All American Alien Boy [Import]

All American Alien Boy [Import]

Track Listings

1. Letter to Britannia from the Union Jack
2. All American Alien Boy
3. Irene Wilde
4. Restless Youth
5. Rape
6. You Nearly Did Me In
7. Apathy 83
8. God (Take 1)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Reissue of the former Mott The Hoople leader's second solo album, originally released in 1976 on Columbia. Helping out on the slickly produced album were David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, Aynsley Dunbar and Queen members Freddie Mercury,Brian May & Roger Taylor. Eight tracks. 1998 Columbia release.

All American Alien Boy,Ian Hunter,Sony Int'l,Album Rock,Hard Rock,Pop,Proto-Punk,Rock,Rock & Roll,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

All American Alien Boy [Import]

All American Alien Boy
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • All The Young Dudes
 All American Alien Boy
Ian Hunter
Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Proto PunkProto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Ian Hunter
  2. The Hoople
  3. You're Never Alone With a Schizophrenic
  4. Overnight Angels
  5. All of the Good Ones Are Taken

ASIN: B000EOUSMC
Release Date: 2006-03-27

Tracks:

  1. Letter to Britannia from the Union Jack
  2. All American Alien Boy
  3. Irene Wilde
  4. Restless Youth
  5. Rape
  6. You Nearly Did Me In
  7. Apathy 83
  8. God [Take 1]
  9. To Rule Britannia from Union Jack [Session Outtake][*]
  10. All American Alien Boy [Early Single Version][*]
  11. Irene Wilde (Number One) [Session Outtake][*]
  12. Weary Anger [Session Outtake][*]
  13. Apathy [Session Outtake][*]
  14. (God) Advice to a Friend [*]

Album Description

Reissue of the former Mott The Hoople leader's second solo album, originally released in 1976. Helping out on the slickly produced album were David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, Aynsley Dunbar and Queen members Freddie Mercury, Brian May & Roger Taylor. 14 tracks. Columbia. 2006.

Album Details

2006 Digitally Remastered 30th Anniversary Edition of the Former Mott the Hoople Frontman's Second Critically Acclaimed Solo Album. Includes Six Previously Unreleased Session Outtakes.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars All The Young Dudes.......2006-12-13

From Mott to David Bowie back to Ian Hunter, don't miss this important album.
All American Alien Boy
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • lyrical masterpiece
  • All American Alien Mott
  • Hunter works without a net...
  • One of Hunter's best solo albums remastered with great sound
  • Jaco fans will want this one
 All American Alien Boy
Ian Hunter
Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Proto PunkProto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. You're Never Alone With a Schizophrenic
  2. Overnight Angels
  3. Rant
  4. Ian Hunter
  5. YUI Orta

ASIN: B00000IH7H
Release Date: 1999-12-28

Tracks:

  1. Letter to Britannia from the Union Jack
  2. All American Alien Boy
  3. Irene Wilde
  4. Restless Youth
  5. Rape
  6. You Nearly Did Me In
  7. Apathy 83
  8. God (Take 1)

Album Description

Reissue of the former Mott The Hoople leader's second solo album, originally released in 1976 on Columbia. Helping out on the slickly produced album were David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, Aynsley Dunbar and Queen members Freddie Mercury,Brian May & Roger Taylor. Eight tracks. 1998 Columbia release.

Album Details

1976 Release. Late Jazz Great Jaco Pastorius Plays Bass on all Tracks but One, and and Even Lead Guitar on the Last Track ! Other Guest Musicians Include Chris Stainton, Aynsley Dunbar, Cornell Dupree, David Sanborn, plus Queens's Freddie Mercury, Roger Meadows Taylor, and Brian May !

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars lyrical masterpiece.......2006-03-04

Coming off his rocking solo LP, this one seems to be a downer to a degree BUT---
This Lp is probably Ian's finest lyrically speaking--see the liner notes/lyrics to grasp it fully.
The 7 minute title track is as great as anythng Dylan ever did--no lie.
The 'killer' is God (Take 1). A conversation between God and Hell that will make you rethink your own beliefs.

