Mott the Hoople Albums Ranked From Worst to Best
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- This week it's Jason's pick, Mott the Hoople. If you don't already know from watching our Albums of the Year series, Mott the Hoople is one of Jason's favorite bands of all time.
He's very excited to talk about them on the channel, but how will the other guys feel? Is Jason just asking to have his heart broken?
Find out all of this and more, now...on Listography.
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Mott the Hoople are an English rock band formed in Herefordshire, England. Originally known as the Doc Thomas Group, the group changed their name after signing with Island Records in 1969. The band released albums throughout the early 1970s but failed to find commercial success. On the verge of breaking up, the band were encouraged by David Bowie to stay together. Bowie wrote the glam rock song "All the Young Dudes" for them, which became a massive commercial success in 1972. Bowie subsequently produced an album of the same name for them, which continued their success.
Despite personnel changes, the band had further commercial success with Mott (1973) and The Hoople (1974). Lead singer Ian Hunter departed the band in 1974, after which the band's commercial fortunes began to dwindle. They remained together with continuing personnel changes until their break-up in 1980. The band have had reunions in 2009, 2013, 2018 and 2019, and have reunited as of 2020.
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Let us know what you think of Mott the Hoople and how you rank their records down in the comments. Thanks for watching!
#MotttheHoople #IanHunter #WorsttoBest #AlbumsRanked
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Thanks for ranking one of the most criminally underrated bands of the '70's.
You mean "of all times".
My List:
7. Wildlife - Everything's been said. I LOVE Angel of Eighth Avenue
6. Mott the Hoople - Wildly inconsistent but adventurous. "Rock and Roll Queen" was a garage band staple in Philly in the 1970's
5. Mad Shadows - Emotional and Harsh. I have to be in the right mood to listen to it, but I love it when I do.
4. The Hoople - Glammy, polished, and shows the full range of their capabilities. Ian's songwriting is amazing here. He embraced the corniness he would explore more in his solo work.
3. All the Young Dudes - Their version of Sweet Jane is the best one for me. I love "One of the Boys." and "Sea Diver." I agree with the mix issues and "Ready fo Love."
2. Brain Capers - This album just kicks ass. It is their most consistent sounding record and sounds a lot like a live album. "Death May be Your Santa Claus" and "The Moon Upstairs" are the first two punk songs, well before their time. This album and my number 1 shifts day by day.
1. Mott - This is where I became familiar with Mott the Hoople (and I worked backwards) when it came out. It is amazing. I wore it out. It changed my life. The whisper to a scream ballad "Hymn for the Dudes" is my favorite Mott song. Disagree with Joe on "Wish I was your Mother. It is one of Ian's best songs. "You give I do the spending, is there a happy ending? I don't think so."
Great to see you drawing attention and giving so much love to these hidden treasures. Mott the Hoople are the kind of band you become fanatical about after discovering. Bravo.
Ian Hunter belongs in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame...criminal that hes not
Massively underrated song writer. I'd love to see these guys rank his solo albums.
Mark, I say this respectfully because I would likely agree with the sentiment, but I never pass up the opportunity to say I think the Rock & Roll HOF itself is "criminal," in all their unforgivable omissions, snubs, and many blunders the organization has made over the years
@@raithrover1976 still writing; still making albums. Check out his Defiance Pt. 1.... fabulous!
I have been a devout Mott the Hoople fanatic for over forty years--so much so I have The Hoople album cover tattooed on my arm. Yet I do not know why it is still important for me to have others validate them. So I could feel Jason's anxiousness. I was so delighted to hear the responses. I say the same thing (that Jason said) to my friends who roll their eyes when they think I'm not looking, "I can't explain it, but I just F-in love this band." Thank you guys...for explaining it. This was awesome!
When I heard "the Hoople" the first time, I was blown away by the variety of the Album. Songs like "Marionette" or "Alice" 😍😍. The whole album is a masterpiece, top10 album for me of all-time. Close 2nd is "Mott" and then there is quite a big gab. Maybe Brain Capers/ ATYD...
One of the best things about Listography is how hard you all ride for your faves. This week is a great example. Jason has been talking about Mott the Hoople for like 10 months, back to the 70's AOTY eps... and I've grown to like them a lot, strictly based on Jason's rave reviews. It was the same with Abba (Joe's Pick from a few months ago).. I pretty much like whatever Ryan likes, and so I look forward to a Jesus & Mary Chain week in the future.
