Kettle of Fish, Defiance Part 2: Fiction

"Kettle of Fish" is one of a pair of irresistibly crunchy rockers (“People” and “Kettle of Fish”) featuring three founding members of Cheap Trick.

It’s followed by ‘Kettle Of Fish’, which is another sullen feeling song. Taylor Hawkins and Cheap Trick back him here, and it’s another number with a powerful lyrical message – on this occasion about the perils of modern life. Hunter reprises "YUI Orta" in the lyrics. 

7. Kettle Of Fish

Taylor Hawkins: Drums

Dane Clark: Drums and Snare Section

Tom Petersson: Bass

Robin Zander: Background Vocal

Rick Nielsen: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars

Steve Holley: Tambourine

Tommy Mandel: Organ

Andy York: Baritone Guitar, Background Vocal

Ian Hunter: Electric Guitar

The exact origin of "kettle of fish" as a metaphor for a difficult situation remains uncertain. However, there are two main theories:

• Fish Guts and Confusion:

  • This theory suggests the imagery of a kettle filled with fish being gutted and cleaned contributes to the meaning. The messy scene with entrails, scales, and assorted body parts visually represents a state of disorder and chaos.

• Historical Practice:

  • There's a less widely accepted theory suggesting a connection to an old Scottish custom. According to some sources, a social gathering called a "kettle of fish" involved boiling live salmon in kettles near the river Tweed.
  • While the details are unclear, the act of throwing live fish into boiling water could be interpreted as a chaotic and unexpected event, potentially linking it to the expression's meaning.

Here's a summary of the two possibilities:

• Dominant Theory: The most commonly accepted explanation connects the expression to the messy and chaotic image of a kettle filled with fish being cleaned.
• Alternative Theory: A less certain theory links it to a specific historical practice in Scotland, although the exact connection is unclear.

It's important to note that the first documented use of the expression dates back to 1742.

Weed, Defiance Part 2: Fiction

Songs like the legalization anthem “Weed” – featuring Stone Temple Pilots’ Dean DeLeo (guitar), Robert De Leo (bass), and Eric Kretz (drums) is full of righteous fury and a vibrant spirit, Hunter’s perspective and gift for protest music as clear-eyed and independent as ever. 

“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.

Weed’ features a sombre riff, with a gloriously pointed and eloquent lyric from the great man, here he is accompanied by the three ‘musical’ members of Stone Temple Pilots, who play their part to perfection.

6. Weed

Eric Kretz: Drums

Robert De Leo: Bass

Dean DeLeo: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Slide Guitar

Andy Burton: Organ

Dennis DiBrizzi: Background Vocals

Ian Hunter: Piano

Precious, Defiance Part 2: Fiction

"Precious" is the first single off Defiance Part 2 and reminds me of Arms and Legs with a figure staring into a mirror. Here the object of the song does not have a precious moment and it seems to be about intelligence with a reference to Mensa and cool ending. The object of the song ends up in a hall of mirrors with an ambiguous musical ending. Interesting song that does not grab you at first but it has a depth to it and it sinks in. 

The artist looks in a mirror and there:"Ain't no magna cum laude staring back at me." Hunter sings in a self-depreciating manner that he falls below the standard required but it only takes a minute of your precious time to consider him. The perspective seems to shift to address another unnamed person such as a lover, parent, or friend to just take a minute or two of their precious time; for his part, Hunter would go to any lengths to respond yet the other will not positively respond with giving him their time. A bit more clarity is provided as the song unfolds since it's not a matter of "alpha or beta" indicating the other is a male figure. There is no "mensa" or "genius" there. At the end of the song the singer returns to the mirror image but it's a "whole other mirror" and it's laughing at the singer. He seems to be saying that this male figure would not give him the time of day but then the mirror of life mocks him after struggling against this unnamed male figure. 

‘Precious’, which features the late lamented Taylor Hawkins, Joe Elliott and Brian May. I may sound like a stuck record here, but it’s another classic Hunter track, it could really only ever have been penned by him.

5. Precious

Taylor Hawkins: Drums

Brian May: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Bass

Joe Elliott: Background Vocals

James Mastro: Sax Abuse

Ian Hunter: Piano

This Ain't Rock And Roll, Defiance Part 2: Fiction

 ‘This Ain’t Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is pureblood Mott The Hoople, Phil Collen turns in a very pleasing performance, while Hunter fairly roars vocally, it’s a boogie number that rocks along with swaggering ease. This is a song about how young people determine what music is popular. In most ways rock has given way to a the music of a younger generation, pop music and rap. 

4. This Ain’t Rock And Roll

Dane Clark: Drums

Tony Shanahan: Bass

Phil Collen: Background Vocals

Andy York: Slide and Electric Guitar

Ian Hunter: Piano

The 3rd Rail, Defiance Part 2: Fiction

 In 2020 there was talk of the next release tentatively entitled Overview with tracks including The Third Rail. That release turned out to be Defiance Part 1 and The Third Rail ended up on Defiance Part 2: Fiction. 

