expression "I heard the fat lady singing" and as dangerous youth fades away its a "stone age daydream." Its a clever, funny, and entertaining tale. 

There is a version on Live in The UK 2010.

On Track Ian Hunter is shipping soon. Want to promote Ian? The publisher is marketing the book but asked for help from us fans in the Hunter orbit. If you have contacts with podcasts, magazines, or other music outlets let me know so we can promote Ian's music. I'm open for interviews to talk about Hunter's catalog. Thanks!

Great news! Advance copies of On Track Ian Hunter have reached the publisher and will be available soon! I even saw an advance copy on eBay.

Upcoming Podcast Appearances! More details soon:
Better To ...? Podcast, recorded a terrific conversation, due for release 2 August 2024.

In the meantime, listen to previous appearances!
Yeah Uh-Huh by Lisa and Phil https://youtu.be/r46AbOSo-MM?si=uuWy3T8rQjhnGkwS

Tell Me About Your Book, The Phenomenal Musician John Christian
https://www.facebook.com/.../pfbid09pnutefvQEpSF8uz8jMTip...
Set Lusting Bruce with Jesse Jackson https://podcasts.apple.com/.../set.../id1038228650...

HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bgfx7-14962b2

Toby Gribben Show, awesome show, and live 8 February 2024!

Sign up now for behind the scenes information about On Track
Ian Hunter at TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me!

To book and interview:
TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

1836) was a pivotal event and military engagement in the Texas Revolution.

Funny Car is a type of drag racing vehicle and a specific racing class in organized drag racing. 

The Great Escape

(Ian Hunter/Andy York)

On the night of  my 21st birthday I was playing in a pub back room
When a local dude informed me of my impending doom
Apparently I'd sullied the reputation of the best left hook in the business
Now he's looking for my blood

Well there's a thug in every doorway and it's coming up to closing time
The best left hook in the business put his chair right next to mine
My heart was pulsing like a funny car just before the start of a race
This ain't no time to panic boy you better get your head on straight

I left my guitar on top of the bar, my jacket and coat on the seat
I'm over the counter, I'm up the back stairs
They all thought I was taking a leak
I fly though the air with the greatest of ease
Out of the window and into the breeze
I land on my feet and I'm picking up speed
And all I could think of was "You'll never catch me"

Chorus
When you got to get away
You got to get away
When you got to get away, it's true
When you got to get away
you got to get away
Especially if the other guy is bigger than you

Well there ain't no rhyme, there ain't no reason, just people going over the top
The winners are losers, the losers are covered in blood and they can't get it off
I fly though the air with the greatest of ease
Out of the window, over the trees
I land on my feet I'm picking up speed
And all I could think of was "You'll never catch me"

Chorus

That was my great escape
That was my big adventure
That was my brush with danger
That was my Alamo, baby
I heard alarm bells ringing
I heard the fat lady singing
I seen the club when he came out swingin'
I seen his eyes when I gave him the finger
Those days are over, it's been good to know ya
You're just a stone age daydream


 They say crime doesn't pay, well take a walk down my way..."


The album opens strongly with The Great Escape, which tells of the singer's narrow escape after a "lack of respect" for a local thug. Indeed, several songs seem to be telling tales of the rougher side of life, such as the title track which informs us "They say crime doesn't pay, well take a walk down my way..."




Ian Hunter CD: "Man Overboard"

Sleeve and track listing

New West NW6167 (4 stars!)

  1. The Great Escape
  2. Arms And Legs
  3. Up And Running
  4. Man Overboard
  5. Babylon Blues
  6. Girl From The Office
  7. Flowers
  8. These Feelings
  9. Win It All
  10. Way With Words
  11. River Of Tears

Review

After two albums that were somewhat political in nature (2001's Rant and 2007's Shrunken Heads), 2009 find Ian in a more mellow frame of mind. After a long and successful career he has time to look back on his life and say "Yeah... I've no complaints..."

