IAN HUNTER/YOU'RE NEVER ALONE WITH A SCHIZOPHRENIC CHR 1214 (-79) UK

When I first heard from this on the radio I almost thought Hunter had reunited with Mott The Hoople and they were doing the same thing as five years earlier. The production somewhat lighter than "Mott" or "The Hoople", but it was the same strong songwriting, same mix of melodic catchy rock and haunting ballads and similar right-on backing. I liked his solo debute but wasn't too fond of the following two - "All Alien American Boy" and "Overnight Angels". A few good cuts on each still no turn on. By then I thought he was over for me, but this was back to the old formula and at the same time a reignition. I guess some of that had to do with a backing guaranteed to rock. Not Mott The Hoople this time, but Mick Ronson on guitar and three members of Springsteen's "E Street Band" - Roy Bittan (keyboard), Max Weinberg (drums) and Garry Tallent (bass). Also John Cale was present and plays on one song. It did OK at the time, but today it's one of those forgotten gems you can get for close to nothing at a record flea. If you're a fan of MTH or any of the involved, or just fancy a good rock album it's worth a try. Favorite tracks - "Life After Death" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTWe2vDiZjA and "Standin' In My Light". Contemporary issues on Chrysalis all over the world 1979-80. US 1993 CD on Razor&Tie (RE 2011). 2009 2xCD "Anniversary Edition" came with five studio bonus tracks and one CD of unissued live cuts. First UK had label as shown here and thin glossy cover. (MÖHÖ*)