Strings Attached [LIVE]

Ian Hunter

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 15, 2005)
• Original Release Date: August 9, 2004
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• ASIN: B0007KTAYK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #104,780 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Lou Reed is often called the Godfather of Punk, but Reed-contemporary Ian Hunter arguably deserves a share of the title, thanks largely to his riveting, far-ranging work with Bowie-faves Mott the Hoople and a star-crossed, if sorely underrated solo career. Recorded in Oslo, Norway in 2002, this live double-disc review of Hunter's rich oeuvre can seem occasionally precious thanks to the presence of the classical string ensemble that inspires its title, yet Hunter's rough-hewn voice and passionate rock poet's soul won't be denied. While rockers like "Once Bitten Twice Shy" and "All the Way From Memphis" don't bristle with the careening energy of the originals, Hunter's versions of Mott's bittersweet "Waterlow," the new "Don't Let Go" and a surprisingly effective cover of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" take on an intimate, ever-heartfelt elegance in their new arrangements, while Hoople's "Roll Away the Stone" is utterly, hauntingly transformed altogether. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description
Subtitled - A Very Special Night With Ian Hunter. Recorded live at the Sentrum Scene in Oslo, Norway in January 2002. 19 tracks. Universal. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shades On, December 5, 2003

By	MP GRUNILL (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Strings Attached (Audio CD)

Ian Hunter is, in my opinion, one of the finest songwriters of his generation.

But it has largely been a case of out of sight, out of mind in Britain since the former Mott The Hoople vocalist left to base himself in the USA almost 30 years ago.

A loyal fan base remains, however, for a man whose 'Diary of a Rock n Roll Star' is still rated by many as the best book ever written about life on the road.

Unwilling to simply rake in the bucks like some of his contemporaries via Hits of the 70s tours, Hunter remains a genuine creative force - his last album 'Rant' was arguably the best of his career.

And well before Jon Bov Jovi hit on the idea of re-arranging old favourites for strings, he travelled to Oslo in January 2002 to perform two concerts backed by a five-piece band and the Trondheimsolistene (Trondheim Soloists) to be recorded for a special DVD and CD.

Why did it take the best of two years to release them? Only a record label presumably more concerned with promoting lesser, but perhaps more commercial, talents knows the answer.

As a career retrospective it works better than expected, and there is also a sprinkling of new songs including Twisted Steel, an outsider's view of the events of 9/11 - "This wasn't sacred, this was profane. You took off, and you took aim".

Insightful, occasionally funny and above all else honest, Hunter has never been afraid to lay his feelings bare in his lyrics.

Waterlow concerns divorce and its effects on children, Ships and 23A Swan Hill deal with his turbulent relationship with his father and Michael Picasso - a tribute to former partner Mick Ronson - is one of the most moving songs ever written about bereavement.

The strings, arranged by Kjetil Bjerkestrand, add a new dimension to All The Young Dudes, David Bowie's gift to Mott.

Hunter found his own voice after that hit the charts - and it's one which is always worth hearing.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Special Night!, June 18, 2005

By	Anthony Accordino (Massapequa Park, New York United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ian Hunter has always been one of the unsung heroes of the rock era. This british poet rocked onto the seen in the early seventies as lead singer of Mott The Hoople, before embarking on a fantastic and critically acclaimed solo career, that wasn't always recognized by the masses. This live cd "Strings Attached", along with a complete orchestra is nothing short of a gem. Recorded in Oslow Norway in the winter of 2002, Ian Hunter has never sounded better. There is a haunting quality to this live show, in which Hunter's english accent adds an emotional touch, that makes this performance one of the great live recordings in recent memory. He has been called thr british Dylan, and with good reason. His written material is all quality, but unlike Dylan, Ian talks up a storm and jokes around with his audience, and often offers biographical data to many of his songs performed. Some of the Mott The Hoople classics are here. like "All The Young Dudes", "All The Way From Memphis", and "Roll Away The Stone". His moving tribute to former colleague, the late Mick Ronson is especially noted. If His ballads "Ships" and "Irene Wilde", doesn't move you, nothing will. The addition of strings on these ballads, make them all that more powerful. It is quite obvious that lots of care went into the making of this cd, as the sound quality and Ian Hunter's voice is as close as you get to near perfection. As he stated in "Irene Wilde", "I am going to be somebody someday"! He certainly is somebody. Masterful is all I can say about this effort.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good choice of orchestra background, March 27, 2005

By	Manny's review "Manny" (Sacramento) - See all my reviews

I picked this cd based on the ratings and after reading his website. As a first time listener to his music I was shocked that I never fell upon his greatness before. With the orchestra backing him the songs came out very mature and crisp. From the popular "Once Bitten Twice Shy" to "Rest In Peace" and on this album is a great companion for those evenings when a dark room and a great whisky come together! Strongly reccomend...