5 out of 5 stars All American Alien Mott.......2002-11-01

Bit of a strange one this, catching Ian Hunter in a bit of a flux in his career. Having just completed touring the highly successful "Ian Hunter" album (Ian's first solo work) all over Europe and America, and having the hit single "Once Bitten Twice Shy" reaching the upper reaches of the singles charts. Ian Hunter's side kick for the previous eighteen months that Rock `n' Roll Gypsy Mick Ronson, decided to take his guitar and production talent off and join Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder tour, (Ronson's work on that tour can be heard on the fabulous "Hard Rain" album) so Ian disbanded the band and moved lock stock and smoking barrel to America, where he still lives today. Hence the title to this his second solo work.

The completed album was built thematically around Hunter's move. Recorded over three weeks, several of the tracks were first or second takes, all the material was written, arranged and produced by the man himself. Unusually most of the lyrics were written in the third person, and it appeared that the move Stateside had made him look towards Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, and possibly another English Exile John Lennon for some of his inspiration. Hunter had also become infatuated it seemed, with the mythology of America and the excitement he had discovered there, giving the album new creativity and maturity. He certainly didn't play safe with the subject matter of this discerning and at times somewhat disturbing record, as Hunter tackled subjects as diverse as Britain, America, Young Love, the Mafia, Rapists, Anti-drugs, Political corruption, Rock `n' Roll life styles, and God. All head on. Lyrically this is the most mature and potent record in the Hunter Canon each and every track deserving careful listening.

So 5 stars rating for lyrical content, but the slight stumbling block is that although Hunter had assembled a glittering array of session musicians around him to record the tunes they never had the chance to become a band or sound like one, and here lies the problem, all the players turn in a polished performance, but that is exactly how it sounds very smooth, but also somewhat clinical and sterile. Most Ian Hunter albums sound as if the band are running through a prospective live set, with a beginning, middle, & end, whereas this is just a good set of songs laid down in any old order. Even the only rocker on the album "Restless Youth" (the only track heavy enough on the album, you would dare to request in the famous Tahitian Queen's Rock `n' Roll Happy Hour on Friday) sounds as if everybody is frighten to actually let rip incase they offend someone.

Never the less the album does have some of Hunter's classic songs on it. The opening number, "Letter To Brittania From The Union Jack", a lovely lolloping song that would have been better off as a center piece to the album, was a song Ian addressed to his homeland. Sounding a slightly discordant note of national pride and a plea for England to "Get Its Act Together". He was at the same time critical of the country of his birth, but also sorrowful of the state the country had got itself into.

"Irene Wilde" was a song to a girl from Hunters youth, a poignant fragile ballad of un requited love, which has remained in his live set to this day. His teenage dream girl rejects him in this autobiographical true story of a "Barker Street Station non affair", which pushes him on towards ambition and stardom, away from his hometown of Shrewsbry.

Hunters previous band Mott the Hoople had done two tours of both the States and U.K with Queen as support so it is nice to hear them adding backing vocals to the hymnlike "You Nearly Did Me In".

Ian Hunter "All American Alien Boy" was released in June 1976, as Hunter did not tour the album. And label C.B.S gave only minimal promotion (no obvious single to promote) the album sunk more or less without trace, although it remains Hunter's own favorite amongst his solo work.

But just around the corner the "Overnight Angels" were gathering.
Mott the Dog.

4 out of 5 stars Hunter works without a net..........2002-02-28

It's a shame that this -- Ian Hunter's second solo album -- is now only available as an important and at such a high price.

Hunter's self-titled first solo effort was in the wake of the demise of Mott the Hoople and is often considered his best. Maybe. It was certainly one of his most introspective records and still maintained much of the Mott the Hoople feel. However, on this record -- "All American Alien Boy," Hunter is in a more experimental mood and lyrically, many of the songs find him contending with his then-recent move from England to America.

Consequently, there are both hits and misses on this record, but it maintains that kind of thrilling quality that seems to come from working without a net.

