Postscript, Ian Hunter, Shrunken Heads, 13th Album

The release was issued by Yep Roc Records in America, Mercury in Norway, and Jerkin' Crocus Records in Britain on 15 May 2007. Early album pressings included a second limited-edition disc featuring bonus tracks: Wasted, Real or Imaginary, and Your Eyes. 

Promotion by Jerkin' Crocus included When the World Was Round as a single and it reached #91 on the UK national chart. The CD and vinyl picture discs featured live recordings of Twisted Steel, Once Bitten Twice Shy, and Words (Big Mouth) as extra tracks, and a startling animated promotional video was produced by Andy Doran, identified as "the testicle with fuzz" video, but in any case Hunter admired the visual interpretation of his song. 

The British press praised the release and American critics reacted the same. It was nominated as a Classic Rock record of the year, and the publication's "Top Fifty Albums of 2007" would rank it at #5. 

Three promotional acoustic shows followed in the UK and they also received critical acclaim. 

Since Hunter had finally achieved critical acclaim the question might be is he done or will he hang it up? 

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

Personnel, Introduction, Ian Hunter, Shrunken Heads, 14th, not 13th Album

Personnel:

Ian Hunter - lead vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica, backing vocals

Andy York - acoustic, electric, 12-string guitar, piano, banjo, ukulele, Wurlitzer, backing vocals, gang vocals

Steve Holley - drums, percussion, gang vocals

Graham Maby - bass, gang vocals

James Mastro - slide, electric, solo, Barytone, buzzsaw guitar, e-bow

Andy Burton - keyboards, Wurlitzer, organ, accordion, piano

Jack Petruzzelli - mando, electric, Leslie, Phaser guitar, Omnichord, Wah-Wah

Mark Bosch - solo guitar

Soozie Tyrell - strings

Peter Mushay - keyboards

Rick Tedesco - staccato piano

Tony Shanahan - upright bass

Mary Lee Kortes - vocals, backing vocals

Christine Ohlman - vocals, backing vocals

A. Buryon - gang vocals

Jesse Hunter Patterson - gang vocals

Dennis Dunaway - gang vocals

Jeff Tweedy - backing vocals

Produced at: A-Pawling Studios, Pawling, New York and The Hangar Studio, Brookfield, Connecticut, by Andy York and Ian Hunter 
Release date: 15 May 2007
Running time: 50:31
Current edition: Jerkin' Crocus 
Highest chart places: Did not chart. 

Ian Hunter is about to unleash his unfiltered thoughts on the state of the world with a raw and fiery new album! It's been a long six years since we last heard new studio recordings from Hunter, and boy, has he been stewing in frustration. While Rant shook up the political landscape in the UK, this time he's setting his sights on the good ol' USA. With its short attention spans, endless texting, and painfully stilted conversations, modern life is about to face a reckoning. Prepare yourselves for an electrifying collection of eleven songs that will challenge your perspectives and ignite your inner fire. Hunter fearlessly takes on consumerism, crass dressing, politics, and everything in between, all while keeping a firm grasp on the personal and embracing a healthy dose of self-criticism. And let's not forget the album's title, my friends—it's a direct jab at those who voted for George W. Bush not once, but twice. To Hunter, that's like collecting a bunch of shrunken heads as trophies. But he doesn't stop there. He delves into the very heart of the issue: a system where the choice is between two crappy parties. It's as if the country is being run by a handful of giant corporations, and the average American is so caught up in the hustle of work and family that they're blissfully unaware of what's really going on. So get ready to dive headfirst into Hunter's unfiltered truth bombs, where he fearlessly exposes the absurdities of our world and challenges us all to wake up, take a stand, and demand better. It's time to shake off the blinders, my friends, and join Ian Hunter on this electrifying journey of revelation and rebellion.

In 2002 Hunter played British live dates as the "Takin' the Mick Tour" as Mick Ralphs guested on second guitar which was the first that the duo had played together in twenty-nine years. Ralphs enjoyed some of Hunter's material especially Rant songs and the pair let the band play the Mott songs as neither Hunter or Ralphs weren't really interested in visiting the past. 

