Ian Hunter will be 84 years old in June and he has a new record, the first of two promised this year. This record, "Defiance Pt. 1" came together accidentally. Like many artists, Hunter used the pandemic lockdown to write. But when it came time to record, he was blindsided by just how many other artists would come to the rescue and help contribute. So many offered their talents, that when all was said and done, Hunter had enough music for two records. The first was released on Friday and like all of Ian Hunter's records, it's solid, if a bit by the book. That's not a bad thing. If it ain't broke, you know. But there is a template for an Ian Hunter record that I believe began with the creation of The Rant Band in 2001.
Hunter was only 62 then, but beginning with "Rant" and continuing with some of the best records of his career, "Shrunken Heads," "Man Overboard," and "When I'm President," Hunter's records stopped surprising. No more chances were being taken, like following the very Mott sounding debut with a piano-driven, almost jazzy follow-up with "All American Alien Boy," which preceded a new somewhat glammy album with a new name "Ian Hunter's Overnight Angels," that came before his attempts at new wave "Schizophrenic" and "Short Back 'N' Sides," which was followed by the big, loud, hair-bandy hard rock of 1989's "Y U I ORTA" with Mick Ronson. Since "Rant," the records have stayed the course in style, a singer-songwriter type of pop and rock tunes, with layers of acoustic guitars underneath some tasteful electric driving it all in what I will call gracefully aged rock and roll. I do believe that if it wasn't for the special guests adding some distinctive parts, I may have liked "Defiance Pt. 1" a lot less, which is ironic since the first thing I thought when the album was announced was "I hope all these stars don't get in the way." They don't. They elevate.
Jeff Beck's guitar solo in "No Hard Feelings" is worth the price of admission. Todd Rundgren's guitar and backing vocals do the same for the mid-tempo, borderline Philly soul of "Don't Tread On Me." And while Billy Bob Thornton's vocals on "Kiss "N' Make Up" add little, Billy Gibbons guitar gives the track a nice bit of grit.
There are few artists I love as much as Ian Hunter and by no means am I saying that "Defiance Pt. 1" is an unwelcome addition to a stellar career. There are a few other favorite artists that are getting up there who I wish would take the route Hunter has taken and just do what they do best. I'd give a body part to hear McCartney make an acoustic guitar and piano record. But "Defiance Pt.1" just didn't overwhelm me the way "Bed Of Roses," that first single with Ringo Starr and Mike Campbell overwhelmed me and I think that's because there are five more that sound just like it on the record.
If it ain't broke...I guess.
14 comments:
The cut with Rundgren is so damn sublime!
That's kind of how I felt when I listened to it this weekend. It came and went and I forgot pretty much everything about it when it was done.
I love the idea of Hunter making credible music at his age. It doesn't have to be groundbreaking. Sometimes more of the same is comforting, like a mom's apple pie. I'll take another slice, please.
"That's kind of how I felt when I listened to it this weekend. It came and went and I forgot pretty much everything about it when it was done."
I don't think I said that, Shriner. I really like the songs I mentioned and posted. I think...or hope...my review reads more like what cmealha just said.
Huh, I read it as "meh" to me. If it wasn't Ian Hunter -- would you give it a second thought, though?
And don't get me wrong -- I really liked his last few albums.
"If it wasn't Ian Hunter -- would you give it a second thought, though?"
But it is Ian Hunter! If it wasn't Ian Hunter I might not have given it a first thought.
Just listened again and I enjoyed it more because my expectations weren't as high. I did say the guests elevate it. That's not meh. Saying there are five songs that sound like "Bed Of Roses" isn't high praise, I'll give you that. But I did say, if it ain't broke...two times!
It's not his best, but it's a good record and better than a lot of the special guests own records.
I agree with all of the comments. Call me soft though. He will be 84 in June so I mark on a curve.
The new Mike Viola release works for me.
There’s ne stuff by Mike Viola? Why was I not informed?
The Viola review will be up tomorrow or the next day.
God I don’t enjoy, at my age, being “ageist” but here goes….I don’t give props to any musician because he made it to 84 and can still finger a diminished chord without screaming in pain…case in point, Peter Gabriel touring…saw him in my teens when he was in his late 20s…THAT seemed right…do I want to see him now, with headset mike ambling across the stage battling “Sledgehammer” to the death?….uh, nope, sorry to say….I guess the closer to the hereafter my idols are means the closer I am too…just hate being reminded of that…sad little man I guess I am…ps I really do like the Ringo/Campbell cut….whatever.
AL
Did you listen to the whole record, Al? What songs felt forced, like an 84 year old trying to be 24?
Al,
I'm pretty sure Peter Gabriel was using a headset in 1986, but that's hardly the point. I don't mention Ian's age as a defense of the music. This new record is a viable rock and roll record for any age. Not his best, hardly anyone's worst. It's solid, if a bit same-y. That a man can still want to do it and do it credibly at 84 is something we all should aspire to. Saying "Ian is 84" is not an apology. It's a beautiful reminder.
Been listening all day, and while you picked 3 great ones in your post today, I have to say that "Guernica" is my personal favorite. Can't really explain why I like it so much - but I'm sure you can! It just speaks to me, and makes me remember why I love music.
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