Ian Hunter Sampling in Reality Review by Gary Hill
There is a whole school of music that's focused on slightly rough around the edges rock and roll with less than great singers. It's not quite punk rock, but it has a lot in common with punk. It's the school from which acts like The New York Dolls and Lou Reed emerged. Ian Hunter fits into that category, too. There are a lot of people who love that kind of music. I'm not really one of them. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it, and find songs to enjoy, but it's not something with which I'm enthralled. This new sampler disc features a number of songs from Ian Hunter's new box set and a couple of songs exclusive to this disc. If you are a fan of that school of music, you'll find plenty here to like. For those like me, it's still enjoyable.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2017 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
A Little Rock 'n' Roll (Pre-Rant outtake)
This has some cool hard rock built into it. I love the powered up stuff on this number. There is some great guitar work, bringing a bluesy kind of texture to it.
Your Eyes (from Shrunken Heads EP) I dig this cut quite a bit. It has some cool rocking textures, but is a bit mellower than the opener. I like the harmonica on the tune.
Waterlow (Trio Studio Version) This is a mellow ballad. It doesn't work all that well for me. It has its charms, but it's not as good as the first two cuts.
Sons 'n' Lovers (Live Acoustic 2008) This lands between the first cuts and the last one in terms of sound and quality.
When I'm President (Live Acoustic 2013) Here we get a more rocking tune. This one works pretty well. I dig the energy. I also love the American based guitar solo.
American Music (Early Version) I really like this song a lot. It has a great rock and roll vibe.
Sweet Jane - Ian Hunter and Tribes Here Hunter takes on a classic Lou Reed tune. I like this quite a bit. I prefer the original, but this is good.