Ian moved forward. Hunter contributed a cover version of I Wish I Was Your Mother on the 2003 album From Hope by Martin's Folly. Then he did a brilliant mid-paced rocker One More Time ended with a repeat "Austin" refrain, echoing Ohio on Cleveland Rocks for the 2004 Por Vida: A Tribute to the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo. Escovedo is a fine musician himself but he is also a Hunter fan and covered some of Ian's songs. They met at a benefit in Chicago and got along well. Hunter heard that the Austin songwriter was really ill and a benefit CD project was proposed for Ian. Andy York reviewed numerous songs and this one was selected for Hunter. It was recorded at guitarist and producer Rick Tedesco's Studio with York, Steve Holley, and James Mastro for the Por Vida benefit album. Hunter's involvement is indicative of his support for Escovedo.  

The 28th May 2004 gig at the Astoria in London was recorded and released by Secret Films/Secret Records on DVD (Just Another Night) and double CD (The Truth, the Whole Truth, Nuthin’ But the Truth). The band includes special guest Mick Ralphs from Mott days (and also of course Bad Company). Other members are Andy York (Guitar), Ian Gibbons (Keyboards), Steve Holley (Drums) and Gus Goad (Bass).

As 2004 ended Hunter appeared on Jools Holland's New Year's Eve Hootenanny BBC TV show. In 2005 Ian played harmonica for Ricky Warwick on The Almighty frontman's Love Many Trust Few album and toured for three months. 

The Rant Band filled out with the addition of two musicians. Keyboard player Andy Burton first played for a charity event at the Mercury Lounge in NYC. At the first rehearsal and gig Burton's case handle broke but before he could grip it, Ian had already pitched in. Andy had never seen a lead singer or frontman ever help. Mark "M.C." Bosch, a mate of James Mastro's, who was going to call Mastro after hearing Rant, asking if he needed anyone, but ironically the same day Mastro called him first asking if he was available for Hunter gigs. His first show was in Santa Ana, CA on 10 March 2005. 

Some recognition by peers was forthcoming. On 4 October 2005 Hunter was awarded Classic Rock's inaugural "Classic Songwriter" award. On 23 June 2006 Ian played NYC's Beacon Theater with Robert Plant billed as "We're Doing It for Love," the gig was benefit for Arthur Lee, the ailing leader of innovator LA band Love. Plant and Ian's duet was the classic Everly Brothers, When Will I Be Loved. The Brothers scored a #8 hit single with the song in the summer of 1960 and the benefit song was acclaimed as "heavy-glam Everly Brothers." Hunter also sings There Ain't No Cure on Christine Ohlman's album, The Deep End. 

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

Postscript, Ian Hunter, Strings Attached A Very Special Night with Ian Hunter, 12th Album

The album was released in March 2005 as a double CD and DVD by Universal Europe and Sanctuary USA. The critics acclaimed the effort and Hunter considers it one of the highlights of his life. 

The question would be could Ian startle fans again as he had done twice with both Rant and Strings Attached?

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

Personnel, Introduction, Ian Hunter, Strings Attached A Very Special Night with Ian Hunter, 13th, not 12th Album

Personnel:
Ian Hunter - vocals, guitar
Bjørn Nessjø, keyboards 

Kjetil Bjerkestrand, keyboards

Trondheimsolistene

Recorded: 29th and 30th of January 2002, Oslo's Sentry Scene

Release date: December 2003
Running time: 1:36:27
Current edition: Proper 
Highest chart places: Did not chart. 

