Customer Reviews

Warming Up to the Ice Age

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Hiatt wasn't well-known outside of select music industry circles at the time of this recording (1983?). Although a well-respected writer with at least 3 previous albums to his credit, Hiatt may still have been better known for his stint in Ry Cooder's band (& you've got to be a pretty dang good guitar player to get a paycheck from Ry). This album was probably an attempt by Geffen Records to get John into the mainstream with slick, punchy production emphasizing Hiatt's elastic vocals and considerable guitar skills. But the songs are what grabs you here. "The Usual" is an edgy driving twist off a mellow-down-easy groove. "She Said the Same Things to Me" was destined to be an unknown classic for Johnny Adams. "Living A Little" is a stirring duet with Elvis Costello. "I've Got a Gun" should be an anthem for abused women, but there's a little too much malevolence to vengence to make it to prime time. "Burning Down the Zero House" and "Warming Up to the Ice Age" may sound a little too early 80's for some folks, but Hiatt's passion and playing carry way too much weight to be lost in production values. This is a great, full-out rocking record by a top shelf songwriter who can also sing & play "Like a Real Man".

Of the three albums Hiatt recorded for Geffen, this is the least interesting. The main culprit is Nashville producer Norbert Putnam, who used the kind of synth arrangements that carbon dated all the albums in the 80's that used them in an attempt to sound of the day. The highlights remain, as usual, the terrific songwriting. "The Usual" was covered by Bob Dylan, and "When We Ran" by Linda Ronstadt. Two other great compositions are here, the humorous "She Said The Same Things To Me" and the classic "The Crush." The "American Elvis Costello" tag finally comes with a payoff, as EC joins Hiatt on a soulful cover of the Spinners' "Living A Little, Laughing A Little." The overproduction here has often made me long for rerecorded versions of a few of the songs (I'd love to hear the title track or "I Got a Gun" stripped down). But as far as Hiatt albums go, "Warming Up To The Ice Age" is even less characteristic of the artist than the oft-slagged "All Of A Sudden."

My mom, dad, and brother had the pleasure of having dinner with John Hiatt, many years ago. When I was much younger, I went to one of his concerts, and i still remember it clearly. This man is perhaps the only artist that my family will all listen to without bickering over. He has a style all of his own, this album at this price is a steal, so is riding with the king, stolen moments, slow turning, any john hiatt cd that you don't have but find: BUY IT! I urge you to, and believe me, you won't regret it!

Of the three albums Hiatt recorded for Geffen, this is the least interesting. The main culprit is Nashville producer Norbert Putnam, who used the kind of synth arrangements that carbon dated all the albums in the 80's that used them in an attempt to sound of the day. The highlights remain, as usual, the terrific songwriting. "The Usual" was covered by Bob Dylan, and "When We Ran" by Linda Ronstadt. Two other great compositions are here, the humorous "She Said The Same Things To Me" and the classic "The Crush." The "American Elvis Costello" tag finally comes with a payoff, as EC joins Hiatt on a soulful cover of the Spinners' "Living A Little, Laughing A Little." The overproduction here has often made me long for rerecorded versions of a few of the songs (I'd love to hear the title track or "I Got a Gun" stripped down). But as far as Hiatt albums go, "Warming Up To The Ice Age" is even less characteristic of the artist than the oft-slagged "All Of A Sudden."

There's a kind of polished metal feel to this one which comes from the playing and production. It's a bit too clean and sharp for me, not at all like Slow Turning for instance. Solid songs, great vocals... but still it just misses the mark and is overshadowed by the great Hiatt albums starting with Riding With the King. A good one to test how loud your hi-fi will go!

I heard a raggedy recording of John Hiatt and Ry Cooder doing "The Crush" live on Hiatt's 1983(?) World Tour...and it knocks the socks off the recorded version here...it's a clean shot, no invasive production frills, and on top of accompanying Hiatt on vocals, Ry Cooder plays a smokin' skyrocket slide, like something Earl Hooker might do but blown out LIVE. And it's an extraordinary sound that perfectly complements Hiatt's own riveting swamp gas guitar. WHEN will the record company WISE UP and RELEASE THE TAPES from this tour? Inquiring minds want to know cause...they're DYNAMITE.