Ranking the Studio Albums: Mott the Hoople

Join Pete Pardo as he ranks the albums of the great British glam/hard rock act Mott the Hoople. #mottthehoople
💰Donate via Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/pete...
👕Order your SoT merch: www.t8cloth.co...
🖥 Visit our website: www.seaoftranq...

[@geruto17760]

Don't forget Ian Hunter is still recording and touring. Saw him in 2017 live and He was rocking as if there's no tomorrow.

[@rikkinadir]

FYI - Sadly Ian has been forced to step back due to a particularly nasty case of tinnitus... We wish him well

[@geruto17760]

@@rikkinadir yes, really sad. His Rant Band does play quite loud. He's probably not so used to playing small clubs and they all crank up their amps as if this was the Hammersmith Odeon. :-)

[@danieldewitt6045]

One of my fave bands. Glad you are doing this Pete. Cheers!

[@johnhrehov4720]

Thanks, Pete. My favorite High School band. I saw them in Cleveland in 1974, and it rates as my favorite concert ever.

[@georgewatzlaf13]

Cleveland Rocks (which is saying a lot from a guy from Pittsburgh). Saw Ian twice in Cleveland at the Beachland. Great intimate venue. Standing right in front of the stage.

[@johnhrehov4720]

Queen was supposed to open but Brian May contracted hepatitis.

[@davidryan6441]

Mad Shadows...Especially the track Thunderbuck Ram. .When They Played The Fairfield Halls In Croydon they Were Awesome... Great band.

[@patrickmichels7888]

Lay Down is a cover from a Melanie song that was a big hit for her. I think mott does a great job of it. Also Ariel bender didn’t leave with Ian hunter - Ian left with mick ronson who replaced Ariel and recorded one complete song Saturday Gigs before they went together and made the first Ian hunter album which is a true classic

[@diannecarpenter7718]

I enjoyed listening to you ranking the studio albums of Mott the Hoople. Thank you. I love the first Mott the Hoople with art work and music!!🎼🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@chasbodaniels1744]

They somehow got permission to use that M.C. Escher artwork, which was fun to stare at while stoned. Fun fact: Mr. Escher later turned down the Stones request to create a new work for one of their covers.

[@diannecarpenter7718]

@@chasbodaniels1744 Wow!! I didn’t know that. Thank you for the information.🎼🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@keithjones6023]

A proper feel good band, some great songs, Roll Away The Stone, All The Way From Memphis, and of course Bowie's All The Young Dudes. Ian Hunter great vocals!

[@Rockerlady]

Thanks 4 covering Mott the Hoople!

[@PhilBaird1]

Rock's greatest enigma. One part electric Dylan; one part the Stones; and one part that nobody has ever figured out. The very definition of a fans band with a huge cult following that supported them to the end; and who will get misty eyed whenever their beloved Mott the Hoople are mentioned. A tremendous live band whose studio albums disappointed until 1972s All The Young Dudes. The follow-up Mott was their high point and one of the best albums of the '70s. We watched them grow and become truly great but then it was all over. Hunter burned out and Ralphs left for Bad Company. The song Ballad of Mott the Hoople says it all and was the best song Ian ever wrote for the band. It's also the best song ever written about the rock and roll life. Thanks Pete.

[@Meterman13]

Could not have said it better Mott the Hoople the best!

[@jasonpovey]

“All the Young Dudes” is an extraordinary song. To me it’s as much an anthem as Stairway, Hotel California, Freebird, Bohemian Rhapsody, etc.

[@gwts1171]

Better than most of those, in my opinion!

[@jimmycampbell78]

Bowie wrote it...I wouldn’t put it in my top 20 of his songs though. I don’t know whether that means you are overrating it or whether it just means David Bowie was incredible. Maybe a bit of both!

[@benedictdonald4338]

@@gwts1171 good song, but light years behind the classics you named.

[@Rockerlady]

Agreed, Jason!

[@newavatar2947]

Meh..

[@deanjonasson6776]

I think it was Mick Ronson that left with Ian Hunter. Ariel Bender preceded Ronson, as Mick Ralphs' replacement. Otherwise, a great review and well-worth waiting for!

[@domico5838]

Yes good point. They actually went on to do some good stuff together for a short time!

[@MrDeterioration]

@@domico5838 it wasn't that short a time.