Ian Hunter is about to take you on a musical adventure like no other! Picture this: after an incredible tour with none other than Ringo Starr himself, Universal Records comes knocking on Hunter's door with an audacious proposal. They want him to join forces with the Trondheimsolistene, a chamber ensemble of exceptionally talented string players, to create a live recording that would give his iconic repertoire a jaw-dropping makeover. Now, you might be thinking, "Wait a minute, isn't Ian Hunter known for his raucous rock 'n' roll sound?" Well, my friends, prepare to have your minds blown because this is a revamp like no other. With the financing in place (and let's just say it involved an alarming amount of money), Hunter's misgivings were quickly put to rest. Enter the maestros, Bjørn Nessjø and Kjetil Bjerkestrand on keyboards, who flew across the pond to capture Hunter's guitar and piano skills on tape. But here's the twist: Kjetil stripped away all the instrumentation, leaving a clean canvas for Hunter to work his magic. This allowed for fresh new arrangements that would take these timeless tunes to uncharted territory. And guess what? They pulled it off with only four rehearsals! Chaos, you say? Well, that's often when Ian works best—unleashing his creativity in a frenzy of spontaneity. And let's not forget the delightful humor amidst the chaos, as Hunter affectionately named the strings "Sigmund" and "The Little Freuds." But here's the kicker: while the rest of the musicians could read sheet music, our rock 'n' roll maestro couldn't. So, Andy York, the master translator, stepped in to ensure that Hunter's audio vision was brought to life on that stage. Get ready, folks, because what you're about to experience is a symphonic fusion of Hunter's raw rock with the exquisite elegance of strings. It's a collaboration that will challenge your expectations and ignite your senses. So buckle up, open your hearts and minds, and let Ian Hunter and the Trondheimsolistene whisk you away on a musical journey that will leave you breathless and craving for more.

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

Bones From the Yard, Ian Hunter, Dennis Dunaway Project, 2005, ex-Alice Cooper

The Real Thing, Ian Hunter, 2001, BDS

Also in 2001, Hunter also co-wrote four songs with BDS, a band formed by members of Blue Öyster Cult and Alice Cooper. The songs included Having the Time of My Life, Love You Too Much, There Was a Girl, and The Real Thing. 

There Was a Girl, Ian Hunter, 2001, BDS

Also in 2001, Hunter also co-wrote four songs with BDS, a band formed by members of Blue Öyster Cult and Alice Cooper. The songs included Having the Time of My Life, Love You Too Much, There Was a Girl, and The Real Thing. 

Love You Too, Ian Hunter, 2001, BDS

Also in 2001, Hunter also co-wrote four songs with BDS, a band formed by members of Blue Öyster Cult and Alice Cooper. The songs included Having the Time of My Life, Love You Too Much, There Was a Girl, and The Real Thing. 

Having the Time of My Life, Ian Hunter, 2001, BDS

Also in 2001, Hunter also co-wrote four songs with BDS, a band formed by members of Blue Öyster Cult and Alice Cooper. The songs included Having the Time of My Life, Love You Too Much, There Was a Girl, and The Real Thing.  

(It Never Rains On) Worthing, Ian Hunter, Rant unused track, Worthing was a song considered for The Artful Dodger which could be the same song

Hunter did not use the discarded song and he has said the lyrics are totally daft. 

Requiem for the Dudes, Ian Hunter, Rant unused track

Famous Last Words, Ian Hunter, Rant unused track

Rise and Shine, Ian Hunter, Rant unused track

Postscript, Ian Hunter, Rant, 11th Album

Hunter sent off a volley of five songs from the completed sessions but there was no Papillon single released. However, a four-song EP was issued. And, Fuel 2000 issued a promo with a caricature of President George W. Bush as Alfred E. Neumann of MAD comics fame. The promo CD notably included two acoustic recordings from Ian's US TV appearance on The Late Show with Craig Kilborn, accompanied by James Mastro. Although there was relatively little promotion, the CD was largely acclaimed by critics and the press. 

During May Hunter embarked on a promotional campaign visiting American radio stations playing acoustically with guitarist Mastro. In June Ian played eleven British gigs. The Rant Band was slowly building an audience for Hunter. 

In 2001, Ian was invited by Ringo Starr to tour with his Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band, a live supergroup of revolving musical stars. Hunter played All The Young Dudes, started with Still Love Rock and Roll, which was changed at Starr's request in favor of Irene Wilde. 

Also in 2001, Hunter co-wrote four songs with BDS, a band formed by members of Blue Öyster Cult and Alice Cooper. The songs included Having the Time of My Life, Love You Too Much, There Was a Girl, and The Real Thing. Once you feel nostalgic for harder rock and rock ballads that would not be out of place on YUI Orta you can give these songs a listen. 