The album opens strongly with The Great Escape, which tells of the singer's narrow escape after a "lack of respect" for a local thug. Indeed, several songs seem to be telling tales of the rougher side of life, such as the title track which informs us "They say crime doesn't pay, well take a walk down my way..."

Ian doesn't forget his working-class roots either, with the delightful Girl From The Office, which is reminiscent of the Kinks at their best and has a very English feel to it, and tells the story of a factory-floor romance. As always with Ian's songs of this nature, it has a happy ending (he gets the girl).

Ballads have always been a strong point with Ian, and these are prominent especially on the second half of the album. Not all work, however, with These Feelings being a particular weakness.

More up-tempo songs are on the first half of the album. I hesitate to say "rockers", as medium-pace is about the best we get these days (I did say Ian is more mellow these days) and guitars, although present, are rarely high in the mix any more. Those expecting another Just Another Night or Cleveland Rocks should perhaps look elsewhere. That was then and this is now... That said, Arms And Legs is a strong guitar-led song that will really work well in a live setting, as is the next track Up And Running.

Ian hopes to tour with the album both in the USA and UK, so we will wait and see how the songs work in a live setting. Reports from the two gig so far (at the time of writing, end July '09) are positive. As for where this album fits in Ian's extensive back catalogue time only will tell. It is more immediately likeable than its predecessor (sometimes it takes a few plays to "get" an Ian Hunter album, but I liked this straight away), but ulimately I feel it may end up a notch or two down from his very best.

The Great Escape4:29Originally issued on Man Overboard.
The Great Escape (live October 2010)4:41THis live version (recorded at an unknown UK venue) was issued on Live In The UK 2010.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Good Samaritan, Ian Hunter, Rant, Reality, Vol. 1

Excerpt:

This song with a biblical title and sexual undertones appeared all together. The song is almost haunting featuring a strong lyric, vocal performance, and now band, rocks. The female character is torn as she is somewhat committed to marrying a rich man but she meets the Good Samaritan who needed more than he could give and not her superficiality. The theme is similar to Ian's sentiment in Bastard. Here the singer and the woman could not meet again as he asks rhetorically:

And I don't know what possessed you, was I just a one night stand
And not your good Samaritan, good Samaritan, good Samaritan, good Samaritan.

A live version exists from 2002 as well.

On Track Ian Hunter is shipping soon. Want to promote Ian? The publisher is marketing the book but asked for help from us fans in the Hunter orbit. If you have contacts with podcasts, magazines, or other music outlets let me know so we can promote Ian's music. I'm open for interviews to talk about Hunter's catalog. Thanks!

Great news! Advance copies of On Track Ian Hunter have reached the publisher and will be available soon! I even saw an advance copy on eBay.

Upcoming Podcast Appearances! More details soon:
Better To ...? Podcast, recorded a terrific conversation, due for release 2 August 2024.

In the meantime, listen to previous appearances!
Yeah Uh-Huh by Lisa and Phil
https://youtu.be/r46AbOSo-MM?si=uuWy3T8rQjhnGkwS

Tell Me About Your Book, The Phenomenal Musician John Christian
https://www.facebook.com/.../pfbid09pnutefvQEpSF8uz8jMTip...
Set Lusting Bruce with Jesse Jackson https://podcasts.apple.com/.../set.../id1038228650...

HODGEPOD with Rob Fredette https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bgfx7-14962b2

Toby Gribben Show, awesome show, and live 8 February 2024!

Sign up now for behind the scenes information about On Track
Ian Hunter at TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me!