[@ijeff2005]

That is correct. Ronson replaced Ariel Bender very briefly just before Ian left Mott for his solo career taking Ronson (not Bender) with him. The Hunter/Ronson team went on to record and tour together for many years. "Welcome to the Canteen" live Ian album with Ronson is a highlight of the partnership. Some of Ian's best solo work was done with Ronson though I've got to say Ian has done some excellent records since Ronson's death.

[@overtheedge4711]

@@ijeff2005 Welcome to the Club is the Ian Hunter live album. Welcome to the Canteen was a Traffic live album.

[@yvindkristoffersen6735]

@@domico5838 For a long time!!

[@williampeters7190]

I pretty much agree with your ranking. I heard All The Young Dudes album at a friend's house when it first came out and that was my indoctrination to Mott The Hoople and I was hooked. You mentioned almost all the songs on the All the Young Dudes album but failed to talk about my favorite tune, "Sea Diver" - a hauntingly beautiful piano-led song with strings and a strong vocal from Ian Hunter. I learned "All the Way from Memphis" on the piano in high school and played it lots of times for my buddies back then as we all sang it together. Thanks for the Mott rankings, Pete!

[@kevinm5957]

Got into Ian Hunter solo work first, and then worked my way back. All the Young Dudes, Mott and The Hoople are must haves for any collection.

[@eugenemcgovern7209]

Hooray, Finally "the Hoople". Hey Pete, you and Chris turned me onto EPICA, just watched their 3 hour concert with the choir and orchestra..... fantastic!!

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Great!!!

[@mickcrocodiledundee6353]

My ranking: 1. Mott 2. The Hoople 3. Brain Capers 4. Wildlife 5. All the Young Dudes 6. Mad Shadows 7. Mott the Hoople (debut). Ian Hunter solo is also amazing.

[@kirkstreckfus8844]

I was convinced at the start of this Brain Capers would be #1 - very surprised! Great band IMO and I really love their early sound and albums along with Mott. For some reason, I’ve never been a fan of The Hoople (too theatrical for me) or All the Young Dudes which for me doesn’t rock as hard as Brain Capers or Mott which are #1 and #2 for me respectively. Great review!

[@davidhughes5353]

I have to agree, I expected Brain Capers to be at the top. Having said that, I love them all, as I do the Hunter/Ronson and Rant Band material.

[@turefromfinland3264]

My top 3 Mott The Hoople: 1= Brain Capers, 2= Mad Shadows, 3= Mott. And Mott band's Drive On - record is just awesome. Great songs, great production and singer (Nigel Benjamin) is superb !!!!

[@simonbrown1572]

Ariel Bender did not leave with Ian hunter, he was replaced beforehand by Mick Ronson and they did one single, Saturday Gigs, which was a farewell song before Ian left taking Mick with him. MTH were a great band influencing many artists, the track Marionette is the track that influenced Freddie Mercury to write Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen only supported one band, MTH), Mick Jones of The Clash used to skip school and follow the band around the UK when they were on tour, and Joe Elliot of Def Leppard is one of the super fans, and then of course there is Mr Bowie who gave them all the young dudes to record (they turned down suffragette city) Sadly Pete 'Overend' Watts (bass) and Dale 'Buffin' Griffin are no longer with us and Mick Ralphs had a stroke a couple of years ago and is still in recovery. Ian Hunter is still rocking at the age of 81. I had a ticket to go and see MTH in 1975 but it was cancelled because of Ian's bad health and subsequent split. I would have loved to have seen them live in that era as they were more a live band and could never produce that energy in the studio, they caused many riots and were banned from performing again in the royal Albert Hall. Ian wrote Crash Street Kids, punk before the punk happened. Still I love the albums, would have put Mott on top of the pile with maybe Brain Capers or Dudes second. Hugely underrated band.

[@jpcworley]

Saw Mott in Chicago,1970.

[@delveguy]

Didn't know there was a Mott without the Hoople, but they had a good run!!

