Two Bit Monsters


Two Bit Monsters is singer-songwriter John Hiatt's fourth album, released in June 1980. It was his second of two albums with MCA Records. It failed to chart, and MCA dropped Hiatt. "It Hasn't Happened Yet" would be a minor country hit for Rosanne Cash, from her album Somewhere in the Stars. Cash also covered "Pink Bedroom", on Rhythm & Romance.

Release

Two Bit Monsters was released by MCA Records in June 1980. "I Spy " was released as a single, with "Good Girl, Bad World" as the B-Side. "Back to the War", c/w "Pink Bedroom", and "Back to Normal" were also released as singles. The album failed to chart everywhere but Sweden, where it peaked at No. 41 on the Sverigetopplistan chart.

Critical reception

The Boston Globe wrote that "Hiatt's effort is strong, angry, and intelligent... He is not content to sneer, rather, Hiatt is one to ridicule and condemn." Billboard wrote that the album "takes him from the folk rock genre to the world of pop rock."

Track listing

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

Personnel

  • John Hiatt – guitar, vocals
  • Howard Epstein – bass guitar, background vocals
  • Shane Keister – keyboards, organ, piano
  • Darrell Verdusco – drums, background vocals
;Technical
  • Denny Bruce – producer
  • Mark Howlett – recording, mixing
  • John Van Hamersveld – photography, design