Mott The Hoople & Ian Hunter - The Journey: A Retrospective

The Dude abides

Ian Hunter’s cockney wide boy mannerisms might seem odd for a man born and raised in Hereford, but Ian Hunter was one of the most individual voices in 70s pop. There was something unmistakeably Mott about glam anthems like All The Way From Memphis and Roll Away The Stone, and even Hunter’s later solo work was heavy with the drama and bombast of old, albeit with a more American rock sheen. Mott’s old glories have been well served on compilations over the years, but more than half the tracks on this three-disc set showcase the solo Hunter: ie less familiar material that warrants as much attention as his former band’s big hits. There’s a self-deprecating dry wit at work on the likes of the spoken-word Shades Off, a mocking affection to sky-punchers such as Cleveland Rocks and a snarly good humour to odes such as Bastard and All The Good Ones Are Taken. Including three previously unreleased tracks from the sessions for Hunter’s Rant album, this is the most complete picture yet of a man who’s never been less than interesting, even though casual listeners could be forgiven for having long since tucked him away in the ‘where are they now?’ file.

SonyBMG | 82876890022 (3-CD)

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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