[@Walesktf]

Cheers Pete, Mott The Hoople, a mighty fine band indeed. Agree with what you said about Mick Ralphs song writing for Mott, it was definitely heading into the territory where he went later on with Bad Company. Love the pre-glam stuff and the glam stuff they had the hits with. I don't own all the albums so can't give you my ranking list. Your top 2 would probably be my top 2 though. I know I've nagged before, but here's a list of bands I'd love you to do 'Ranking' shows on: Iggy & The Stooges + Iggy's solo albums, New York Dolls + solo releases by band members, Hanoi Rocks, The Ramones, Elvis (only joking the show would take hours to do!), and Van Morrison

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Hi there. Sorry to disappoint you, but probably won't be doing any of those. I do have 2 Stooges albums, and both those NY Dolls albums, but most of that stuff just isn't in my wheelhouse.

[@Walesktf]

@@seaoftranquilityprog if those albums by the bands I have mentioned are not in your wheelhouse, they must be in your home then, yeah? And you are about to listen to them and do a 'Ranking the albums of them all, yeah ?Just kiddin' ya Pete! Just as well we don't all like the same half a dozen bands, eh? Life would be as boring as feck. Looking forward very much, to viewing your next Ranking the albums of show

[@robgronotte1]

Not a rocker, but their best song IMO is "I Wish I Was Your Mother" from Mott. Pushes it just above the previous album for me.

[@georgewatzlaf13]

Great song. Ian has quite a collection of great songs.

[@unchattytwit]

And anything by Ian Hunter is also great.

[@32a34a]

YUI Orta is one of the best albums I have ever heard . Listening to Ronson's guitar work on Sweet Dreamer has been one of my life's ultimate pleasures.

[@georgewatzlaf13]

Agree any Ian has done has been really good - some of his 80s stuff was maybe not so great, but i still like it.

[@mradamsmith11]

Mott The Hoople was my first ever gig back in`73 with Queen supporting. One of the great rock n roll bands of all time.The `Mott` album is my favourite, but the expanded live album is right up there with the greatest live albums of all time.

[@chrisdaykin3899]

My 1st was Slade (Alive tour) Aerosmith (Get Your Wings Tour) and Mott (headlining ATYD tour) at the Dome theater in Rochester, NY - later the venue for Foghat live (was there also)

[@tonteriaslasprecisas6897]

That late 1973 gig was truly amazing.

[@squid4104]

Wildlife is undervalued here. Shimmering folk psych with country vibes. Sweet and melodic. IMO.

[@littlebird2276]

I agree. Still one of my favourites.

[@monte.olson58]

Mott is easily my favorite. Got it new when it came out and still love it. Really like the first one and then Brain Capers. Awesome band...

[@purpletemple1]

Just recently bought the 2 "Mott" albums, and they are cool albums. Afterwards they would become "British Lions" (not the Steve Harris band obviously :-) ), which also released a couple of very good albums, very much in the vein of the 2 Mott records. Rock on!

[@mikewest1542]

The British Lions were the 1st band I ever saw at the age of 16 in 1977 supporting Status Quo!

[@gwts1171]

All of these are worth owning and there isn't one I wouldn't be delighted to hear at any time. I'm not sure if you're including the Mott or British Lion stuff, but I decided not to since it would be at the lower end of my list, even though the Mott albums were pretty good. 7) Brain Capers (Though far from a bad album.) 6) Mad Shadows 5) Wildlife 4) Mott the Hoople 3) All the Young Dudes 2) The Hoople 1) Mott (Easily #1 - there isn't a weak note played over the entire album, IMO.) Thanks, Pete!

[@armbreaker]

Very interesting review Pete, I was not aware of there version of "Ready For Love". Lots of great info.

[@peteygemini60]

One of my top 5 bands of all time thanks Pete - Marionette preceded Bohemian Rhapsody and was an inspiration for it.

[@jeepsterrex2185]

Thanks for this review. The albums Mott and All The Young Dudes are classics. For me, Mott is number one. The production, songs arrangements, everything falls together well. We are on the same page as far as top three albums.

[@domielakrabi3276]

I'm not a big Mot the Hoople fan, but "Brain Capers" is a pretty good album. Classic 70's guitar rock. Bought it because "Darkness, darkness" is on it, a song Robert Plant covered on his Dreamland album. Btw looking forward to your show with Martin Popoff on the albums by Robert Plant!

[@gabrielheftye973]

I like Ian Hunter solo albums too and with The Rant Band. My favourite MTH albums are Brain Capers and Mad Shadows.

