Not very good
I really don't like this cd. I'm a big Ian Hunter fan, but this one I just don't get.I wasn't crazy about the songs,but the major complaint is the sound quality is horrendous.The label on mine says Citadel, but I don't know if it's them or the master tapes. My friend has the Polydor version and he says the sound quality is much better, but then again, he loves the album.If the other review is true about Ian getting ripped off, I'm doubly sorry I bought this. Great title though!!
Ian's comeback begins
This album was recorded shortly after "Dirty Laundry" and features many of the same musicians. However, this time it is all Ian. "Michael Picasso" is clearly the highlight, but this is a strong set of songs, the work of a mature artist. It's a shame this album has not really seen a proper release anywhere but Norway of all places.My only complaint is that the songs all seem to fall into the same midtempo groove and the running times seem just a bit long. This album needs a few of Hunter's patented frantic rockers for texture (although the title track and "Skeletons" do help a bit in this regard).
This is a very good album that seems to have initiated a creative rebirth for Hunter. On "Rant" he would combine the mature themes of "Artful Dodger" with some good rockin' to come up with a masterpiece.
Buy it elsewhere...
The album itself is great; the one star is meant for Citadel Records, and only because I'm not allowed to choose a negative rating. Citadel (and this means you, Kris Grey) has absolutely no license to sell this album. So if you're an Ian Hunter fan, and would like to see the man actually paid the royalties he's owed for his work, I recommend you pass on the Citadel print of "The Artful Dodger".
a softer ian
following mick ronsons death, ian released this soft, introspective honey of an album. michael picasso is probably the best song ever written about death, period. listening to it tells you how much ronson meant to him. if you are used to hunter the rocker, this is much softer than his normal m.o. nonetheless, this is one fine set. lyrically, some of his strongest stuff. a must for all hunter fans!
