John Hiatt: Same Old Man

John Hiatt's new Same Old Man finds a nice balance

between cranky-old-man irritability and moony romanticism, between the giddy

infatuation of young love and the satisfaction of relationships that have

weathered the test of time. The shambling, ambling opening track "Old Days"

offers a picaresque ramble through some of Hiatt's more colorful memories of

life on the road, setting an appropriately reflective mood for an album that

looks back on the past with nostalgia tempered by realism (he grouses about the

good old days, "I don't know what was so good about 'em, I played practically

free") and the big-bad-wolf rasp of Hiatt's voice, which adds a pleasing grit

and texture to even the most sentimental love songs. On standout tracks like

"Cherry Red," verses rich in literary detail give way to big-ass hooks and

monster choruses. Same Old Men could use more wry rockers like "Old Days" and

fewer love songs that veer uncomfortably into the middle of the road, but

otherwise, Hiatt threatens to give growing old a good name. If only all AARP

rockers possessed even a fraction of Hiatt's irascible charm.