[@johnappleton8133]

Here is my list including the last 2 Mott albums and I hope he does the Ian Hunter solo albums as well: 1. Mott (Epic Classic of an album) 2. The Hoople (Another Masterwork with all the goods in it) 3. All The Young Dudes (One of their best albums) 4. Brain Capers (Excellent album and began a hot streak) 5. Mad Shadows (Great album with a couple of average tracks but great other than that) 6. Mott The Hoople (Really good debut and hints of whats to come) 7. Shouting And Pointing (Solid album and new vocalist is decent but Ian was a vital loss) 8. Drive On (Solid album again but for losing the main man of the group they held up quite well) 9. Wildlife (Very diverse album has a few excellent tracks and the rest is hit or miss)

[@johnnymarinarasauce]

My exact rankings. Only exception would be the MTH debut moving down below the two Mott albums.

[@georgewatzlaf13]

I mainly agree but would put the two Mott (sans Hunter albums last).

[@maxthepupp]

You know how we all have that one artist that isn't really Top of the Pops or universally recognized as a genius? Ian Hunter is my guy. My favorite singer/songwriter. For pushing 50 YEARS Ive been championing him for wherever and whenever. Dylan don't need my help, nor Petty.or Prince.etc ad nauseam...no one was familiar with his stuff but here it is 2020 and Hunter is still rockin' on God bless him, and putting out albums and touring. A mighty long way down rock 'n roll indeed! Motts story is fascinating and a bit of a bummer. It seems like all the members in the band wanted the same thing but in different ways or at different times and even when it finally clicked there was still something disjointed. Some great records though! The only reason I put Mott at #1 is that this was the album they had to do on their own - and its a classic! 2- Dudes. PETE you didn't mention the beautiful ballad 'Sea Diver' off this album. Hunter can write A freaking ballad, man. This one he actually opened his shows with a few year back. Walks up to the piano, sits down n and sings this lovely song to open a show! 3. Mad Shadows. Dunno..I always put this on. There's a squeaky bass drum pedal. Once you hear it you never un-hear it!!😂 4- The Hoople. Just too much fun. 5- Brain Capers. The boys said "fuck it" and let it fly on this album. THIS...this was absolutely going to be the album that broke them through! It didn't and they decided to break up shortly thereafter until His Bowie showed up. 6- The first album. All over the place but some good riffs. 7- I'm a withh you Pete. Just a little rudderless. Some good songs by Mick on this and yet another nice Hunter ballad with Waterlow. Thanks for doing this one Pete! Of course now there will be a contingent to have you go through Hunters solo output. Even if its a contingent of one😎😁

[@daytripper9222]

It's about time someone did a Mott video. Thank you sir. To be honest I only ever bought was 'All the young dudes''….....'Mott'.......and 'The Hopple'. Back in 72-73 I was living with my brother in a small apartment complex. Would crank up 'One of the boys' toward the last two or three minutes of the song when they are just kicking ass. When you hear the phone ring guys CRANK IT UP!!

[@musicforfun5350]

Nice to see you give props to the two Mott albums which are very overlooked, My bottom two are easily "Wildlife" and "Mad Shadows". I'm surprised you ranked the debut album so low. Saw them live several times and it was always a great show. You're so right about "Sucker" being a terrific song when done live. The LP version is wimpy in comparison.

[@JohntheMusicNut]

Just realized in the last few years how wonderful this band is! Ranking what I own and there is very little separating the top four: 1. Mott 2. Brain Capers 3. All the Young Dudes 4. The Hoople 5. Mad Shadows 6. Wildlife

[@diannecarpenter7718]

I love Mott the Hoople ‘ All the Young Dudes’ and Mott too!!🎼🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@columbo21b]

Always had a great time with Mott, seen Queen supporting them on tour circa 73.

[@hammerecords]

Actually fortunate enough to see them with opening acts New York Dolls and Aerosmith in West Palm Beach. What a show.

[@carlwarmington5325]

Super show, thanks for doing a Mott the Hoople review!! Great live band indeed.

