AMG Review of Chronicles

Thom Jurek
All Music Guide

Chronicles repackages three remastered titles from John Hiatt's A&M years. Bring the Family, Slow Turning, and Stolen Moments. The latter two recordings are arguably Hiatt's best. Bring the Family hosts a fine band that includes what was to become the criminally short-lived Little Village and includes Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe, and Jim Keltner. Slow Turning with the Goners features Sonny Landreth, Kenny Blevins, and David Ranson. Songs on the first two records are ubiquitous in his live set, including "Memphis in the Meantime," "Drive South," "Have a Little Faith in Me," and "Feels Like Rain." By contrast, Stolen Moments feels rushed, and incomplete. Produced by Glyn Johns, it's more raucous sound stands as a juxtaposition to some of the material. It's not that it's a bad record; in fact, it's a very good one. It just feels out of place next to the two masterpieces that are its mates in this box set.