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It’s not that Ian Hunter ever really went away. It’s just that since the late 1970s his output has been sporadic, and, arguably, half-hearted. Hunter was always one of those artists who danced around the periphery of greatness; his Mott the Hoople work reached it’s zenith with the David Bowie- produced ALL THE YOUNG DUDES, and his solo work is perhaps best known for producing the anthemic “Once Bitten Twice Shy,” which is unfortunately best known for being covered by Poison, who had a major hit with a decidedly inferior version. Hunter cut “Cleveland Rocks” for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and then…well, not a whole lot that’s been memorable.

It’s accordingly a real kick in the head that, in his mid-60s, Hunter should release what is arguably the strongest, most consistent project of his solo career with SHRUNKEN HEADS. Hunter sounds confident, vibrant, and ageless; he actually sounds like he is having fun here, even on angst-inducing tunes such as “When The World Was Round.” He keeps things simple for the most part --- guitars, keyboards, drums, and bass --- but whether playful (“Brainwashed”) soulful (“Shrunken Heads”), or introspective (“I Am What I Hated When I Was Young”), each composition is memorable and likable in some distinctive way. Hunter’s vocals, always distinctive, have aged well. Actually, they haven’t aged at all. I’m not saying that Hunter’s pipes were ever noteworthy for their technical prowess; he’s always had that sore throat thing going on. It’s just that there’s not a whisker worth of difference between what Hunter does vocally on SHRUNKEN HEADS and what he was doing on the first Hoople disc. If there’s a concession to age here at all, it’s that SHRUNKEN HEADS is probably closer to Americana than to rock. But you know what? It suits Hunter just fine at this point, and he wears it well.

I would be willing to bet, on the strength of SHRUNKEN HEADS, that Hunter isn’t through yet. This disc doesn’t sound like a last gasp; it sounds more like a guy who has found his way back with a strong second wind that he hasn’t even begun to use up yet. Recommended.