MYSTIC PINBALL
Legendary singer-songwriter John Hiatt follows-up his critically acclaimed Dirty Jeans & Mudslide Hymns with a new effort that is sure to please (the link will take you to my review of that album).
Mystic Pinball sees Hiatt picking up where he left off, although the album rocks a little harder and the material a little bluesier than the prior album.
The production is excellent, as the Shirley/Hiatt partnership continues to flourish-solid songwriting compositions combined with a backdrop of mature musicianship and supern in-studio execution makes for a powerful recipe.
Hiatt's ability to tell stories within his songs is virtually unparallelled. Songs about love and relationships abound, with the usual cast of ornery characters who make reference to just how tough love and relationships can be, especially those that endure the passage of time.
Hiatt's gruff, sandpaper-tinged voice is a little more subdued here than on past releases, but his lyrical word-play and wit are evident, making this album easy to play from start to finish.
Overall, John Hiatt usually does not disappoint and this
new CD is no exception to the rule.
WE'RE ALRIGHT NOW
I like it. You know I've never heard of any of this people you write about, so your blog is a nice education for me.
ReplyDeleteJenny-
ReplyDeleteYou may know John Hiatt by songs he's written that others made into hits.
Eric Clapton-Riding With The King
Bonnie Raitt-Thing Called Love
Jeff Healey-Angel Eyes
Buddy Guy-Feels Like Rain
Willie Nelson-Across The Borderline
Roseanne Cash-The Way We Make A Broken Heart
and...
Joe Cocker, Delbert McClinton, Jewel, Mandy Moore and Bon Jovi have all done versions of "Have A Little Faith In Me."
And I could go on.....
Glad to turn you onto some new sounds!
Larry