The CD kicks off with "Letter to Brittania from the Union Jack," another solemn look from Hunter's point of view at the U.K. and its ills. In keeping with the unconventional approach to making this record, "Letter to Brittania," though heartfelt and moving, is an odd and interesting choice to have as the first track. It's a slow, quiet ballad that seems somewhat unassuming... not the way most rockers want to greet the listeners right out of the box when the record is first played.

However, "Britannia," eventually melts into the opening guitar riffs of "All American Alien Boy," a song that is its complete antithesis, musically speaking. It's that contrast that makes the track sequencing work so well on this CD.

The title track is a seven-minute-plus bluesy rollick in which Hunter takes a look around and offers some wry observations about his new American homeland. It's great fun and features some incredible backing support. Guitarist Gary Weems (doing a fine Mick Ralphs/Mick Ronson impression throughout the record), is absolutely incindeary on this track. Additionally, Hunter features two jazz greats here: Saxaphonist David Sanborn, who kicks in a blistering solo, and the late/great bass player Jaco Pastorious, who adds a funky little bass interlude to "Alien Boy," as well. This song makes you tap your feet and sing along with gleeful abandon.

Hunter, being such a fearless lyricist, has never been afraid to expose himself emotionally in song and here, the heart-wrenching ballad "Irene Wilde" is one of the best examples of that. It's a Billy Joel-esque piano ballad in which Hunter looks back at his early teens and at the young girl who shot him down so hard that he vowed he make something of himself someday and come back. You can hear the quiver in his voice as sings, "She seemed to say, you ain't nothing - go away..."

"Restless Youth," follows -- a fiery rocker in the Mott tradition (a perfect companion to "Crach Street Kids" and "One of the Boys," or even "Violence," from his Mott the Hoople days). The only drawback here is that the song does suffer from a bit of over-indulgence. It's a great riff, but the track seems to stagger on interminably and the lyrics disolve from biting social commentary to a sophmoric mess.

"Rape" is another standout track -- something only Hunter could have handled with such aplomb. The way the track opens with "Singing In The Rain," (and obvious correlation to the move "A Clockwork Orange,") adds to its disturbing themes.

This is not a perfect record. Some songs (i.e. "Apathy") are just not all that memorable and some of the arrangements are over-cluttered and a bit prolix. But, as I said, Hunter was experimenting with new sounds, new directions and a new country. Consequently, for every awkward moment on this CD, there are dozens of absolutely luminous ones. That's what comes from taking chances: sometimes you fail, but when you succeed, you do so in a big way.

If your are an Ian Hunter and/or Mott the Hoople fan then this CD is requisite listening. As noted earlier, it's available only as an import and is quite costly for a single disc. However, it's readily available used from several re-sellers at much more reasonable prices. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars One of Hunter's best solo albums remastered with great sound.......2000-05-29

Punk poet and one of the stepfathers to the punk movement ( I don't think anyone can truly be pegged as the father of punk), Ian Hunter has worn many hats during his long career. His sound has a little bit of Little Richard, a dash of 50's rock 'n' roll with a contemporary twist and it still sounds totally unique. Contrary to the Amazon.com review, Hunter never aped David Bowie. He was inspired by his career and sought him out for advice (as did fellow Bowie traveler Iggy Pop), but his sound never borrowed from Bowie with the exception of the album Bowie produced for Hunter's band Mott the Hopple (even then Hunter made Bowie's All The Young Dudes uniquely his own).

Listening to this remastered classic has allowed me to re-evaluate it; it stands as one of Hunter's best works. Jaco Pastorius plays a stunning bass solo (a slight correction as well--contrary to the following review, Pastorius plays on every track but one) on the meandering but powerful title track. Irene Wilde captures the wounded, scared adolescent trapped in all of us. Irene Wilde is one of Hunter's exceptional ballads. Bowie, despite his considerable talents, would never be able to write something so naked and personal.

The use of Singing in the Rain to introduce Rape is surprisingly powerful ( the intro was taken off the final release although a handful of vinyl versions exist with the it. Columbia and Hunter failed to get clearence to use it). The reference to Kubrick's Clockwork Orange exists on one level but Hunter uses that as a spring board to a much broader issue -- emotional rape.