‘The 3rd Rail’ is a slower, more reflective number, featuring some tastefully languorous guitar interplay between the late great Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp, it is an almost dreamy piece, simple yet hugely effective and memorable.

3. The 3rd Rail

Dane Clark: Drums

Tony Shanahan: Bass

Jeff Beck – Lead Guitar

Johnny Depp: Acoustic and Electric Rhythm Guitar

Ian Hunter: Piano

(Dedicated to Jeff)

Fiction, Defiance Part 2: Fiction

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.

2. 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

People, Defiance Part 2: Fiction

Defiance Part 2: Fiction

'People' is a diatribe against the marketing that says: "We know what people want: no you don't." Clever line:"You don't have the foggiest." The song fits in Hunter's larger concern against the consumer society that people are fed into. It is a battle for hearts and minds. The marketing want people to consume novelty and believe everything you hear. The problem is that marketing saws people in half. Offensive but effective since it "makes me want to throw up." The theme reminds me of Graham Parker's `Stupefaction' where he sings that the people: "stare at billboards as if for guidance."

Parts of the song are sing-a-long and it could be catchy performed live. There is a sweet guitar lead and crunchy guitar by Rick Nielsen on Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars, with Mark Bosch on Electric Guitar. The backbeat rocks the tune and is similar to `Precious' featuring an unusual trailing off run down the frets guitar ending.

This is one of a pair of irresistibly crunchy rockers (“People” and “Kettle of Fish”) featuring three founding members of Cheap Trick.

1. People

Dane Clark: Drums

Tom Petersson: Bass

Robin Zander: Keyboard, Background Vocals

Robin-Sailor, RTZ: Background Vocals

Rick Nielsen: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars

Mark Bosch: Electric Guitar

Joe Elliott: Background Vocals

Ian Hunter: Piano

Videos for Educational Technology c. 2014

 

San Diego March for Life

 

Defiance Part 2: Fiction

Iconic rock and roller Ian Hunter brings his perspective on our wild world with both outrage and hope on Defiance Part 2: Fiction on Sun Records on 4/19. Ten new original tracks written by Hunter feature fellow rock royalty like Brian May, Lucinda Williams, Cheap Trick, Benmont Tench plus members of Def Leppard, Stone Temple Pilots and more. Also included are some of the final recordings of Taylor Hawkins and Jeff Beck. Also, pressed on red vinyl, the album art is a portrait of Ian by Johnny Depp.

Blabbermouth

https://blabbermouth.net/news/ian-hunter-announces-star-studded-lineup-for-defiance-part-2-fiction-album?fbclid=IwAR1ZiFePQIzQx336_DRll_7EeKonIzH24CKmKVFUVMbibeH1AiKvVE2G6D4&mibextid=Zxz2cZ#lsnrbfyvqt47ymvtlbj

The release is Friday, April 19.

A limited-edition 2LP vinyl edition of "Defiance Part 2: Fiction" featuring three bonus tracks will be available exclusively on Record Store Day, set for Saturday, April 20.

There is a star-studded cast:

Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson (CHEAP TRICK),Brian May (QUEEN), Lucinda Williams, Dean DeLeo, Robert De Leo and Eric Kretz (STONE TEMPLE PILOTS), Joe Elliott and Phil Collen (DEF LEPPARD), Johnny Depp, Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew (THE BOXMASTERS), Benmont Tench (TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS, BOB DYLAN),Waddy Wachtel (STEVIE NICKS, JACKSON BROWNE), David Mansfield (BOB DYLAN, T BONE BURNETT), Tony Shanahan (PATTI SMITH), Steve Holley (WINGS), Morgan Fisher (MOTT THE HOOPLE), and — in what proved among their final studio recordings — the late, great Jeff Beck and Taylor Hawkins (FOO FIGHTERS). Additionally, for the Record Store Day vinyl, the special guests on two tracks include Mike McCready and Matt Cameron (PEARL JAM),Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson (THE BLACK CROWES).

Defiance Part 2: Fiction is the follow-up to rock legend Ian Hunter’s successful 2023 album, Defiance. Featuring another stacked lineup of guest appearances, including Johnny Depp, Lucinda Williams, Brian May, to list a few, as well as Jeff Beck’s final recordings, this Deluxe Edition 2 LP set contains three exclusive bonus tracks and is pressed on translucent yellow vinyl for Record Store Day.

Having long used his voice to explore and examine contemporary issues, Hunter is once more pointing his passionate pen at a society seemingly more out of control with each passing day.

"I was trying to avoid all that on 'Part 1'," Hunter says, "but on 'Part 2', it caught up with me. Most of those were written two or three years back, so I wanted to get it all out before whatever takes hold in November. It would be dated after the fact."