[@garyjoyce2160]

Might sound crazy: I like the Nigel BENJAMIN albums better/ 75/76. He just died last year: but crazy career. PETE/ would know better than me, remember he was in a couple of horror cult classic movies. I remember reading about him , was supposed to be lead singer of Motley Crue, but he hated Nikki Sixx , didn’t get along in LONDON group. Great informative show PETE!! 👍💯

[@sjwill1956]

My Fav band of all time...great review....one correction Hunter left with Mick Ronson ( who played on the last tour and single Saturday Gigs) .. Mott and Brain Capers are 1, 2 for me of the studio.. the best is the 30th anniversary reissue of the live LP, Mott @ it's best live IMO.. If your up for it rank Ian Hunter's solo catalogue 14 studio releases ... speaking of KISS, apparently Gene loved Pete "Overend" Watts big boots he wore in the Glitter daze..:) ...and I attended one of the reunion shows in London in 2009.. spectacular .. RIP Buffin, Overend and best wishes to Ralpher who suffered a stroke in 2016

[@memphissoulstew]

Did Mick play on Foxy Foxy too, second to last single that wasn't on any LP?

[@sjwill1956]

@@memphissoulstew That single was released in June '74, so it's still Ariel @ that point ..

[@memphissoulstew]

@@sjwill1956 ah ok! Thanks pal, all a very long time ago!

[@stephenrace7976]

Good show Pete...I've been into Mott since the 70's...great band and I own their complete catalog

[@kamranmalik8546]

A great band thank you for doing this, extremely underrated band. Up there with the other great Glam Rock acts T. Rex, Roxy Music, The Sweet, Slade, Mud, and Gary Glitter. (also David Bowie and early Queen)

[@ronmac9522]

I remember seeing them live with Queen supporting them. Round about 1974 i guess. They were such a great band live. Steve Harvey next please.

[@purpletemple1]

"Down in the city just Hoople and me"... :-)

[@anthonywilkinson6595]

I saw that show, Wolverhampton civic hall. Mott were an awesome live band

[@musicman3158]

"All the young dudes" is one of my favorite albums!

[@michaeltocker2817]

Thanks for this. Love Mott the Hoople.Saw the Mott version and Ian Hunter back in the day live and then The Hoople tour in Boston a few years ago. All awesome ! Dale”Buffin” Griffin ( RIP) Drummer on all these records.. so underrated and great!

[@GoNorthDesign]

For some further listening: I got into Ian Hunter’s music via Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) and his side project DOWN ‘N’ OUTZ. They cover Ian Hunter, Mott (with and without the Hoople) and British Lions. Their debut was my fave album of 2010 (geez, can’t believe it’s already 10 years old...) and they’ve since put out 2 more studio discs, and a bunch of live stuff. Their latest studio albums is (almost) all new material in the “style of”.

[@Rockerlady]

Yup. Ian was a huge influence on Joe and Def Leppard.

[@angusbaw5680]

Love Mott and related since 1969.Went to see them in Glasgow on their last reunion tour with the original lineup except for Buffin...Martin Chambers of The Pretenders on drums.Joe Elliot was sitting in the front row,a few rows in front of me.Hunter said something like,'It's not like the old days.You lot are pretty subdued.Back then you would have been ripping our balls off!' Sadly,most of us there were far away from those teenage years.Gonna rock till I die!

[@Rockerlady]

@@angusbaw5680 Wow! Nice to see them. I was going to see them last year here in Los Angeles. They had to cancel due to an illness. I still have the hard ticket. A nice collectible. Hope they can reunite again.

[@Purple_soda9x9x9]

When my minds gone will always be my favorite Moot the hoople song

[@tynebar]

Moot???

[@Zyltic]

"Rock and Roll Queen" is their best song!

[@chasbodaniels1744]

A very cool track that grabs you right from Mick Ralph’s opening power chords. Holy cow!

[@frankgrant3287]

great show pete you are the best

[@hailtheblackdragons]

Great to listen to your studio rankings of Mott. What an amazing band. For many years, I thought Mott was their masterpiece, but now I think The Hoople is their most interesting, inspired album. Interestingly, Zappa raved about The Hoople too (with the notable exception of The Golden Age of R'n'R) 1.The Hoople 2. Mott 3. Mad Shadows 4. Brain Capers 5. All the Young Dudes 6. Wildlife 7. Mott the Hoople 8. Drive On 9. Shouting and Pointing

[@leethomas5830]

Shouting and pointing pretty good rock album. Rock and roll queen has some bite brings back lots of memories. Thanks

[@keithf_]

Pete ... great as always ... but MAN ! how can you talk about the great album 'Mott' and yet fail to mention the best song off that album 'Hymn For The Dudes'. Fantastic emotional song, with STILL one of greatest guitar solos I've ever heard in my life.