To book and interview:
TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Good Samaritan

(Ian Hunter)

The sun shone through the window as I lay down on your carpet
Staring at the speakers - pretending to be tortured
And I never moved a muscle
No, I never moved a muscle

The sunlight turned to shadows, and the minutes turned to hours
Somebody turned the lights on, there was conversation, laughter
And you know just what I'm after - you know just what I'm after
You will look at me, and your curiosity is gonna get the better of you, will get the better of you

Standing next to me now - she's in the air I breathe
She says, "I'm marrying a rich man but he still thinks I'm a virgin
So I need a little action, I need a little fun
I need a good Samaritan, good Samaritan, good Samaritan, good Samaritan"

We raged around our cages until all the doors lay open
Then we fell upon each other in the fury and the frenzy
And we fought like Gods of Thunder - and we played like fives 'n under
And the only screams that mattered turn to whispers in my ear
You're my good Samaritan, you're my good Samaritan, you're my good Samaritan, you're my good Samaritan

Walking down the street - they make such a lovely couple
And she freezes when she sees me - but she don't have to worry
Cos I needed something deeper - I needed something longer
She said, "People who are weaker, need people who are stronger"
And I don't know what possessed you, was I just a one night stand
And not your good Samaritan, good Samaritan, good Samaritan, good Samaritan.



Ian Hunter CD: "Rant"

Sleeve and track listing

Fuel2000/True North TND 235. (4 stars!)

  1. Still Love Rock 'n' Roll (4:34)
  2. Wash Us Away (3:57)
  3. Death of a Nation (5:35)
  4. Morons (5:32)
  5. Purgatory (4:46)
  6. American Spy (4:30)
  7. Dead Man Walkin' (Eastenders) (6:20)
  8. Good Samaritan (4:07)
  9. Soap & Water (5:18)
  10. Ripoff (4:50)
  11. Knees Of My Heart (3:35)
  12. No One (3:37)

Running time: 56m 47s

Sleeve variations

UK sleeve

Review

Ian's first studio album since The Artful Dodger finds him in a determined mood with a lot to say. Always at his best when he feels he has something to say, Ian is on the warpath with this one, his most politically charged in over 25 years. And boy has he delivered, an album that will stand the test of time mixing belting rockers with poingant ballads.

Opening track Still Love Rock 'n' Roll is a nod to the music that inspired Ian in the first place, a great mid-tempo rocker, Chuck Berry meets Little Richard covering all points in between but with a fresh perspective. I can see this being in the live set for years to come. Wash Us Away is a great slower number that grows on you, you'll soon find yourself humming the tune when you're busy doing something else.

Death Of A Nation is next, some of you may remember it from last year's tour. Almost folkish in places with acoustic guitar, Ian laments the decline of the England that (WW2 leader) Churchill would have known, and has a message for the politicians responsible for it all: "But you've been getting away with it for far too long/Your promises ain't worth the paper they're written on". In terms of pace and delivery it is reminiscent of God (Take 1), I can see it becoming another live favourite.

Morons is an up-tempo rocker, with plenty of piano, reminiscent musically of Marionette and lyrically Crash Street Kidds where Ian positively spits venom at the politicians and media for treating people like... well, morons: "Read moron newspapers, watch moron television... Etonians, Harovians think they're the chosen ones", and later "Look at those morons! They do nothing but whine and they're slow all the time... We can leave 'em behind, while we're dumbing them down we'll be robbing them blind!"

The subject of the high cost of living in England crops up again later, like in American Spy where Ian notes "Always in the red, never in the black/You make a bit of money and they take it all back/This ain't no way to spend the rest of my life" and in the more obvious Ripoff: "I really don't know why England's such a ripoff" and, he notes, "Some day you might win the lottery/Some day you might win the pools/But that's all you've got to live for" which for an awful lot of people isn't to far from the truth.

But it isn't all political, as Ian shows time and again he can write beautiful ballads that hit the emotional nail right on the head, such as Knees Of My Heart ("Slipped the ring on your finger/It's still there to this day" and "Honest and faithful, loyal and true/Where would I be if it were not for you".

Soap 'n' Water is direct and to the point, being directed at someone else entirely: "I can't believe what you did, you know how to hurt/All you do is drag old memories through the dirt".

This is a CD that takes a couple of plays to hit you (Ian never makes it easy for his fans!). But believe me, there is quality and depth here that will reward repeated playing. The (US) CD comes with an insert that folds out to reveal full lyrics and musician credits - I can only assume the UK CD will do likewise. All in all, highly recommended.