Songs like the legalization anthem "Weed" — featuring STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' Dean DeLeo (guitar), Robert DeLeo (bass) and Eric Kretz (drums) — and the epic "Fiction", with keyboards from MOTT THE HOOPLE's Morgan Fisher and a stirring string arrangement from David Mansfield (BOB DYLAN, T BONE BURNETT), are full of righteous fury and vibrant spirit, Hunter's perspective and gift for protest music as clear-eyed and independent as ever.

"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."

Countless highlights abound through "Defiance Part 2: Fiction", from a pair of irresistibly crunchy rockers ("People" and "Kettle Of Fish") featuring three founding members of CHEAP TRICK to the raw, emotional "What Would I Do Without You", the latter of which sees Hunter sharing lead vocals with Lucinda Williams — the first duet in his extensive canon.

That point is not true. Ian has sung with Genya Ravan, his son Jesse, and on Mike Campbell's "Dirty Job."

Hunter is currently hard at work writing songs for a third installment in the "Defiance" project. Though born from expediency and quarantine, the communal nature of "Defiance" has proven a remarkably fruitful creative path for Ian Hunter, still another collaborative milestone in his indefatigable journey through rock 'n' roll.

1. People

Dane Clark: Drums
Tom Petersson: Bass
Robin Zander: Keyboard, Background Vocals
Robin-Sailor, RTZ: Background Vocals
Rick Nielsen: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Mark Bosch: Electric Guitar
Joe Elliott: Background Vocals
Ian Hunter: Piano

2. 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

3. The 3rd Rail

Dane Clark: Drums
Tony Shanahan: Bass
Jeff Beck - Lead Guitar
Johnny Depp: Acoustic and Electric Rhythm Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano
(Dedicated to Jeff)

4. This Ain't Rock And Roll

Dane Clark: Drums
Tony Shanahan: Bass
Phil Collen: Background Vocals
Andy York: Slide and Electric Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano

5. Precious

Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Brian May: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Bass
Joe Elliott: Background Vocals
James Mastro: Sax Abuse
Ian Hunter: Piano

Precious

https://youtu.be/dnQ0DNCmLn0?si=nnbhIzXn1VCw6JNW

6. Weed

Eric Kretz: Drums
Robert De Leo: Bass
Dean DeLeo: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Slide Guitar
Andy Burton: Organ
Dennis DiBrizzi: Background Vocals

Ian Hunter: Piano

7. Kettle Of Fish

Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Dane Clark: Drums and Snare Section
Tom Petersson: Bass
Robin Zander: Background Vocal
Rick Nielsen: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Steve Holley: Tambourine
Tommy Mandel: Organ
Andy York: Baritone Guitar, Background Vocal
Ian Hunter: Electric Guitar

8. What Would I Do Without You

Dane Clark: Drums
Lucinda Williams: Lead and Background Vocals
Benmont Tench: Organ
Tony Shanahan: Bass
Andy Burton: Electric Piano
Andy York: Baritone Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano

9. Everybody's Crazy But Me

Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Waddy Wachtel: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Benmont Tench: Organ
Steve Holley: Maracas, Tambourine
Paul Page: Bass
James Mastro: Electric Guitar
Dennis DiBrizzi, Andy York: Background Vocals
Ian Hunter: Piano

10. Hope

Taylor Hawkins: Drums, Bass
Lucinda Williams: Harmony Vocal
Billy Bob Thornton: Background Vocals
Benmont Tench: Synth
Steve Holley: Maracas, Tambourine
J.D. Andrew: Electric Guitar
Andy York: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano

11. Normal Service Will Be Resumed As Soon As Possible

Kevin Hupp: Drums, Percussion

Frank Gagliardi: Bass

Rick Tedesco: Electric Guitars, 12-String Acoustic, Background Vocals
John Liguori, Michael Tedesco: Background Vocals
Ian Hunter: Acoustic Guitars

12. Needle Park

Dane Clark: Drums
Rich Robinson: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Chris Robinson: Background Vocals, Harmonica
Tony Shanahan: Bass
Mark Bosch: Electric Guitar, Solo
Steve Holley: Shaker
Ian Hunter: Piano

13. How'd Ya Like To Meet Henry

Matt Cameron: Drums, Percussion
Mike McCready: Electric Guitar
Joe Elliott: Background Vocals
Mark Bosch: Electric Guitar
James Mastro: Resonator Guitar
Andy York: Bass
Ian Hunter: Piano

All songs written by Ian Hunter
Produced by Andy York and Ian Hunter
Mixed by James Frazee

Tracklist

SIDE A:

1. People

2. Fiction

3. The 3rd Rail

4. This Ain't Rock And Roll

SIDE B:

5. Precious During my first listen to the track it struck me that the beginning reminds me of "Arms and Legs," great guitar by Brian May, and clever ending. 

6. Weed

7. Kettle Of Fish

SIDE C:

8. What Would I Do Without You

9. Everybody's Crazy But Me

10. Hope

SIDE D:

11. Normal Service Will Be Resumed As Soon As Possible

12. Needle Park

13. How'd Ya Like To Meet Henry

The Aftermath Promo Pics 20 October 2023