The Ballad of Mott: A Retrospective

by

Mott The Hoople

Edit

Mott the Hoople was one of the most interesting British glam-rock bands of the 1970's. They started their recording career with Island Records as a progressive rock band. They released 4 fine ( though uneven ) records for Island during 1969-72, before they changed for CBS. This change combined with David Bowie producing his own "All the Young Dudes" for them gave the big breakthrough and a new profile as the rock'n rollers of glam rock.

This 2 CD collection concentrates on their CBS period, though each of their 4 Island albums are represented by one track. These 4 tracks are all good songs in their own right, but can obviously not cover the great variety of their output during that period. So go for other compilations / or the originals ( now with bonus-tracks ) if you want to research their early days.

David Bowie produced their first album "All the Young Dudes", and his touch his very apparent through-out the album. The sound is close to his own on albums like "Hunky Dory", "Ziggy Stardust" or "Alladin Sane". Only two track has been left out from that album, which along with the follow-up "Mott" was their most consistent record. Their song-writing matured during that period, and although the band was uncertain whether they would be able cope with Bowie's skill, when the recording's of "Mott" began, that self-produced album shows the band at the peak of their creativity. Only one track is missing from the album. Outstanding tracks from the album are the rockers "All the Way From Memphis" and "Honaloochie Boogie" along with the great ballads ""I Wish I Was Your Mother", "Ballad of Mott the Hoople" and "Hymn for the Dudes".

Unfortunately guitarist and songwriter Mick Ralphs was growing frustrated with Ian Hunter taking more and more of the spotlight, and he left soon after the release of "Mott". Spooky Tooth guitarist Luther Grosvenor ( Ariel Bender ) was recruited to take his place, but things never become the same again.

Their final studio album, the slightly chaotic and spotty "The Hoople", did contain some fine tracks and was a commercial succes, containing the two hit-singles "The Golden Age of Rock'n Roll" and "Roll Away the Stone"; but the spark had gone, and they spilt up in 1974.

Besides their albums the band recorded some fine singles-only tracks; all of which are included here. Hunter's ballad "Rose" is outstanding and it also became a live-favourite. The late B-side "Rest in Peace" is another song in the same category - great song!

The two 1974 A-sides "Foxy Foxy" and "Saturday Gigs" are also great; especially the autobiografical ballad "Saturday Gigs" is outstanding. This was one of the very last recordings they did, featuring guitarist Mick Ronson. A little sad they did split up after that, because the recording shows that this new line-up had the potential of creating new exciting material. On the other hand "Saturday Gigs" is a worthy final note to the career of a great band.

Great informative booklet!! Recommended!