Good Samaritan4:07Originally issued on Rant.
Good Samaritan (live 19th May 2002)5:45This live version (recorded Life Cafe, Manchester England) can be found on Bag Of Tricks (Vol 1) (box set only).

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Good Man In A Bad Time, Ian Hunter, Compilation Once Bitten Twice Shy

The song was originally released on the film Fright Night, written by Marc Tanner and Jon Reede, performed by Hunter and produced by Hunter and Mick Ronson. The song plays in the club as Amy notices Jerry Dendrige stalking her and it is an effective addition that perfectly fits the visual. The lyrics are along the lines of a horror which is appropriate for the film. The song was subsequently included on Hunter's 1996 anthology Once Bitten Twice Shy. Not only is the song released in an unusual way during Hunter's career it is also more pop oriented than rock sounding as is his usual production values. 


Fright Night 

Written by Marc Tanner and Jon Reede
Performed by Ian Hunter

Use in the Film

The song plays in the club as Amy notices Jerry Dandrige stalking her. 

Releases

The song appeared on the soundtrack album but it was never issued as a single. Its was subsequently included on Hunter's 1996 anthology Once Bitten Twice Shy.

Good Man In A Bad Time

Producer – Ian HunterMick Ronson
Written-By – J. Reede*M. Tanner*

Good Man In A Bad Time

(Ian Hunter)

Inside, closed quarters
Night's calling under blood red skies
This madness, starts burning
The victim of a strange desire
Mistaken, we follow
Restless emotions take you down
Unwilling, still hunger
For lustful pleasures I have found
He's a good man in a bad time
He's a good man in a bad time

Soft voices, seduce you
A butterfly in a spider's web
Infectious, behavior
You're damned to do it all again (and again and again and again...)
He's a good man in a bad time
He's a good man in a bad time

Don't cry, darling
I'll be with you
All night, darling
Deep within you
He's a good man in a bad time
He's a good man in a bad time
He's a good man in a bad time
He's a good man in a bad time
He's a good man in a bad time


 


Good Man In A Bad Time3:41Originally a movie soundtrack; it can be found on the compilation Once Bitten Twice Shy. It can also be found on Tilting The Mirror - Rarities (box set only).

Monday, June 19, 2023

Good Girls (Honest John Plain), Ian Hunter, Ian Hunter's Dirty Laundry.

Excerpt:

Cleveland International released Good Girls and it scored highly on several US radio charts.

One behind the scenes note about On Track since this was not a Hunter track I still added more information in the book. The publisher requested a full track review for each song.  

Great news! Advance copies of On Track Ian Hunter have reached the publisher and will be available soon! I even saw an advance copy on eBay.
Upcoming Podcast Appearances! More details soon:
Better To ...? Podcast, recorded a terrific conversation, due for release 2 August 2024.
In the meantime, listen to previous appearances!
Tell Me About Your Book, The Phenomenal Musician John Christian
Set Lusting Bruce with Jesse Jackson https://podcasts.apple.com/.../set.../id1038228650...
Toby Gribben Show, awesome show, and live 8 February 2024!
Sign up now for behind the scenes information about On Track
Ian Hunter at TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me!
To book and interview:
TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Good Girls

(Honest John Plain)

It's cold outside - it looks like rain
To make matters worse, I missed me last train
Now I was thinking she'd show me a bed
To my surprise got shown the door instead
Whoa-oh where have all the good girls gone?
Whoa-oh where have all the good girls gone?

She said she wants a fella with a GTI
Always home on time, steak and kidney pie
She made it quite pretty, it was plain to see
There's no place here for a rocker like me
Whoa-oh where have all the good girls gone?
Whoa-oh where have all the good girls gone?

Girls like Peggy-Sue, Maggie-May and Sheena too
Where have all the good girls gone?
Girls like my dear old Mum, who never stopped me having fun
Where have all the good girls gone?
Whoa-oh where have all the good girls gone?
Whoa-oh where have all the good girls gone?
Where've they gone?
Where have all the good (3) girls gone? (2)

So she throws me out in the pouring rain
Girls like that give girls a bad name
Why can't I find a girl just like Betty D.
With an hourglass figure like Norma Jean
Whoa-oh where have all the good girls gone?
Whoa-oh where have all the good girls gone?
Whoa-oh where have all the good girls gone?
Where 've they gone?


