Search - John Hiatt :: Little Head

Is Very Good, Good Enough?

Ken Carroll | Eastman, GA United States | 07/03/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Little Head spawned some air play for the title track, but the best songs never saw the light of day. The song "Little Head" is a clever, though overused, joke and the song seems to parody itself with phrasing like, "when my instincts start stinkin'". Still, this is not a bad song and it does have some clever lyrics.This does not diminish the song that should have been the single release, "Pirate Radio," which is a blazing broadside into the souless corporate radio world. OK, that's why it wasn't the single, but this is a crank-it-up, sing-along rock and roll anthem and how can you go wrong mentioning Otis Redding and Marvin gaye in the same song?"My Sweet Girl" is a laid back, slightly bluesy tune with just enough sweetness to hold it together while not being overdone. Hiatt's sincerity comes through and this is the perfect music for this tender sentiment."Feeling Again" and "Graduated" are both listenable, but not overwhelming. "Feeling Again" is upbeat and will stick in your head for a couple of days (in a good way). "Graduated" does have something to say by way of reflection."Sure Pinocchio" is the second best cut on the album, with some great lines. Remember when that certain someone broke your heart and tried to make up later? "Sure Pinocchio" is full of what you wish you HAD said."Woman Sawn in Half" is better-than-average, but overshadowed by the really good stuff here.The last song, "After All This Time" is touching and an above average song. The remaining cuts are forgettable, but not bad.I'm giving this four stars because the strong songs I've mentioned and the tight band. If this was someone besides John Hiatt, I might have lower expectations, but I would say buy the CD just for "Pirate Radio", "Sure Pinocchio", "My Sweet Girl" and the somewhat maligned "Little Head."Overall, this is a very good album and worth the price. It's not the first Hiatt CD I would recommend (Try "Slow Turning" or "Perfectly Good Guitar" or "Hiatt Comes Alive at Budokan?" for a better first look), but it's definitely worth a couple of listens and if you only listen to the first six tracks, that's still four tracks better than most releases these days."

Ignore the detractors

E.O. French | 07/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've dug Hiatt since Riding with the King, and let me tell you: Regardless of what anybody sez, Little Head is a rip-roaring good time. Buy it, stick it in the CD player, and go crazy."

Not his best, but still better than the rest!

A. Butterfield | 02/02/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hard-core Hiatt fans seem to consider this disk something of a throwaway - not getting near the emotional depth of Bring the Family or Walk On. This disk is fun, mostly upbeat, and showcases, once again, the remarkable raw talent of John Hiatt. (Several of the cuts, too, seemed to foreshadow our President's problems - Little Head and Sure Pinocchio). This guy has matured through his music and only seems to get better. He's as clever with the phrase as Elvis Costello and can really touch your heart like Van Morrison. Stand-out cuts include Woman Sawed in Half, Runaway, and Pirate Radio (a real sing-along, if there ever was one). Buy this - but don't make it your only Hiatt!"