[@painless465]

Great to hear you do one of my favorite bands,and I am totally in line with your top 3! I actually like Ready for Love/Afterlights better than the BadCo version,just do to the extra chorus ,which raises the tune another notch

[@gogoyubari366]

Mott and Hoople are their masterpieces in my opinion.

[@wagstaff6135]

I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything even mildly complimentary about the post-Ian Hunter, Mott records. I need to give those a chance. I love your top 2 (though probablyb reverse the order, myself); pick and choose from the rest, not sure how I'd order them. I loved this band as a kid, but haven't been listening for the past couple/few decades, really. You should rank the Ian Hunter records! (Check out Jaco Pastorius on "All American Alien Boy" for one.....)

[@paulmortimer4131]

MOTT the Hoople great band one of my favourites my no1 is MOTT 1973

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

Pete, thanks for this show on Mott The Hoople. There early records were not in local record stores until All The Young Dudes hit the airways. My top three would be (1) All The Young Dudes, (2) Mott and (3) Brain Capers. Now have finished watching.....great show! Surprised for first time for my top three to be the same as yours.

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

Saw them on this past tour about 1.5 or 2 years ago. Awesome show!

[@robmills537]

Thanks Pete enjoyed this video a lot, only a few weeks ago I found the live album on mint LP after a long search really pleased as I last owned it on cassette about 30 years ago.

[@MrMeadfoot]

Drive On and Shouting were 2 excellent MOTT albums, still play tracks from them on utube quite regularly.

[@braintwang]

Thanks, Pete! Great review and video. I, too, took a while to really get into them. My next Unsung Heroes video is on Ian Hunter and I show what Mott I have to set it up. I really love Ian Hunter as a writer and great rock & roller. Nice shirt, too!

[@sallocurto1571]

So excited! Didn’t even watch yet! Agree with the order outside of the top three. 3) The Hoople, 2) All the Young Dudes 1) Mott. Wouldn’t include the Mott albums. Honorable mention Mott the Hoople Live one of the greats live albums. Nice segment. Great band.

[@mikewest1542]

This review went under my radar Pete, another great video and something like the order I would have given !

[@captainbeyond7469]

Amazing band one of my favorites since I was fourteen. My list. 1- Mott ( A masterpiece one of the best albums of the 70’s) 2- The Hoople (Glam perfection) 3- Drive On ( Big fan of the “Mott” era) 4- Shouting and Pointing 5- All the Young Dudes 6- Brain Capers (Very underrated) 7- Mad Season 8- Debut Mott the Hoople 9- Wildlife Pete how about a Ian Hunter solo albums ranking? His work with Mick Ronson is stellar.

[@joefaraci8575]

I'd place Drive On at the bottom of any Mott album ranking. Didn't go for it at all. Shouting & Pointing much better but not better than any MTH album.

[@captainbeyond7469]

@@joefaraci8575 We all hear them differently. I love Drive On. Cheers!!!

[@davidsimon2096]

Thanks for the review. I only have the three CBS albums (apart from the Rock and Roll Queen compilation of earlier Island Label tracks)so I can't offer a list of my own.Those three CBS LPs are hard to pick apart quality wise as they all have absolute Classic songs on them.Of the 3 CBS LPs I have a particular fondness for "The Hoople" which although a little uneven is also the most interesting of the three in my opinion. Marionette is an amazing mini-opera, Crash Street Kidds manages to be proto-Punk and Proggy at the same time and Roll Away The Stone is hands down my favourite song by the band.

[@kennbrown4638]

My ranking (including Mott): 1. Mad Shadows (includes my favorite Mott song - I Can Feel) 2. Mott 3. All the Young Dudes 4. Wildlife 5. Brain Capers 6. The Hoople 7. Mott the Hoople 8. Drive On 9. Shouting and Pointing It would have been interesting to have had a couple of more albums from Ian Hunter and Luther Grosvenor (aka: Ariel Bender).

[@findmusic8797]

Agree, Mad Shadows, No.1

[@rikkinadir]

You missed out 'Live' One of the best live albums of any band ever...! And MTH's natural habitat *

[@Drummingvulture]

The 30th Anniversary Edition was a god send. All those years listening to the single disc version, loving it but also knowing there was so much more. It was my first order from Tower Records. What a revelation it turned out to be!