God (Take 1) appears at first listen to be inspired by Lennon's God but is much more of a dialog about faith than Lennon's classic song. It's a fitting end to a powerful and provocative album.

The remastered sound on this British import is spectacular and quite an improvement over all the previous versions (particularly the first American CD version. The Japanese edition is very close). This version duplicates the original sleeve (including lyrics although it would have been nice to have them in a booklet form and with larger text).

Highly recommend along with Hunter's self titled debut, You're Never Alone and YUIORTA, All American Alien Boy presents Hunter at his finest.

4 out of 5 stars Jaco fans will want this one.......2000-04-05

Its been a while since I listened to this one, but this album features Jaco Pastorius on one or two tracks. This is from '76, the year Jaco debuted - and recorded along with this one about 5 other albums. Jaco fans will want this one for their collection.
All American Alien Boy
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		All American Alien Boy
    Ian Hunter
    Manufacturer: Sony Japan
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Proto PunkProto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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    Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000GINI14
    Release Date: 2006-07-17

    Tracks:

    1. Letter to Britannia from the Union Jack
    2. All American Alien Boy
    3. Irene Wilde
    4. Restless Youth
    5. Rape
    6. You Nearly Did Me In
    7. Apathy '83
    8. God [Take 1]
    9. To Rule Britannia from Union Jack [Session Outtake]
    10. All American Alien Boy [Early Single Version]
    11. Irene Wilde [Session Outtake]
    12. Weary Anger [Session Outtake]
    13. Apathy [Session Outtake]
    14. God Advise to a Friend [Session Outtake]

    Album Details

    Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.
    All American Alien Boy
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		All American Alien Boy
      Ian Hunter
      Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      Proto PunkProto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
      Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Ian Hunter
      2. The Hoople
      3. Mott
      4. All of the Good Ones Are Taken
      5. Live

      ASIN: B000EOUSK4
      Release Date: 2006-04-10

      Tracks:

      1. Letter to Britannia from the Union Jack
      2. All American Alien Boy
      3. Irene Wilde
      4. Restless Youth
      5. Rape
      6. You Nearly Did Me In
      7. Apathy 83
      8. God [Take 1]
      9. To Rule Britannia from Union Jack [Session Outtake][*]
      10. All American Alien Boy [Early Single Version][*]
      11. Irene Wilde (Number One) [Session Outtake][*]
      12. Weary Anger [Session Outtake][*]
      13. Apathy [Session Outtake][*]
      14. (God) Advice to a Friend [*]

      Album Description

      Reissue of the former Mott The Hoople leader's second solo album, originally released in 1976 on Columbia. Helping out on the slickly produced album were David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, Aynsley Dunbar and Queen members Freddie Mercury, Brian May & Roger Taylor. Digipak edition. BMG. 2006.

      Album Details

      2006 Limited Digipak 30th Anniversary Edition of the Former Mott the Hoople Frontman's Second Critically Acclaimed Solo Album, Originally Released in 1976. The Lineup of Musicians Includes the Late Great Jazz Bassist Jaco Pastorius, who Plays Bass on all but One Track as Well as Lead Guitar on the Last Track. Others Include "Mad Dog" Chris Stainton, the Spider from Mars (And Subsequently Jefferson Starship) Drummer Aynsley Dunbar, Cornell Dupree, Saxophonist David Sanborn plus Queens's Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor and Brian May. Includes Six Previously Unreleased Session Outtakes.
      All-American Alien Boy
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		All-American Alien Boy
        Ian Hunter
        Manufacturer: Sony
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
        Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000F9UDUS
        Release Date: 2006-06-26

        Album Description

        Exclusive Japanese limited edition digitally remastered reissue of this 1976 album, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve Features six additional bonus tracks: 'All American Alien Boy' (Early Single Version) and Session Outtakes of 'To Rule Britannia From Union Jack', 'Irene Wilde', 'Weary Anger', 'Apathy' and 'God Advise To A Friend'. Helping out on the slickly produced album were David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, Aynsley Dunbar and Queen members Freddie Mercury, Brian May & Roger Taylor. Sony/BMG.

