Search - Ian Hunter :: Once Bitten Twice Shy

A great collection, but not for Hunter neophytes

curbach@sbcglobal.net | Dallas, TX United States | 06/08/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Putting together a collection like this always creates a dilemma, one that is usually solved by screwing true fans who have to pay for an album full of songs they already have in order to obtain a rarity or two. Because the compilers of this collection went the opposite way, I'm really inclined to give it 5 stars on general principle.Out of the 38 songs on these two discs, only 12 are standard album versions, and of those 4 are from "Overnight Angels" and "All Of The Good Ones Are Taken" which are out of print and damn near impossible to find on cd. Everything else is an alternate take, a single edit, previously unreleased, or rare soundtrack material. Amazingly, none of these rarities coincide with the disc of rarities released with the reissue of "Short Back 'n' Sides" a few years ago. So what you have here is really a generous gift to the fans.On the other hand, as several other reviewers have noted, the lack of some of Hunter's strongest and/or most familiar material (squeezed out by the large number of outtakes and rarities) makes this a very poor introduction/overview of Hunter's career. The casual fan just looking to get a standard "best of" compilation will likely be left cold, and this is certainly not the selection of tracks I would choose to introduce a friend to Hunter's quirky charms. Nevertheless, a lot of the rarities are quite good, especially the moving live performance of "Michael Picasso". If you are already among the converted, you will definitely want this one. If you are a casual fan, caveat emptor."

All The Way From Shropshire - A Real Rock Gem

Martyn Richard Jones | Cordoba, Spain | 02/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Mott The Hooples classic All The Young Dudes hit the shelf almost thirty years ago, I was one of the first in line to buy it - and the music of Ian Hunter has been one of the many constants in my life ever since. This is the hidden history of rock and roll, the essential essence, its timeless qualities and haunting reminders of disquieting beauty, vulnerability and inner strength. Ian Hunter is one of rocks true long distance runners, who has made rock and roll his life, carried out with true dedication, professionalism and honesty that is reflected in his rockers and ballads. Ian Hunter is the real working class rock hero that Lennon characterized so well, and Ian knows and lets us know what he thinks this thing called life is all about.Regards,Martyn R Jones"

Greatest Unknown Rockstar!?

jack protzo | tracy, california United States | 02/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have followed Ian's career since the days of Mott The Hopple. He has released some of the best music in rock history, that is virtually unknown to the general public. All the Young Dudes is about the only recognizable song for most. This 2 CD set is a great starter for those about enter the world of Mr.Hunter. While I would have preferred to hear some other tunes that I think are perhaps better songwriting, I must leave it to Ian to provide us what HE thinks should be on His records. My only regret is that he did not include the song, American Music, one of the greatest tributes to the original roots of rock n' roll. I cannot say enough good things about this artist. Just listen to Once Bitten Twice Shy and God. Oh, by the way, the next one you should buy is Welcome To The Club with Mick Ronson, perhaps in the top 5 greatest live albums ever! Enough Said 'Rock On Ian'"