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

It's Alright with Me, Ian Hunter, after Artful Dodger, c. 1998

Personnel, Introduction, Ian Hunter, Rant, 12th, not 11th Album

Personnel:

Ian Hunter - vocals, keyboards, harmonica, acoustic guitar, piano, backing vocals

Andy York - electric guitar, mandoguitar, groovebox, autoharp, organ, zither, keyboards, mandolin, bass, backing vocals

Steve Holley - drums, percussion

Robbie Alter - guitars, bass, piano

Tommy Mandel - organ, keyboards, loops

Mickey Curry - drums

John Conte - bass

Rich Pagano - backing vocals, bongos, drums

James Mastro - six-string fuzzbass, mandolin, electric slide, electric 12-string, acoustic 12-string

Dane Clark - drums

Doug Petty - organ, keyboards

Jesse Hunter Patterson - gang vocals

Lisa Ronson - gang vocals

Willie Nile - gang vocals

Rick Tedesco - guitar, gang vocals

Produced at: New Calcutta, New York City, by Andy York and Ian Hunter
Release date: 21 April 2001
Running time: 56:47
Current edition: Papillion (UK), Repertoire (Europe), Fuel2000 (North America) 

Highest chart places: Did not chart. 

The unstoppable force that is Ian Hunter is back with a vengeance, armed with a collection of brand new songs that will rock your world. As the recording sessions unfolded, the sheer brilliance of tracks like "Salvation," "Morons," and "It's Alright with Me" became evident, leaving no doubt that Hunter's creative spark was burning brighter than ever before. And let me tell you, my friends, this is no swan song. In fact, it's just the beginning of an awe-inspiring musical journey that will leave you begging for more. The album itself, aptly titled to reflect Hunter's unfiltered commentary on the state of the world, is a powerhouse of vibrant and meticulously produced songs that will captivate your senses. But what truly sets this release apart is the incredible lineup of musicians who join forces with Hunter. Drummer extraordinaire Steve Holley, affectionately known as "Mr. Comfort" or "Rhino," brings his unparalleled rhythm to the mix, while the dynamic guitar duo of Andy York and James Mastro electrify every note with their exceptional skills. With the tragic loss of Ronson, Hunter had some big shoes to fill, and fill them he did, as this remarkable trio surpasses even the legendary Hunter Ronson partnership in terms of longevity. But let's not forget the mastermind behind the production magic: Andy York. His meticulous touch elevates Hunter's music to celestial heights, creating a sonic experience that will leave you breathless. Ian Hunter unleashed a string of first-rate albums that will redefine classic. Get ready to be swept away on a musical odyssey like no other, where truth meets artistry and Hunter's indomitable spirit shines through. The late 1990s mark a turning point, a resurgence of creative energy that will leave an indelible mark on the world of rock. Get ready to witness the birth of not only a new century but a new era of classic rock, where Ian Hunter reigns supreme.

The songs were all written exclusively by Hunter and Papillon released the album in May 2001, Fuel 2000 issued the American version in April with an alternate running order. The English release is how the core members conceived the record. The working title of the album was Worm's Eye View from a line in Honaloochie Boogie and started in December 2000. Label favorites were Death of a Nation or From the Knees of My Heart but one day Hunter said to York that the album was a rant from one end to the other. York responded that's it, that the title, and then the band became The Rant Band. The release is both intensely personal but a group musical effort by the entire band. 

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

Postscript, Ian Hunter, The Artful Dodger, 10th Album

The project issued in September 1996 by Polydor Record, but only in Norway, seven months later Citadel Records released the tracks as a picture disc CD in Britain, followed by a box set contained a gatefold LP and Hunter's Diary of a Rock 'n' Roll Star presented as a cloth-bound 1972 desk diary. Michael Picasso and The Artful Dodger appeared as singles, the latter featuring the non-album F*ck it Up.

Off the radar for some time the press reviews were few but mostly laudatory. 

A thirty-date British tour from April to June 1997 was set to promote the release with drummer Alan Young, keyboardist Ian Gibbons, guitarists Paul Cuddeford, bassist Paul Francis, and the ever-present Darrell Bath. Later appearances came in September to November. Hunter began to perform a new song Salvation live but didn't record a studio version as he was saving it as the last track on his last CD. 

There were three VH1 television appearances during May and Hunter did the channel's My Top Ten focusing on his favorite recent releases and for Take It to the Bridge he recorded Michael Picasso and Irene Wilde. 