        Album Details

        Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.
        All-American Alien Boy
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		All-American Alien Boy
          Ian Hunter
          Manufacturer: Sony
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Proto PunkProto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
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          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
          Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
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          All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
          ASIN: B00000DRWE
          Release Date: 1989-12-19

          Tracks:

          1. Letter to Britannia from the Union Jack
          2. All American Alien Boy
          3. Irene Wilde
          4. Restless Youth
          5. Rape
          6. You Nearly Did Me In
          7. Apathy 83
          8. God [Take 1]
          All American Alien Boy
          Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
          • lyrical masterpiece
          • All American Alien Mott
          • Hunter works without a net...
          • One of Hunter's best solo albums remastered with great sound
          • Jaco fans will want this one
          		 All American Alien Boy
          Ian Hunter
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Proto PunkProto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
          Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
          Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
          Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
          Similar Items:
          1. You're Never Alone With a Schizophrenic
          2. Overnight Angels
          3. Rant
          4. Ian Hunter
          5. YUI Orta

          ASIN: B0000070ZX

          Tracks:

          1. Letter to Britannia from the Union Jack
          2. All American Alien Boy
          3. Irene Wilde
          4. Restless Youth
          5. Rape
          6. You Nearly Did Me In
          7. Apathy 83
          8. God [Take 1]

          Album Description

          Reissue of the former Mott The Hoople leader's second solo album, originally released in 1976 on Columbia. Helping out on the slickly produced album were David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, Aynsley Dunbar and Queen members Freddie Mercury,Brian May & Roger Taylor. Eight tracks. 1998 Columbia release.

          Album Details

          1976 Release. Late Jazz Great Jaco Pastorius Plays Bass on all Tracks but One, and and Even Lead Guitar on the Last Track ! Other Guest Musicians Include Chris Stainton, Aynsley Dunbar, Cornell Dupree, David Sanborn, plus Queens's Freddie Mercury, Rog100

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars lyrical masterpiece.......2006-03-04

          Coming off his rocking solo LP, this one seems to be a downer to a degree BUT---
          This Lp is probably Ian's finest lyrically speaking--see the liner notes/lyrics to grasp it fully.
          The 7 minute title track is as great as anythng Dylan ever did--no lie.
          The 'killer' is God (Take 1). A conversation between God and Hell that will make you rethink your own beliefs.

          5 out of 5 stars All American Alien Mott.......2002-11-01

          Bit of a strange one this, catching Ian Hunter in a bit of a flux in his career. Having just completed touring the highly successful "Ian Hunter" album (Ian's first solo work) all over Europe and America, and having the hit single "Once Bitten Twice Shy" reaching the upper reaches of the singles charts. Ian Hunter's side kick for the previous eighteen months that Rock `n' Roll Gypsy Mick Ronson, decided to take his guitar and production talent off and join Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder tour, (Ronson's work on that tour can be heard on the fabulous "Hard Rain" album) so Ian disbanded the band and moved lock stock and smoking barrel to America, where he still lives today. Hence the title to this his second solo work.

          The completed album was built thematically around Hunter's move. Recorded over three weeks, several of the tracks were first or second takes, all the material was written, arranged and produced by the man himself. Unusually most of the lyrics were written in the third person, and it appeared that the move Stateside had made him look towards Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, and possibly another English Exile John Lennon for some of his inspiration. Hunter had also become infatuated it seemed, with the mythology of America and the excitement he had discovered there, giving the album new creativity and maturity. He certainly didn't play safe with the subject matter of this discerning and at times somewhat disturbing record, as Hunter tackled subjects as diverse as Britain, America, Young Love, the Mafia, Rapists, Anti-drugs, Political corruption, Rock `n' Roll life styles, and God. All head on. Lyrically this is the most mature and potent record in the Hunter Canon each and every track deserving careful listening.

