Search - Ian Hunter :: Ian Hunter (Dig)

Hunter Turns Killer!

PHILIP S WOLF | SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA | 07/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mott the Hoople was on a serious downslide since the summer of 1973 when Mick Ralphs left to team up with Paul Rogers. The guy that took his place in the band got on well with the rest of the chaps and DID have the look of a T-REX wannabe but he DID NOT have Mick's Talent... Mott was on it's last legs but because of a Great album (MOTT) that were at the peak of their popularity, so by default this was the band most of us saw on the stages of America.

By November of 1974 Ian had burnt to a crisp and had to be hospitalised with exhaustion. He Then gave Mick Ronson (RONNO) a call whilst still in a low state over Mott.

They both agreed this was not the time to pack it in and both decided it was time to join forces and with a quick "ELLO" that great record "Ian Hunter" begins!

It opens with "Once Bitten Twice Shy" a strong rocker that echos the Glory Days of Mott spot - on. Ronno shines thoughout with Great Guitars on his Production Excellance.

"Who Do You Love" and "Lounge Lizard" sound as they would have fit in well on the "Dudes" LP but the sound and production of "Ian Hunter" is way beyond "Dudes" with a crisp Drum Sound and the Bite Of Ronno's guitar this record is miles above other releases from this ( Mar 75) era.

I can't get too excited over "Boy" Ian's BIG ballad but it sounds restored due to the Remaster job and the Slags go crazy over it.

"3000 Miles" is a sparse arrangement with just acoustic guitar and heartfelt vocal then comes the Funk/Fire of "The Whole Truth" with great Organ backing to the Upfront Funk Beat with glorious Metal Guitars WOW this one demands a listen, it's that good

"When You Fall" is another ballad and it bleeds into the Poem "Shades Off" and "I Get So Excited" is the Rocker that means closing time for the 75 record but there are 6 Bonus tracks included here so stand by...

!. Coldwater High: This one didn't make the cut for the original album and it won't be hard for you to figure out why.

2. One Fine Day; Another Rocker but Ian has never been happy with this one, again it's not up to the standards of the material that they did use.

3.Once Bitten Twice Shy: The Single Version and a minute shorter.

4. Who Do You Love: The Single Version

5. Shades Off: the Poem tacked on the end of "When You Fall" here presented on it's own and mixed straight into...

6. "Boy": Single Version, this one is GREAT and i'm glad it's here, Now I Get IT!!!

If you like Mott The Hoople You Gotta Get This.... Five STARS...

"

The secret's in the bicycle shed

Jim Z | 10/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ian could have never made this album with Mott, it is way too personal an effort. Not a single weak track on the whole blessed thing. "Once Bitten , Twice Shy" , "Boy" , "The Truth...." , it just gets better with each listen. A much under-appreciated album. Do yourself a favor , click the "Add to shopping cart" button"

A memorable solo career

B. E Jackson | Pennsylvania | 12/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How is it that Great White's version of "Once Bitten Twice Shy" became a hit and not THIS version? Seriously, both versions are really catchy, and I can't believe the song didn't catch on with people 10 years earlier.



That's not the only great song on the album either. "Truth, the Whole Truth, Nuthin' But The Truth" will show you just how talented Ian's songwriting skills are, and if somehow you're STILL not impressed, the most beautiful and saddest song I've ever heard in my life called "It Ain't Easy When You Fall" is right around the corner. Mott the Hoople was great, and guess what? Ian Hunter was too.

"