Honest John Plain's Psycho Girl and Good Girls. All have a good, earthy 1950's rock n roll feel to them.

Ian Hunter CD: "Ian Hunter's Dirty Laundry"

Sleeve and track listing

Cherry Red CDM RED 321. (3 stars!)

  1. Dancing on the Moon (5:24)
  2. Another Fine Mess (3:28)
  3. Scars (5:04)
  4. Never Trust a Blonde (5:19)
  5. Psycho Girl (2:48)
  6. My Revolution (4:08)
  7. Good Girls (4:01)
  8. Red Letter Day (5:11)
  9. Invisible Strings (3:53)
  10. Everyone's a Fool (2:41)
  11. Junkee Love (2:46)
  12. The Other Man (5:23)

Running time: 50m 12s

Review

This 1995 album is an oddity. Not quite a full solo album, but more than just a collaboration. It started life as a project by Norwegian keyboardist Casino Steel with Ian invited to sit in in the studio. It soon became much more than that, with Ian writing a number of songs (some of which were written in the studio) and contributing to a few others. More importantly, it marked the return of Ian to the recording studio following the death of his long-time friend Mick Ronson.

With vocal duties shared as well this has something of a "band" feel to it. Despite being recorded at a number of studios, it also has a good live feel to it, which is no bad thing. Dancing On The Moon opens things up nicely, while Another Fine Mess looks back to life on the road with Ronson. My Revolution is another standout track, this time looking back to Ian's Mott days - fans will appreciate the reference to "a revolution for fun", while Ian acknowledges the advancing years in the next line with "you'd better lock up yer mums!" Sheer brilliance.

Darrel Bath's Never Trust a Blonde is great fun, as is Honest John Plain's Psycho Girl and Good Girls. All have a good, earthy 1950's rock n roll feel to them. The album ends with a trademark Ian weepie, this time the great The Other Man in which he forgives his lady but not the guy who shagged her.

This album originally came out with little fanfare in 1995 on a small Norwegian label, with the US label Cleveland International also picking it up. In the days before Amazon, etc, it meant getting hold of copies in the UK was difficult (but not impossible). This release on Cherry Red, therefore, makes it the first time this album has been available in the UK. This time round you also get a good booklet, explaining the background to the recording of the album.

This is a fun album. Not Ian's best but by no means his worst and certainly worthy of consideration.

Good Girls4:01Originally issued on Ian Hunter's Dirty Laundry.

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Golden Opportunity, Ian Hunter, Overnight Angels, 3rd LP

Excerpt:

The production and management issues notwithstanding lyrically Golden Opportunity is a fine track about England. Live this curtain raiser commenced with a meandering instrumental overture with twists and turns that featured a killer riff with Slick's guitar, Oxendale's on target staccato piano, and great bass runs by Rawlinson. 

The target is subtle but he is attacking not the people but the elites who run the country. Hunter actually hates the people running the country yet the lyrics are positive. Ian's guitar got him the opportunity he was looking for otherwise he's said he'd be in jail. In short, it's a really positive and upbeat song about taking chances as a golden opportunity. This song is unfortunately one of those good songs that got buried because of music business issues. And, it was not the LP that put Ian back in the limelight after All American Alien Boy.

