Strings Attached
Lou Reedis often called the Godfather of Punk, but Reed-contemporaryIan Hunterarguably deserves a share of the title, thanks largely to his riveting, far-ranging work with Bowie-faves Mott the Hoople and a star-crossed, if sorely underrated solo career. Recorded in Oslo, Norway in 2002, this live double-disc review of Hunter's rich oeuvre can seem occasionally precious thanks to the presence of the classical string ensemble that inspires its title, yet Hunter's rough-hewn voice and passionate rock poet's soul won't be denied. While rockers like "Once Bitten Twice Shy" and "All the Way From Memphis" don't bristle with the careening energy of the originals, Hunter's versions ofMott'sbittersweet "Waterlow," the new "Don't Let Go" and a surprisingly effective cover of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" take on an intimate, ever-heartfelt elegance in their new arrangements, whileHoople's"Roll Away the Stone" is utterly, hauntingly transformed altogether.--Jerry McCulley