We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
They were toast. A band that had released a number of albums since 1969 had reached the end. Until David Bowie threw them a lifeline.
Mott The Hoople had tried many different styles since forming but nothing had ever really jelled with an audience. In 1972 Bowie, who was a fan of the band, offered them the song “Suffragette City” from his soon to be released Lp “Ziggy Stardust” but but the band turned it down. Not to be denied Bowie then wrote the tune “All The Yound Dudes” and the band recorded what became a glam classic.
Ian Hunter was the front man but the rest of the group was intregal to their success. Mick Ralphs with great guitar riffs, Pete Watts on bass, Dale Griffin on drums and Verden Allen on organ.
Bowie produced and also played sax and did some backing vocal work as well
The songs came from everywhere. Along with Bowie’s contribution they also did a solid cover of Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane’. Hunter wrrote a bunch including a fave of mine called “Momma’s Little Jewel”. Ralphs co-wrote with Hunter but also contributed and sand on “Ready For Love/After Lights which gives you a taste of what was coming in Bad Company. Allen gave us “Soft Ground”, another standout on which he also sang lead for the only time.
It’s really a top-notch record and the title track is a stone-cold classic. Highly recommend.
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