[@bengalgangster]

great job pete a underated band in my opinion

[@charleskatholijr.1055]

One of my all time favorite bands. Found them in 85'

[@JoeyBrunoMusicArchives]

Hey Pete, don't forget "Saturday Gigs" the last "proper" Mott the Hoople release. Ariel Bender had left and Mick Ronson joining as permanent guitarist was the plan. it didn't work out, though they did manage to record this one song. it was after that, when Ian and Mick left to form Hunter-Ronson band and record Ian's self-titled first solo album. Ariel Bender didn't have anything to do with Ian on any projects post-MTH. btw..... another great ranking......... XTC, Roxy Music, Sweet, Be Bop Deluxe and Sensational Alex Harvey Band......... you're really opening up the show to some great non-metal/prog bands ! I love all those band of course, but it's great to hear your take on these others ! Now if could just do a Crack The Sky ranking (you don't know what you're missing, trust me, they are completely in your wheelhouse, you will love them !) take care Pete, as always ..... just keeps gettin' better and better ! 🤩

[@chrisdaykin3899]

Its funny you say Ian Hunter took Arial Bender with him, I thought Mick Ronson was in the band in the end, and Ian took him with him (e.g. Saturday Gigs, Lounge Lizard) and wasn't Robson on Ians solo record? I don't know? But that's what I always thought ..;-)

[@donhadfield2835]

Started listening to the Glammy version of Mott but really got to enjoy the earlier hard rocking. It's weird my definitive version of All The Way From Memphis is Ian's Welcome to the Club. IF you can find it the Fairfield Halls Live (1970) recording is great early Mott just starting out.

[@kevinm5957]

Welcome to the Club is such an underrated album. Besides the hits, great versions of Mott’s Laugh at Me and Wish I was your Mother.

[@geneleonard4368]

My first concert Mott on Broadway at the Uris Theater opening act opening act Queen ( Queen II ) Great show !! I still have the program

[@chasbodaniels1744]

That was a great tour. They were showcasing The Hoople, and I’m sure you remember the two giant freaky/scary puppets flanking each side of the stage. During “Marionettes” they flashed light, and moved. In retrospect, I imagine Mick Ralphs wanted no part of that sort of stage show, which explains his return to the blues-rock basics with Bad Co.

[@geneleonard4368]

Yes I remember it well it was my first concert Queen was Fantastic .Mott opened up with the Golden Age of R& R .All kinds of Marionettes & Muppet characters , special effects . I was hooked ! 100s of concerts later lol 😂

[@findmusic8797]

Mott The Hoople, one of my top ten fave bands, period. Mott, I'll have to give a try, but I am a huge Ian Hunter fan, so...here's my ranking of the 6 I dearly love equally, well, sort of... 1) Mott (35:27 minutes of absolute pleasure, that's 8 out of 9 being killer tracks, everything but Cadillac) 2) All The Young Dudes (30:29, 6 out of 9 killer, except Momma's Little Jewel, Soft Ground, Sea Diver) 3) Mad Shadows (28:19, 5 out of 7 killer, except You Are One Of Us, Threads Of Iron) 4) The Hoople (28:14, 7 out of 16 killer, including bonus tracks Rest In Peace and Saturday Gigs) 5) Mott The Hoople (25:11, 4 out of 8 killer: You Really Got Me, Laugh At Me, RnR Queen, Half Moon Bay) 6) Brain Capers (24:36, 5 out of 9 killer, except Yr Own Backyard, 2nd Love, Moon Upstairs, Midnight Lady) My favorite MTH songs are the long ones: Half Moon Bay, The Journey, I Can Feel, and When My MInd's Gone. Hey Pete, it's Thunderbuck Ram, not...

[@timhewtson6212]

Well, I was certainly asking for a Mott the Hoople ranking, so many thanks. I would strongly suggest an Ian Hunter ranking too. His last several albums have been stunning, as were some of the early ones, 'Ian Hunter,' Alien Boy' and 'Schizophrenic.' And where Mott and Ian Hunter fall down, Joe Elliott of Def Leppard has done some amazing cover versions - two album's worth. 'Wildlife' was meant to be a live album, but the audience, always wild, trashed everything in sight, including the recording equipment, and only the medley survived. Hunter left Mott with Mick Ronson, but Ariel Bender returned for the Mott '74 live tour. Great guitar showman live. Thanks again, Pete!