          So 5 stars rating for lyrical content, but the slight stumbling block is that although Hunter had assembled a glittering array of session musicians around him to record the tunes they never had the chance to become a band or sound like one, and here lies the problem, all the players turn in a polished performance, but that is exactly how it sounds very smooth, but also somewhat clinical and sterile. Most Ian Hunter albums sound as if the band are running through a prospective live set, with a beginning, middle, & end, whereas this is just a good set of songs laid down in any old order. Even the only rocker on the album "Restless Youth" (the only track heavy enough on the album, you would dare to request in the famous Tahitian Queen's Rock `n' Roll Happy Hour on Friday) sounds as if everybody is frighten to actually let rip incase they offend someone.

          Never the less the album does have some of Hunter's classic songs on it. The opening number, "Letter To Brittania From The Union Jack", a lovely lolloping song that would have been better off as a center piece to the album, was a song Ian addressed to his homeland. Sounding a slightly discordant note of national pride and a plea for England to "Get Its Act Together". He was at the same time critical of the country of his birth, but also sorrowful of the state the country had got itself into.

          "Irene Wilde" was a song to a girl from Hunters youth, a poignant fragile ballad of un requited love, which has remained in his live set to this day. His teenage dream girl rejects him in this autobiographical true story of a "Barker Street Station non affair", which pushes him on towards ambition and stardom, away from his hometown of Shrewsbry.

          Hunters previous band Mott the Hoople had done two tours of both the States and U.K with Queen as support so it is nice to hear them adding backing vocals to the hymnlike "You Nearly Did Me In".

          Ian Hunter "All American Alien Boy" was released in June 1976, as Hunter did not tour the album. And label C.B.S gave only minimal promotion (no obvious single to promote) the album sunk more or less without trace, although it remains Hunter's own favorite amongst his solo work.

          But just around the corner the "Overnight Angels" were gathering.
          Mott the Dog.

          4 out of 5 stars Hunter works without a net..........2002-02-28

          It's a shame that this -- Ian Hunter's second solo album -- is now only available as an important and at such a high price.

          Hunter's self-titled first solo effort was in the wake of the demise of Mott the Hoople and is often considered his best. Maybe. It was certainly one of his most introspective records and still maintained much of the Mott the Hoople feel. However, on this record -- "All American Alien Boy," Hunter is in a more experimental mood and lyrically, many of the songs find him contending with his then-recent move from England to America.

          Consequently, there are both hits and misses on this record, but it maintains that kind of thrilling quality that seems to come from working without a net.

          The CD kicks off with "Letter to Brittania from the Union Jack," another solemn look from Hunter's point of view at the U.K. and its ills. In keeping with the unconventional approach to making this record, "Letter to Brittania," though heartfelt and moving, is an odd and interesting choice to have as the first track. It's a slow, quiet ballad that seems somewhat unassuming... not the way most rockers want to greet the listeners right out of the box when the record is first played.

          However, "Britannia," eventually melts into the opening guitar riffs of "All American Alien Boy," a song that is its complete antithesis, musically speaking. It's that contrast that makes the track sequencing work so well on this CD.

          The title track is a seven-minute-plus bluesy rollick in which Hunter takes a look around and offers some wry observations about his new American homeland. It's great fun and features some incredible backing support. Guitarist Gary Weems (doing a fine Mick Ralphs/Mick Ronson impression throughout the record), is absolutely incindeary on this track. Additionally, Hunter features two jazz greats here: Saxaphonist David Sanborn, who kicks in a blistering solo, and the late/great bass player Jaco Pastorious, who adds a funky little bass interlude to "Alien Boy," as well. This song makes you tap your feet and sing along with gleeful abandon.

          Hunter, being such a fearless lyricist, has never been afraid to expose himself emotionally in song and here, the heart-wrenching ballad "Irene Wilde" is one of the best examples of that. It's a Billy Joel-esque piano ballad in which Hunter looks back at his early teens and at the young girl who shot him down so hard that he vowed he make something of himself someday and come back. You can hear the quiver in his voice as sings, "She seemed to say, you ain't nothing - go away..."

