What I really liked about this record is that Ian Hunter appears to be a man who takes songcraft seriously, but not himself. The title of the album tells you that. And while given their connection and some vocal-sonic similarities, I understand why Bowie would be considered a comparison (especially after listening to "Life After Death”), but you know who this reminds me of? Todd Rundgren. Now Todd’s career was uneven, but at his best he was terrific. This isn’t as good as Todd’s best moments. So maybe the right comparison is Joe Walsh. I love Joe Walsh. He can be forgiven of the otherwise-unforgiveable sin of joining the Eagles – which, by the way, was a band he actually made listenable – because his solo stuff is so much fun. And that’s what this record is – a lot of fun.
As noted, I remembered a lot of these tunes as I listened. “Just Another Night”, “Cleveland Rocks”, “Ships” and “Bastard” all reached into my brain and pulled themselves out – though “Cleveland Rocks” was already one I knew immediately. And they all ring my chimes, because they have hooks, and because they’re all a bit rough around the edges, which I find charming. Contrast the POTUSA version of “Cleveland” – yes, I love that remake because the production is sparkling, but I almost like this version better because it isn’t.
I also love the tempo changes – from fist-raising anthem to slow dance crooner to near-disco to near-gospel to good ol’ fashioned rock and roll. Stylistically, the variety means that you don’t get bored here. And Hunter pulls them all off. I don’t see his voice as a problem, because he’s having the time of his life just making music, and I respect that more than I care about whether or not he can carry a tune. I can’t carry a tune, but when I’m in a good mood I sometimes sing in the shower, and my wife always likes it, not because I can sing (Lord knows!), but because she knows it’s reflective of me being happy. I got the same sense here. Ian’s not trying to make a statement, musical or otherwise. He’s not copying others. He’s not looting. He’s just having a good time.
But this record isn’t without soft spots. I don’t think “Wild East” adds much, where I think the repetitiveness of the riff/chorus makes it a trifle dull. Whilst I like “Ships”, the simile has been eye-rollingly played out. The closer wasn’t necessarily my favo(u)rite. Some of the tunes do go on. But nothing here turned me off – top to bottom, the record has songs I’d hear again. And the real discovery for me was “Standin’ In My Light”, which for whatever reason even borders on moving.
I listened to this record five times in the past week I think, and “Cleveland Rocks” about 15 times. It wasn’t because I was trying to figure out how I feel. It was out of enjoyment. Well done, Ian. It's a 7.5 out of 10 but in this case I'm rounding up. 8/10.