[@louderthanlife]

Great episode, great band! 01) The Hoople 02) Shouting & Pointing 03) Mott 04) Drive On 05) Mad Shadows 06) Wildlife 07) All The Young Dudes 08) Mott The Hoople 09) Brain Capers

[@jcroston3266]

Had some of their albums in the mid 70s, they were one of my hidden gems I turned my friends on to. Big underground following, very influential as well. Great stuff.

[@jmacallar]

I really enjoyed this....thanks Pete!

[@ellismaytham456]

Love Mott the Hoople

[@johnbain5747]

Brilliant band

[@perrygingher111]

Awesome Band.....

[@user-ne2wd4rz3d]

What were their radio hits? I didn't know about them until. British Lions. A great album.

[@kc0lif]

i like all the young dudes album. there version ready for love is awesome different then bad company.

[@brianmccain6302]

Hunter did NOT take Ariel Bender with him when he left.Bender was dismissed after touring "The Hopple" album for reasons according to Ian Hunter that Bender provided little in the recording process.Mick Ronson came in for a short time and recorded Saturday Gigs single and did a scandanavian your.Hunter left and was joined by Ronson on his initial solo album.

[@papajohn240]

For me number one album was the Mott album. But they all have gems. They were a great live act. Should be in the R&R hall of fame..

[@josephgariano7692]

Hi Pete, hope you are doing well.I was wondering if you could do a type o negative ranking the albums special. This talented band were important throughout the nineties and beyond and deserve to have a special done on them. Thanks

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Not a fan, sorry.

[@SH-ud8wd]

Thank you, love this band. You forgot to mention two important songs: I wish I was your mother and All the young dudes. What about an Ian Hunter Ranking?

[@phillipj.6163]

Any plans on ranking the albums of Great White?

[@waedi73]

Just an idea, how about a top 10 ranking of songs of Ian Dury and the blockheads !

[@Jackylone-]

Great great band!!!!

[@PeteLewisWoodwork]

As for the instrumental version of You Really Got Me, you don't mention that MTH started out as back up band for The Kinks. At one gig, The Kinks came on after MTH and said "Well, we have nothing left to play now because they've done it all"

[@anthonyitzie4652]

I love MTH....been a fan since 1972., a almost agree with your list, LOL.....I would switch’s Brain Capers and The Hopple .

[@nazaholicable]

The best Mott the Hoople album is GREATEST HITS ha ha!

[@domico5838]

I am glad you finally did Mot The Hoople! My rating is a bit different.I Don't like the Mot stuff as much but it is great rock music dont get me wrong. The Shouting and Pointing album is my least favorite then Drive On ,Mot The Hoople, The Hoople, Wild Life, Mad Shadows, Brain Capers,All The Young Dudes, then Mot is my #1! P.S. good point about Verdan Allen he really was so very underrated!!!

[@marct7813]

Hi Pete, just read Rock 'n' roll Sweepstakes (Ian's authorised biography) while recovering from surgery. Ian didn't take Ariel with him, he was fired and replaced with Mick Ronson, the band didn't accept Mick, which contributed to Ian's breakdown. So Ian took Mick Ronson with him for his solo career. The Spider with the platinum hair...Michael Picasso... And for all the haters (and you're out there, I know), does not distract form Ariel's talents, loved his work with Spooky and his take on Mott songs stand up with the rest.

[@joefaraci8575]

Look into the solo albums he did and the 2 Widowmaker albums both of which I think are great. Mr. Bender rocked quite well last year in the MTH '74 tour w/Ian, Morgan Fisher and the exceptional Rant Band.

[@marct7813]

@@joefaraci8575 Hi Joe, I forgot about Widowmaker. I have the first Windowmaker album which I really enjoy, and I actually saw them play live (first live band I ever saw) supporting Nazareth at Birmingham (UK) Odeon in 1975 . I'll check out his other stuff on your recommendation. I didn't go to Mott '74 as I saw them on the original line up tour twice. And yes the Rant Band are exceptional, seen Ian with them many times.

[@girpo]

‘All The Young Dudes’ is an incredible song! One of the best songs ever written! And their live album ‘MOTT LIVE’ is an all-time favorite……I LOVE MOTT THE HOOPLE!! 👨🏻‍🎤