Slug Line

1979 studio album by John Hiatt From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Slug Line is singer-songwriter John Hiatt's third album, released in April 1979. It was the first of two albums with MCA Records.[2] It was his first charting album, reaching No. 202 on Billboard's album charts, and also the highest-charting album during his first 15 years as a recording artist.

ReleasedApril 1979
RecordedJanuary–February 1979
GenreRock[1]
Length38:22
Quick facts Studio album by John Hiatt, Released ...
Slug Line
Studio album by
John Hiatt
ReleasedApril 1979
RecordedJanuary–February 1979
GenreRock[1]
Length38:22
LabelMCA
ProducerDenny Bruce
John Hiatt chronology
Overcoats
(1975)		 Slug Line
(1979)		 Two Bit Monsters
(1980)
Singles from Slug Line
  1. "Radio Girl" / "Sharon's Got a Drug Store"
    Released: April 1979
  2. "Slug Line"
    Released: 1979
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Background and recording

Hiatt had spent the previous 4 years without a recording contract. After opening for musician Leo Kottke, he caught the attention of Kottke's manager and producer, Denny Bruce. Bruce put together a demo, which caught the attention of MCA Records who signed him.[3][4]

Slug Line was recorded in January[5] and February 1979,[6] and produced by Denny Bruce.[7]

Release

Slug Line was released by MCA Records in April 1979.[4][8][9] The album peaked at number 202 on the Billboard Bubbling Under chart.[10] Two singles were released from the album, "Radio Girl" in April 1979,[11][12][13] with "Sharon's Got a Drug Store" as the B-side,[14][15] and "Slug Line."[16][17]

Critical reception

More information Review scores, Source ...
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[18]
Christgau's Record GuideB+[19]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStarStar[20]
Smash Hits(favorable)[21]
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The Rolling Stone Album Guide wrote that "Hiatt evinces a talent for disarmingly pretty ballads."[20] Record World called the album a collection of "reggae laced semi-rockers."[22] Billboard called the album an "appealing, uptempo rock 'n roll package," and that Hiatt "infuses various elements into his style, including calypso strains at times."[23] Cash Box said that the album "fuses crisp rock 'n' roll energy, infectious Dave Edmunds-like vocals, and of course, his highly distinctive, imaginative compositions."[7]

Track listing

All tracks are written by John Hiatt, except where noted.

More information No., Title ...
Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."You Used to Kiss the Girls" 2:36
2."The Negroes Were Dancing" 2:46
3."Slug Line" 3:02
4."Madonna Road"John Hiatt, Jim Wismar4:23
5."(No More) Dancin' in the Street" 2:22
6."Long Night" 5:18
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More information No., Title ...
Side two
No.TitleLength
1."The Night That Kenny Died"2:37
2."Radio Girl"2:57
3."You're My Love Interest"3:19
4."Take Off Your Uniform"4:08
5."Sharon's Got a Drugstore"2:12
6."Washable Ink"3:15
Total length:38:22
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Personnel

  • John Hiatt – guitar, vocals
  • Jon Paris – guitar, bass guitar
  • Doug Yankus – guitar
  • Veyler Hildebrand – bass
  • Etan McElroy – piano, background vocals on "Long Night"
  • B.J. Wilson – drums
  • Gerry Conway – drums
  • Bruce Gary – drums
  • Thom Mooney – drums
  • Todd Cochran – piano, organ
Technical

References

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