Ian Hunter
(New West)
Ian Hunter has been anything but prolific in the last decade, so it's a pleasant surprise that Man Overboard comes only two years after his last album, Shrunken Heads. Where Shrunken Heads sounded like Hunter couldn't wait to spit out his angry lyrics about the Bush administration and the stupidity of the public, Man Overboard finds Hunter much more relaxed. Instead of sounding like he has something to prove, he's content to simply be a master at work, effortlessly tossing off uptempo pub-rockers ("Arms and Legs") and soulful ballads ("These Feelings") full of his trademark wit and dry sense of humor. It's another solid record from a guy who has been making them for three decades, and has never been fully appreciated for it. It's unlikely this album will be the one that finally brings him the acclaim he deserves, but those in the know will be happy to have it.
Standout Tracks: "Arms and Legs" "Flowers" HAL BIENSTOCK