Great news! Advance copies of On Track Ian Hunter have reached the publisher and will be available soon! I even saw an advance copy on eBay.
Upcoming Podcast Appearances! More details soon:
Better To ...? Podcast, recorded a terrific conversation, due for release 2 August 2024.
In the meantime, listen to previous appearances!
Tell Me About Your Book, The Phenomenal Musician John Christian
Set Lusting Bruce with Jesse Jackson https://podcasts.apple.com/.../set.../id1038228650...
Toby Gribben Show, awesome show, and live 8 February 2024!
Sign up now for behind the scenes information about On Track
Ian Hunter at TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me!
To book and interview:
TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me



Golden Opportunity

(Ian Hunter)

The kids are OK
They're telling you now
But you're letting them down
Cause you just don't know how
And it's a golden opportunity

I'm spinning in space
I'm laughing away
Your so pathetic
I can just hear them say
It's like a golden opportunity

You better hear it
See hear it
It's a golden opportunity
You better hear it
Get near it
It's a golden opportunity

We reckon they're rats
Now see how they run
My house is so common
And we're dumb we're so dumb
And it's a golden opportunity

Scream all you suckers
Scream all you can
I'm losing my bluff
It's a scam its a scam
And it's a golden opportunity

You better hear it
You better hear it hear it
It's like a golden opportunity
You better hear it
You better hear it hear it
It's like a golden opportunity
Alright!
You better hear it hear it
Hear it hear it It's a golden opportunity
Hear it
Hear it
It's a golden opportunity
You better hear it
You better hear it
It's a golden opportunity
You better hear it
You better hear it
It's a golden opportunity
(fade)



After receiving (and turning down) several offers in 1976, Ian realised he wanted to be in a band again. After the less than commercial success of Alien Boy, he went in to the studios wanting to record fast songs again (having recorded Alien Boy never wanting to do a fast song again!). With Roy Thomas Baker producing (he had produced several Queen albums), this should have been a monster.

The result could almost be described heavy metal - it is certainly not a typical Ian Hunter album. The rockers are certainly there, but the production is too thin - everything is at the same level in the mix (up front!), with Ian's voice almost drowned out at times.

Released when punk was at its height, the album and subsequent tour received mixed reviews. Columbia in the States was more forthright - they refused to release it (although a few test pressings exist). Ian would soon part company from CBS/Columbia and Fred Heller (his manager), and soon disowned the album, describing it as "that horrible album" and "a mistake", and hasn't played any track from it in concert since.


 

Ian Hunter LP/CD: "Overnight Angels"

Sleeve and track listing

Sony/Columbia 474781-2. (2.5 stars!)

  1. Golden Opportunity (4:31)
  2. Shallow Crystals (3:58)
  3. Overnight Angels (5:12)
  4. Broadway (3:46)
  5. Justice of the Peace (3:01)
  6. (Miss) Silver Dime (4:34)
  7. Wild n' Free (3:08)
  8. The Ballad of Little Star (2:32)
  9. To Love a Woman (3:54)
  10. England Rocks1 (2:53)

Running time: 37m 33s

1bonus track on the remastered CD.

Review

After receiving (and turning down) several offers in 1976, Ian realised he wanted to be in a band again. After the less than commercial success of Alien Boy, he went in to the studios wanting to record fast songs again (having recorded Alien Boy never wanting to do a fast song again!). With Roy Thomas Baker producing (he had produced several Queen albums), this should have been a monster.

The result could almost be described heavy metal - it is certainly not a typical Ian Hunter album. The rockers are certainly there, but the production is too thin - everything is at the same level in the mix (up front!), with Ian's voice almost drowned out at times.

Released when punk was at its height, the album and subsequent tour received mixed reviews. Columbia in the States was more forthright - they refused to release it (although a few test pressings exist). Ian would soon part company from CBS/Columbia and Fred Heller (his manager), and soon disowned the album, describing it as "that horrible album" and "a mistake", and hasn't played any track from it in concert since.


Golden Opportunity4:31Originally issued on Overnight Angels, also on the compilations The (MTH) Collection and Shades of Ian Hunter: The Ballad of Ian Hunter and Mott the Hoople.

