The Definitive Mott the Hoople

RELEASE
November 11, 2008
LABEL
Abstract Sounds
GENRES
Pop/Rock, Glam Rock, Hard Rock, Proto-Punk, Album Rock

Album Review

Alas, when a CD release carries the title The Definitive Mott the Hoople, it's patently obvious it's not. This set of dodgy origins, issued by Candelight in the U. K. is, in essence, a compilation of tracks taken from bootlegs. Right. Those who already have All the Way from Stockholm to Philadelphia: Live 71/72 and Live at Two Miles from Heaven have all of this material, so read no further. For those who don't and want to hear the Mott the Hoople at their ragged glory best in a live setting with Mick Ralphs or Ariel Bender in the lead guitar chair, this baby is for you. Yes, quality is spotty in places, but everything is hearable and sounds reasonably good. The performances, however, are wildly inspired, raucous, and burning hot. Check the 90 mph version of "Walking with a Mountain," that could have been done by the Clash a decade later, or the completely regal "All the Young Dudes," or the insanely menacing "One of the Boys." The material may not be definitive, but it is dynamite from top to bottom. Variable sound quality and all. For the fan who doesn't have it all, or the punter wondering what all the hoopla is about (bad pun intended), this is for you.
Thom Jurek, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. Long Road
  2. The Original Mixed Up Kid
  3. Walking with a Mountain
  4. Laugh at Me
  5. Thunderbuck Ram
  6. Jerkin Crocus
  7. Sucker
  8. Hymn for the Dudes
  9. Ready for Love
  10. All the Young Dudes
  11. One of the Boys
  12. Sweet Angeline
  13. Golden Age of Rock 'N' Roll
  14. Roll Away the Stone
  15. Sweet Jane
  16. All the Way from Memphis
  17. No Wheels to Ride
  18. Whisky Woman
  19. It'll Be Me
  20. Born Late '58