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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Though Ian Hunter hit his popular peak in the 1970s, as the frontman for Mott the Hoople and with solo favorites such as "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" and "Cleveland Rocks," fans who have followed his career ever since will find him in fine form here. Co-produced by Hunter and Andy York (guitarist for John Mellencamp), the album mixes the hard-crunching rock 'n' roll, literate lyricism, bittersweet balladry, and self-deprecating humor that have long marked Hunter's best work. Musically, both "Stretch" and the piano-driven "How's Your House" have the dynamics of Mott (though the latter was inspired by the aftermath of Katrina), while "When the World Was Round" and "I Am What I Hated When I Was Young" find Hunter in older-and-wiser mode. After "Brainwashed" attacks consumer culture with a feverish immediacy, Hunter finds soul-stirring redemption in "Guiding Light." --Don McLeese
Product Description
As the leader of seminal seventies band Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter ripped straight through the hypocrisy and broken ideals of the hippie generation, cutting a jagged swath through popular music and paving the way for the punk rock revolution. Hunter's interpretation of the David Bowie-penned classic 'All the Young Dudes' made him an icon and further work with legendary Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson cemented his position as underground rock 'n' roll royalty. After Mott the Hoople's final break-up in 1974, Ian Hunter pressed on as a solo artist releasing 11 solo albums to date. Now, with Shrunken Heads, the man that has influenced bands from The Clash to Oasis is still affecting today's most groundbreaking artists (Jeff Tweedy collaborates on three tracks), recording with his beloved band and offering characteristically wry commentary on today's political climate.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By T. McCool
Format:Audio CD
Ian Hunter's last three solo albums have been on different labels and all are out of print. Some may conclude that Ian's career never recovered from the loss of his friend and collaborator Mick Ronson to cancer. However, Ian has never been one to deliberately seek fame and fortune, even while fronting Mott the Hoople.
Because Ian creates music for music's sake, and because he has found a simpatico collaborator in Andy York from John Mellencamp's band, Ian gives us his strongest and most consistent post-Ronson effort. The songs on Shrunken Heads reflect Ian's take on life - both personal and community. He has been one of rock's most enduring songwriters for decades and he hasn't lost his touch one bit.
Musically, the album is based on the same Dylan/Stone-ish rock that has always served Ian's vocal range very well. There are also shades of Mellencamp and Springsteen. Thematically the album is an American version of Ian's last release - Rant - which took on the state of affairs in England, Ian's homeland. Ian has been a resident of the US since 1976 (reference All American Alien Boy), and Shrunken Heads gives equal time and focus to the other side of the Atlantic.
The title track is a wonderful "rant" about political leaders (the shrunken heads) who make bad decisions that hurt common people. Soul of America is a lament for the soul-less-ness that too often pervades the American landscape. Brainwashed takes on American consumerism (and reminds me of my 15 yr. old daughter for some odd reason). How's Your House is a post-Katrina story. The media takes their lumps in Fuss About Nothin'.
The political "rants" are balanced with insightful personal songs. Words (Big Mouth) is an apology for last night's temper tantrum, characterized as the "black dog lurking in the alley way." Throughout much of the album - as is the case in much of Ian's music - is the theme of redemption, found here in the song Guiding Light. A bit of humor to help those who, like Ian, are past middle age appears in I Am What I Hated When I Was Young, brilliantly paired with a bluegrass arrangement.
The album's closer, Read 'Em and Weep, showcases Ian's strength - the ballad. The song stands with other great Hunter ballads such as Sea Diver, Rose, Rest In Peace, Irene Wilde, Ships, and his tribute to Mick Ronson, Michael Picasso.
Whether or not Shrunken Heads catapults Ian into the charts (or at least into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) probably isn't on Ian's mind. Forget about charts and legacies, and enjoy finely crafted music from a master.
Note: Pre-orders from the record label included a three-track bonus disc that included two songs that are as good if not better than anything else on the full CD. Only 1000 were pressed in the US, so seek out this rarity.
UPDATE: The three songs on the bonus disc are still available for download from the record label. I strongly recommend them.
Because Ian creates music for music's sake, and because he has found a simpatico collaborator in Andy York from John Mellencamp's band, Ian gives us his strongest and most consistent post-Ronson effort. The songs on Shrunken Heads reflect Ian's take on life - both personal and community. He has been one of rock's most enduring songwriters for decades and he hasn't lost his touch one bit.
Musically, the album is based on the same Dylan/Stone-ish rock that has always served Ian's vocal range very well. There are also shades of Mellencamp and Springsteen. Thematically the album is an American version of Ian's last release - Rant - which took on the state of affairs in England, Ian's homeland. Ian has been a resident of the US since 1976 (reference All American Alien Boy), and Shrunken Heads gives equal time and focus to the other side of the Atlantic.
The title track is a wonderful "rant" about political leaders (the shrunken heads) who make bad decisions that hurt common people. Soul of America is a lament for the soul-less-ness that too often pervades the American landscape. Brainwashed takes on American consumerism (and reminds me of my 15 yr. old daughter for some odd reason). How's Your House is a post-Katrina story. The media takes their lumps in Fuss About Nothin'.
