John Hiatt – Terms Of My Surrender

John Hiatt's "Terms of My Surrender" is the Hiatt set you want to play to help you nap. Hiatt's pretty much asleep throughout. What is gone is Hiatt's sense of melody. Yes, this music emulates the blues, but even traditional blues songs have more melodic spark than the awful "Nobody Knew His Name" that goes up on the end of one line and then down on the next. So predictable. Doug Lancio who did a blockbuster job on producing Gretchen Peters' country weeper set "Blackbirds" plays guitars, banjo and mandolin. He puts some energy into the opening track "Long Time Comin'," which is all there is there for me. The plodding mess of "Baby's Gonna Kick" might be helpful if one were an alcoholic jumping off the wagon. Hiatt's imitation of Willie Nelson on the title track sinks with his pathetic higher register warbling. "Face of God" lays Hiatt's vocals over a strong blues progression; and although it fails to rivet me, it's less awful that the last three tracks "Here To Stay," "Old People" & "Come Back Home." "Marlene" is the only track on the set that I almost like with its lighter tone and Kenneth Blevins' drums making it almost fun. Unfortunately, it's kind of boring too. Somebody please buy John a cup of coffee and wake him up. This snooze fest is a must to avoid. Taxi!