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  • Ali, Ayaan Hirsi, Nomad: From Islam to America: A Personal Journey Through the Clash of Civilizations;
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  • Aristotle, Athenian Constitution. Eudemian Ethics. Virtues and Vices. (Loeb Classical Library No. 285);
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  • Cowell, F. R., Life in Ancient Rome;
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  • Cross, Robin, General Editor, The Encyclopedia of Warfare: The Changing Nature of Warfare from Prehistory to Modern-day Armed Conflicts;
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  • Dawkins, Richard, The Blind Watchmaker;
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  • Global Services: Strategies for Sourcing People, Processes, and Technologies;
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  • Goldberg, Jonah, Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning;
  • Goldin, Shmuel, Unlocking the Torah Text Vayikra (Leviticus);
  • Goldsworthy, Adrian, Caesar: Life of a Colossus;
  • Goldsworthy, Adrian, How Rome Fell: Death of a Superpower;
  • Goodman, Lenn E., Creation and Evolution;
  • Goodwin, Doris Kearns, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln;
  • Gopp, Amy, et.al., Split Ticket: Independent Faith in a Time of Partisan Politics (WTF: Where's the Faith?);
  • Gordon, Michael R., and Bernard E. Trainor, Cobra II: The Inside Story of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq;
  • Government Health IT: The Magazine of Public/private Health Care Convergence;
  • Government Technology's Emergency Management: Strategy & Leadership in Critical Times;
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  • Grant , Michael, The Climax of Rome: The Final Achievements of the Ancient World, AD 161 - 337;
  • Grant, Michael, The Classical Greeks;
  • Grumberg, Orna, and Helmut Veith, 25 Years of Model Checking: History, Achievements, Perspectives;
  • Halberstam, David, War in a Time of Peace: Bush, Clinton, and the Generals;
  • Hammer, Reuven, Entering Torah Prefaces to the Weekly Torah Portion;
  • Hanson, Victor Davis, An Autumn of War: What America Learned from September 11 and the War on Terrorism;
  • Hanson, Victor Davis, Between War and Peace: Lessons from Afghanistan to Iraq;
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  • Hanson, Victor Davis, How The Obama Administration Threatens Our National Security (Encounter Broadsides);
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  • Hanson, Victor Davis, Ripples of Battle: How Wars of the Past Still Determine How We Fight, How We Live, and How We Think;
  • Hanson, Victor Davis, The End of Sparta: A Novel;
  • Hanson, Victor Davis, The Soul of Battle: From Ancient Times to the Present Day, How Three Great Liberators Vanquished Tyranny;
  • Hanson, Victor Davis, Wars of the Ancient Greeks;
  • Harnack, Adolf Von, History of Dogma, Volume 3 (Sony Reader);
  • Harris, Alex, Reputation At Risk: Reputation Report;
  • Harris, Sam, Letter to a Christian Nation;
  • Harris, Sam, The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason;
  • Hayek, F. A., The Road to Serfdom;
  • Heilbroner, Robert L., and Lester Thurow, Economics Explained: Everything You Need to Know About How the Economy Works and Where It's Going;
  • Hempel, Sandra, The Strange Case of The Broad Street Pump: John Snow and the Mystery of Cholera;
  • Hinnells, John R., A Handbook of Ancient Religions;
  • Hitchens, Christopher, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything;
  • Hogg, Ian V., The Encyclopedia of Weaponry: The Development of Weaponry from Prehistory to 21st Century Warfare;
  • Hugo, Victor, The Hunchback of Notre Dame;
  • Humphrey, Caroline & Vitebsky, Piers, Sacred Architecture;
  • Huntington, Samuel P., The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order;
  • Info World: Information Technology News, Computer Networking & Security;
  • Information Week: Business Innovation Powered by Technology:
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  • Integrated Solutions: For Enterprise Content Management;
  • Intel Premier IT: Sharing Best Practices with the Information Technology Community;
  • Irwin, Robert, Dangerous Knowledge: Orientalism and Its Discontents;
  • Jeffrey, Grant R., The Global-Warming Deception: How a Secret Elite Plans to Bankrupt America and Steal Your Freedom;
  • Jewkes, Yvonne, and Majid Yar, Handbook of Internet Crime;
  • Johnson, Chalmers, Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire;
  • Journal, The: Transforming Education Through Technology;
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