The political "rants" are balanced with insightful personal songs. Words (Big Mouth) is an apology for last night's temper tantrum, characterized as the "black dog lurking in the alley way." Throughout much of the album - as is the case in much of Ian's music - is the theme of redemption, found here in the song Guiding Light. A bit of humor to help those who, like Ian, are past middle age appears in I Am What I Hated When I Was Young, brilliantly paired with a bluegrass arrangement.
The album's closer, Read 'Em and Weep, showcases Ian's strength - the ballad. The song stands with other great Hunter ballads such as Sea Diver, Rose, Rest In Peace, Irene Wilde, Ships, and his tribute to Mick Ronson, Michael Picasso.
Whether or not Shrunken Heads catapults Ian into the charts (or at least into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) probably isn't on Ian's mind. Forget about charts and legacies, and enjoy finely crafted music from a master.
Note: Pre-orders from the record label included a three-track bonus disc that included two songs that are as good if not better than anything else on the full CD. Only 1000 were pressed in the US, so seek out this rarity.
UPDATE: The three songs on the bonus disc are still available for download from the record label. I strongly recommend them.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Once upon a time, Ian Hunter was fast becoming a rock legend. Hits with Mott the Hoople and his early solo career had made him and his music easily recognizable. Then something happened. For some unexplainable reason, most people don't know who Mr. Hunter is, let alone that he is a wonderful, still relevant artist.
Mr. Hunter's latest effort, Shrunken Heads, shows he stills knows how to put together words and musics quite well, thank you. He goes forward without having to ride his catalogue of music in to the dust. His lyrics combine honesty and world weariness in a way few poets, let alone rockers, can.
In a world where more people are more concerned with Paris Hilton's latest exploit rather than Dafur, Somalia, etc., Mr. Hunter's lyrics remind us about the need to get real.
Shrunken Heads highlights are Big Mouth, When the World Was Round, Shrunken Heads, and Soul of America. Do you think the Stones would pen a song like "I Am What I Hated When I Was Young?" The album closes with a beautiful poem/song "Read 'em 'n Weep."
Miss this at your own risk.
Mr. Hunter's latest effort, Shrunken Heads, shows he stills knows how to put together words and musics quite well, thank you. He goes forward without having to ride his catalogue of music in to the dust. His lyrics combine honesty and world weariness in a way few poets, let alone rockers, can.
In a world where more people are more concerned with Paris Hilton's latest exploit rather than Dafur, Somalia, etc., Mr. Hunter's lyrics remind us about the need to get real.
Shrunken Heads highlights are Big Mouth, When the World Was Round, Shrunken Heads, and Soul of America. Do you think the Stones would pen a song like "I Am What I Hated When I Was Young?" The album closes with a beautiful poem/song "Read 'em 'n Weep."
Miss this at your own risk.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This CD ranks up there with Hunter's best work, including his Mott The Hoople days. While other 70's artists do greatest hits tours, Hunter writes and performs new classics. This has been the only CD I have played in my car since I bought it. I may have to buy a second copy to show my support.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good But Not Great
This is better than 99% of the music that is being created today, but a slight disappointment following the classic amazing Rant. Read more
Published 3 months ago by MJH
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fresh
Ian is still making great music. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago after a outdoor show in a nearby state. he was cool and I have been a fan since 1974. Read more
Published 4 months ago by bill
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ian is STILL a relevant rocker
As great as the Mott Hoople period was, and as inspiring as Ian's early solo albums were, you could also argue that the music he'd recorded in the past decade --- while in his 60s... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Donald E. Gilliland
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hunter rocks.
Hunter still has some rock left in him, thoughtful lyrics for us seasoned listeners. An older, wiser Mott. If you like Mott you'll like this one. Shame he doesn't get radio play.
Published 4 months ago by NeilRitter
5.0 out of 5 stars
great
excellent album. brings back smart writing and sounds of the classic "you're never alone wqith a schizophrenic album". every song is classic
Published 4 months ago by keo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
This is one of the best CDs I have bought in the last 15 to 20 years. The song writing is brilliant, the music, production, and arranging are excellent. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Joseph T. McCann
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Really Solid Ian Hunter Album
I've been an Ian Hunter fan since his days as the front man of Mott The Hoople.
This is one of the best albums Ian Hunter has released since his debut solo album in... Read more
This is one of the best albums Ian Hunter has released since his debut solo album in... Read more
Published on July 20, 2010 by Mark Anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Monster
I have had Vynil "Shades of Ian Hunter" Mott-Hunter double for years and I had and discarded his "Schizophrenic" album as a bit thin. Read more
Published on February 8, 2010 by Mr. A. J. Scholefield
5.0 out of 5 stars
best solo album yet
This is Ian Hunter's best work since Mott the Hoople. It rocks, has tons of hooks and is a real pleasure to hear.
Published on March 18, 2009 by James E. Foster
5.0 out of 5 stars
OVERLOOKED BRILLIANCE
It's a shame that great artists who've been about for decades aren't getting more attention for their later, career-defining work. This is an excellent album. Read more
Published on January 21, 2009 by David P. Weber
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