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Ian Hunter - Man Overboard
As I ‘m writing this review about England’s most respected septuagenarian Ian Hunter, it struck me how a musician of this age still knows how to sound so young and enthusiastic. The former front man of legendary group Mott the Hoople releases Man Overboard 2 years after Shrunken Heads. Anybody below the age of let’s say 30 probably never heard of this guy before. All the young dudes, his most memorable track was once covered by Bruce Dickinson in the early nineties. You ask yourself if this old man still has something to offer?
 
Man Overboard is larded with experience in life and music, but what else do you expect from a man that celebrated his 70th birthday? A career that spans nearly 6 decades, with the accompanying rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle hasn’t affected his health or appearance. In fact it is quite amazing how powerful he sounds on this record. And by powerful I mean specifically the vocals. Most singers tend to lose vocal power when they age, something that even studio recordings can’t hide. So you won’t find hard crunching and pounding metal on this one, so for the Slipknot and Murderdoll fans no need to rush in headlong to the digital recordstore. There is also little resemblance with the glam rock sound of Mott the Hoople. What is available are songs played on acoustic guitar, mandolin and accordion. There are only a few subtle electric guitar sounds.
 
The music does remind me a bit of Bruce Springsteen, especially the title track could have been easily on his Nebraska album. That said the E Street Band indeed did work for Hunter back in 1979 for his You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic album. It probably left a mark on his music. Lyrically he is far more cynical than the Boss, stating that they invented a lot, but ‘they haven’t found a cure for me yet.’ The anthem like ‘Babylon Blues’ track with the accompanying nanana’s is easily the highlight of the album. It will do great in a live situation.
 
Speaking of live shows, Mott the Hoople are re-uniting for a couple of concerts at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. Reportedly all five of the original members will participate. Up until then you can enjoy this great new Ian Hunter album.
 
Ian Hunter - Man Overboard
80/1001Details New West records
Released on Tuesday Jul 21st, 2009
Rock

Writer @Angel on Monday Aug 17th, 2009

Tags: #Ian Hunter
Tracklisting 01. The Great Escape
02. Arms And Legs
03. Up And Running
04. Man Overboard
05. Babylon Blues
06. Girl From The Office
07. Flowers
08. These Feelings
09. Win It All
10. Way With Words
11. River Of Tears
Line up Ian Hunter - guitar, vocals