          "Restless Youth," follows -- a fiery rocker in the Mott tradition (a perfect companion to "Crach Street Kids" and "One of the Boys," or even "Violence," from his Mott the Hoople days). The only drawback here is that the song does suffer from a bit of over-indulgence. It's a great riff, but the track seems to stagger on interminably and the lyrics disolve from biting social commentary to a sophmoric mess.

          "Rape" is another standout track -- something only Hunter could have handled with such aplomb. The way the track opens with "Singing In The Rain," (and obvious correlation to the move "A Clockwork Orange,") adds to its disturbing themes.

          This is not a perfect record. Some songs (i.e. "Apathy") are just not all that memorable and some of the arrangements are over-cluttered and a bit prolix. But, as I said, Hunter was experimenting with new sounds, new directions and a new country. Consequently, for every awkward moment on this CD, there are dozens of absolutely luminous ones. That's what comes from taking chances: sometimes you fail, but when you succeed, you do so in a big way.

          If your are an Ian Hunter and/or Mott the Hoople fan then this CD is requisite listening. As noted earlier, it's available only as an import and is quite costly for a single disc. However, it's readily available used from several re-sellers at much more reasonable prices. Highly recommended.

          5 out of 5 stars One of Hunter's best solo albums remastered with great sound.......2000-05-29

          Punk poet and one of the stepfathers to the punk movement ( I don't think anyone can truly be pegged as the father of punk), Ian Hunter has worn many hats during his long career. His sound has a little bit of Little Richard, a dash of 50's rock 'n' roll with a contemporary twist and it still sounds totally unique. Contrary to the Amazon.com review, Hunter never aped David Bowie. He was inspired by his career and sought him out for advice (as did fellow Bowie traveler Iggy Pop), but his sound never borrowed from Bowie with the exception of the album Bowie produced for Hunter's band Mott the Hopple (even then Hunter made Bowie's All The Young Dudes uniquely his own).

          Listening to this remastered classic has allowed me to re-evaluate it; it stands as one of Hunter's best works. Jaco Pastorius plays a stunning bass solo (a slight correction as well--contrary to the following review, Pastorius plays on every track but one) on the meandering but powerful title track. Irene Wilde captures the wounded, scared adolescent trapped in all of us. Irene Wilde is one of Hunter's exceptional ballads. Bowie, despite his considerable talents, would never be able to write something so naked and personal.

          The use of Singing in the Rain to introduce Rape is surprisingly powerful ( the intro was taken off the final release although a handful of vinyl versions exist with the it. Columbia and Hunter failed to get clearence to use it). The reference to Kubrick's Clockwork Orange exists on one level but Hunter uses that as a spring board to a much broader issue -- emotional rape.

          God (Take 1) appears at first listen to be inspired by Lennon's God but is much more of a dialog about faith than Lennon's classic song. It's a fitting end to a powerful and provocative album.

          The remastered sound on this British import is spectacular and quite an improvement over all the previous versions (particularly the first American CD version. The Japanese edition is very close). This version duplicates the original sleeve (including lyrics although it would have been nice to have them in a booklet form and with larger text).

          Highly recommend along with Hunter's self titled debut, You're Never Alone and YUIORTA, All American Alien Boy presents Hunter at his finest.

          4 out of 5 stars Jaco fans will want this one.......2000-04-05

          Its been a while since I listened to this one, but this album features Jaco Pastorius on one or two tracks. This is from '76, the year Jaco debuted - and recorded along with this one about 5 other albums. Jaco fans will want this one for their collection.
          All American Alien Boy
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		All American Alien Boy

            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
            Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000778B5C
            Release Date: 2000-05-16

            Rap Music:

            1. Anthology
            2. At the Movies [Import]
            3. Back from Samoa
            4. Beautiful! Live in San Francisco 1971 [Live]
            5. Beers, Steers & Queers [Original recording remastered]
            6. Between The Never And The Now [Enhanced]
            7. Bloodrock
            8. Blue Obsession
            9. Capture the Magic
            10. Chicago X [Original recording remastered]

            Rap Music

            rap music

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