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The Hard Way | 
 enlarge | Artist: James Hunter
Label: Hear Music
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy New: $8.72
You Save: $10.26 (54%)
New (55) Used (20) from $6.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 2324
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 30669
UPC: 888072306691
EAN: 0888072306691
ASIN: B0016OMFPM
Release Date: June 10, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Factory Sealed. Free upgrade to First Class Shipping. may have small notch in cd case
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| Tracks:
| • | The Hard Way | | • | Tell Her | | • | Don't Do Me No Favors | | • | Carina | | • | She's Got A Way | | • | Til The End | | • | Hand It Over | | • | Jacqueline | | • | Class Act | | • | Ain't Going Nowhere | | • | Believe Me Baby | | • | Strange But True |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
When the notoriously private Van Morrison praises a particular musician, that individual merits a closer look. Meet British R&B sensation James Hunter, who counts the Belfast troubadour among his biggest boosters (Morrison also appears on his 1996 debut, ...Believe What I Say). Recorded at London's Toe Rag Studios, an analogue favorite of Billy Childish and the White Stripes, The Hard Way showcases a rough and ready voice that recalls Sam Cooke and Georgie Fame after a few smokes and a tasteful, minimalist six-string approach. If Hunter eschews modernity, The Hard Way plays more like a reinvention of 1950s forms than a mere throwback. In that sense, the Colchester native performs a similar function to former touring partner Chris Isaak. His fourth platter adds New Orleans flavor thanks to famed producer/pianist Allen Toussaint, who guests on three tracks. With no covers and no filler, The Hard Way looks set to garner Hunter a second Grammy nod--if not a first win. As Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have proven, keeping soul alive in the 2000s isn't just about getting the sound right, but about nailing that non-ironic feel, and James Hunter performs his neo-classic tunes like he means every note. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Album Description
Soul deep Brit James Hunter - who possesses a "tight, slithery soul groove" and a "sweet growl" (NY Times) - will make his Hear Music debut with the release of 'The Hard Way.' The new album finds Hunter delving further into the realm of deep soul on a set of all-original material. 'The Hard Way' was produced by Liam Watson (The White Stripes) at famed analogue haven Toe Rag Studios in London. The instrumental palette is rich and the arrangements sharpened for 'The Hard Way.' Allen Toussaint joins Hunter on the sultry "Til The End," the rhumba "Believe Me Baby," and the title track. The gorgeous Echo Strings buoy "The Hard Way" and the romantic "Carina," with accompanying pedal steel. The jumping "Don't Do Me No Favors" is designed for the dance floor. The album resolves with the romantic ballad "Strange But True," the first Hunter recording stripped down to just vocals and guitar. The album also showcases further evidence of Hunter's guitar prowess, his manic solos recalling the fretwork of Ike Turner. Hunter has extensively road tested the new album, crisscrossing North America and Europe since his 2006, GRAMMY nominated album 'People Gonna Talk' put him on the map. That album took him from being "one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R'n'B and Soul," as Van Morrison put it, to a major breakout success of 2006. He opened for Etta James, Boz Scaggs, Los Lonely Boys, and Aretha Franklin; reached #1 on Billboard's Blues chart; and made several national television appearances. 'People Gonna Talk; earned him critical acclaim as well, with Rolling Stone calling it "a treat not to miss" and USA Today raving about his "sublime soul."
Album Description
Eagerly awaited 2008 album from the British retro-Soul singing sensation, the follow-up to his Grammy-nominated People Gonna Talk album from 2006. The Hard Way is Hunter's giant step toward staking his place in the Pop-Soul pantheon alongside Same Cook, Jackie Wilson, Charlie Rich and Van Morrison. Three of the album's cuts feature special guest Allen Toussaint on piano. 12 tracks.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 Fresh from the past October 31, 2008
Surprisingly fresh feeling sending you from 2008 back to the heart of rock n roll
 I am burning a hole in this CD from playing it so much!! October 17, 2008
I have listened to this cd nonstop since I got it 2 months ago. I first saw James Hunter as the opening act for Chris Isaak. I walked into the concert late, not expecting to pay attention to the opening act. And as I walked through the gate, I was blown away! I turned to my husband and asked "who the H&% is THAT?? He's AMAZING!" I ran forward to watch the show and promptly bought a cd. I'm still shaking my head that more people haven't heard of him. He's incredible. Great voice. Great writing. Great guitar. Great saxes. Great BAND. Classic style like Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.... but still has his own sound. Love, love, LOVE James Hunter! I listen to the whole album from beginning to end probably at least once a day. Best track on the cd: Jacqueline.
Hunter LP September 1, 2008
The music is outstanding. The analog sound on the vinyl has a wonderful warm sound as only analog can have. The only surprise was that it doesn't seem to be stereo. If that is indeed the case it should be noted on the record.
"The Hard Way" captures Hunter's Soul and Rockin' Rhythm August 18, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
James Hunter new release "The Hard Way" meets the challenge of putting out an album that rivals his previous release, "People Gonna Talk." Although Hunter shows his rockin' fervor with "Don't do me no favors" and "Jacqueline," he shows his balladeer expertise with "Hand it Over" and the ska tinged "Carina."
As in previous albums, his voice hearkens back to Jackie Wilson, which he does with the title track and "Ain't going nowhere". However, their seems to be more of a Ray Charles influence, which is evident in the aforementioned "Don't do me no favors,""She's got a Way" and "Believe me Baby."
Credit is also due to Hunter's backing band that is tight sounding as ever. If you get to see them in concert, you will be energized and buzzed all night long.
 So-so sound on vinyl August 11, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I tend to fall somewhat in the middle of the other reviewers. People Gonna Talk is definitely the better album. There's really no point in buying this on vinyl, since it sounds very flat and digital-which is a shame considering it was recorded at Toe Rag on all vintage analog equipment. Hopefully when People Gonna Talk comes out on vinyl, they'll do a better job!
Try to catch James live if he comes to your town--he puts on a great show!
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