Search - Ian Hunter :: Welcome to the Club

Five-star artist and five-star release gets a 4-star CD

bass boy | Arkansas | 02/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"OK. I haven't listened to the American Beat version yet - it just came in the mail 10 minutes ago, but it's interesting that the CD cover DOES list the Ian Hunter Band members, but there's no liner notes whatsoever in the single gatefold-like CD insert - just song titles and songwriters. This seems to be the exact opposite of the Import (UK version), which people say has liner notes by Ian Hunter but no mention at all of who was playing with Hunter that night during recording.

Also, the American Beat version (U.S.) shows pics of Hunter's band on the back of the CD insert, with Mick Ronson apparently cropped out of the frame (he is seen standing next to Hunter onstage.) Odd, being that this was a Hunter-Ronson release, and Ronson's such wonderful contribution and importance to Hunter's music in the 1970s. They should have featured a shot of Ronson in the booklet (he is seen on the back of the CD jewel case with Hunter, in a small, blue photo.) Oh well, at least the CD is finally here in print in the States.

(The Mott reissues last year are good, especially "Mott," despite a horn goof near the beginning of "All the Way From Memphis." Also pick up the double, 30th anniversary import of "Mott the Hoople Live." It smokes most bands out of the water.



peace"

Pure Gold Rock n Roll

William Moore | NC,USA | 02/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my favorite live album of all time.Ian and Mick tear The Roxy down in this 1979 performance.The album was produced and arranged by Hunter and Ronson,its definitely a joint collaboration.Ronson's riffs blend perfectly with Ian's working class lyrics.Martin Briley on bass,Eric Parker on drums, Tommy Mandel on keyboards,Susie Ronson and Ellen Foley on background vocals on "We Gotta Get Outta Here";a song about Ian's paranoia in public. My favorite parts are Ian talking with the crowd.Someone shouts "Ian,we love you" to which he replies "love you too".A few tracks were recorded live at Media Sound including "Silver Needles" a tribute to the fallen Johnny Thunders.He does of a cover of Sonny Bono's "Laugh at Me", making it rock like a storm.Buy this album! I have it on vinyl and I'm getting it on cd too.It's been a favorite "for yearyas"."

I still own a wonderful vinyl copy, but...

david C. thompson | lostingeorgia | 08/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"it's so hard to not grab this CD edition from American Beat Recordings and remember what it was like to be sitting/ standing in the Roxy Theater in Lost Angeles on one of the nights from these monumental shows(I was at the final show, when champagne was passed 'round after Ronson announced he didn't have "anyfing else" to play.

I'm sure there is a reason(money?)that Mick gets no credit save a miniscule picture on the back, and a small shoutout from the liner notes, but from the moment his first biting solo swells from the warmup squall of FBI, we were there.

I was always a great fan of Ian Hunter, and when in those final days of Mott, Mick Ronson stepped up to ply his trade, a marriage made in heaven ensued.

You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic soon became my fave album,(Ships even worked in this setting)so when this series of shows was announced, I was there.

As soon as Frazer Smith offered up the introduction, and Ian gave us that trademark "ello,ello,ello", Mick and the crack band gave it's all.



Okay.



So this isn't really a review of the CD so much as a recollection of the show. But if you knew the shows, this CD album is a must. If you are an Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson fan, this is a must. Kudos to American Beat Recordings for giving us an affordable version of this brilliant album, and for giving us bonus songs as well.



Buy it. Buy it now! Rock 'N Roll will never be like this again(some nights with the E Street Band notwithstanding).



Thank You!

and Good Night!!!"