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

Personnel, Introduction, Ian Hunter, The Artful Dodger, 11th, not 10th Album

Personnel:

Ian Hunter - lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, harp

Darrell Bath - acoustic, electric and Baryton guitars, lead vocals

Torstein Flakne - guitars, vocals

Per Lindvall - drums, percussion

Sven Lindvall - bass

Robbie Alter - acoustic, electric and slide guitars

Kjetil Bjerkestrand - keyboards

Dennis Eliott - drums

Pat Kilbride - bass, acoustic bass

"Honest" John Plain - vocals, lead vocals

Frode Alnaes - guitar

Mariann Lisland - vocals

Per Öisten Sörensen - vocals

The Vertago String Quartet - strings

Produced at: Nidaros Studios, Trondheim, Norway. Additional recordings at The Time Machine, Vermont, USA. Michael Picasso recorded live 4 October 1995, overdubbed later by Björn Nessjö.

Release date: 1996 Norway; 21 April 1997 UK Polydor September 1996 
Running time: 55:09
Current edition: Citadel 
Highest chart places: Did not chart.  

The irrepressible Ian Hunter charged forward, fueled by the success of his previous release. With the winds of creativity at his back, he sets his sights on a new solo album, ready to conquer the world once again. And who better to join him on this journey than the extraordinary Bjørn Nessjø, a musical arranger of unparalleled talent? Together, they weave a sonic tapestry that will leave you breathless. The album's title itself went through a metamorphosis, starting as "Life, Get One," then evolving into "Pilgrim's Progress," until finally settling on the evocative "The Artful Dodger." Within its grooves, you'll discover eleven tracks that showcase Hunter's renewed focus and his relentless pursuit of musical excellence. But what about the band, you ask? Fear not, for Hunter has assembled a formidable lineup of guitarists to fill the void left by the legendary Ronno. Darrel Bath, Robbie Alter, Frode Alnaes, and Torstein Flakne step up to the plate, infusing the album with their electrifying talents. And let's not forget the rhythmic backbone, with the dynamic duo of drummer Per Lindvall, the maestro of beats, and the keyboard wizardry of Kjetil Bjerkestrand. Last but not least, anchoring it all with his pulsating basslines is Sven Lindvall. The stage is set, the players are assembled, and the music is about to transport you to new heights. Get ready to lose yourself in the magic of "The Artful Dodger" and witness the rebirth of a rock icon. Hold on tight, my friends, because this is just the beginning of an extraordinary chapter after Ronson and a brilliant and creative climax in Ian Hunter's storied career.

Hunter was on his way back musically by addressing his parents, youth, NYC, the yellow press, the after-life (possibly), and religion. As with Old Records Never Die he acknowledge those who passed on with Michael Picasso, Walk on Water, and Now Is the Time. Surprisingly, he started the record off on a low-key note whereas he usually began with a barn burner. 

The verse on the liner notes are pure Darrel Bath. Hunter heard him say it once and asked him to repeat it which he did verbatim and Ian wrote it down. Bath is all rocker and quite the character inspiration for the title of the album. 

The Artful Dodger and Skeletons (In Your Closet) attached to this studio release from the back end of Hunter's previous effort and are a bit out of place but similar to Dylan's Oh Mercy album. The release almost makes it as a complete record where you sit down and it's all of one mood. The record is a success if an album hangs together as one piece and since you go in with good intentions it doesn't always happen but that's the goal. 

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

Postscript, Ian Hunter, Ian Hunter's Dirty Laundry, 9th Album

The final title of the release came as a result of the record label request. The album was issued by Norsk Plateproduksjon in March 1995. The Norwegian label released a promo disc of Red Letter Day, then, My Revolution was issued as the album's single. The band promoted the song with a live television performance in Oslo, on NRK TV's entertainment show Rondo. Cleveland International issued the album in America and Good Girls scored highly on several US radio charts. 

Not surprisingly, the collaborative release received low-key press coverage but it did gather positive appraisal. The release is one of the significant shifts that Hunter has made during his career, provided an outlet for his music again after a long break, and most importantly, made a creative return following the tragic passing of Ronson. 

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

Take a Long Line, by The Angels, Mick Ronson, Ian Hunter, Heaven and Hull, 1994

 Hunter and Joe Elliott shared vocal duties.