My point is, we all have our favorite artists.. I'm not a critic, and I don't assign star ratings. But I like what I like, and you all do too. I watch your channel primarily to watch Jason or Joe or Kramzer geek about one of his favorite bands! Music rules!! Thanks bros.
This is the first Listography I do without barely knowing anything about the band before. I only knew All the Young Dudes and the Bowie back story, and even if I really liked the song I never thought I was really missing something.
I spent this last week listening to all of their albums, between 2 and 4 times each, and I really enjoyed all of them.
I probably need more time to rank them and the list will probably change over time (yes, I plan to keep listening to them) but this is what it feels like as of now :
7. Mad Shadows (7/10)
6. Mott The Hoople (7/10)
5. The Hoople (7.5/10)
4. Wildlife (8/10)
3. All The Young Dudes (8/10)
2. Brain Capers (8.5/10)
1. Mott (9/10)
Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Hello Fran: I didn't get the chance to get deep into this discology, but really enjoyed their last two albums especially Mott which you have at #1. I've always loved Ian Hunter's voice which I consider one of the great voices of glam.
Hey Naughty! They've been a great surprise for me. I agree with you on Ian Hunter 100 percent
Good stuff, thanks. As an older giezer, I saw Mott in the spring 1974 in my home town of Cleveland, OH - still my favorite concert. Cheers!
Huge MTH and IH fan. Saw Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson in 1979 at the Agora in Cleveland. (And boy did we get grounded... we were 17 and drove from St. Louis ... ahem... without parental permission. And it was so worth it... even getting grounded (which lasted into mid October; the show was in July). Had the privilege years later to live in Cleveland and saw IH at The Beachland Ballroom).
Mott The Hoople is one of my favorite bands. Discovered them when the debut album was released in 1969 and was enthralled with the mixture of great guitar work, keyboards and Ian Hunter’s Dylanesque vocals. The sound of that first album was never replicated as they evolved into something different and it remains my fave. All their albums are very good but here’s my ranking:
7. Wildlife
6. The Hoople
5. Mad Shadows
4. Mott
3. All The Young Dudes
2. Brain Capers
1. Mott The Hoople
If you’re a Mott fan, would highly recommend Ian Hunter’s ‘Diary Of A Rock & Roll Star’ book which chronicles Mott’s Nov-Dec. 1972 tour. Fascinating!
1) Mott
2) All the young dudes
3) The hoople
4) Brain capers
5) Mott the hoople
6) Mad shadows
7) Wildlife
Thank you Jason 🙏. You’re not crazy . Mott the Hoople deserve the spotlight so new fans can appreciate them . Ashamed that I didn’t give them the time they deserved initially ( much like what Joe says, they got lost in the golden age of the seventies a bit for me ) . Loved the albums I did buy at the time ( Mott and All the young Dudes plus best of/ “Essential” compilation) based on Mick Jones of the Clash mentioning their influence in just about every interview he did. ( I was a huge Clash fan and although musically both bands are like chalk and cheese I can hear their spirit in some of his playing and songwriting Hence why also he wanted Guy Stevens to produce London Calling , their finest hour) . Researched their discography further in anticipation of your review as i hadn’t heard everything of theirs . It was an absolute pleasure.
1. Mott
2. All the Young dudes
3.The Hoople
4. Brain Capers
5. Wildlife
6. Mad Shadows
7. Mott the Hoople
If you don't know it you should listen to Ian Hunter's solo album Short Back n Sides which Mick Jones produced. It's awesome. -Jason
@@TastesLikeMusic I will . Thanks
Great episode guys. I don't hear a huge amount of love for Mott the Hoople from music lovers 'across the pond' for some reason, so this was heartening to see. Interesting to reflect that Ian Hunter and Bowie were both Dylan nuts in their formative years.
I saw the Broadway Tour. It is still one of the best shows I ever saw. Mott and later, Ian Hunter, was one of the greatest of all time. The lyrics were fantastic and the music was awesome and way more complex than any other band to this day. I still listen all the time. So unique and very fascinating to listen to. Why they aren't in the rock and roll hall of fame is a travesty.
This was a great watch. Mott The Hoople also has a terrific live album that came out right before Ian Hunter left the group.
There’s also a really good bootleg album from a show they did in the UK in 1971 when Mick Ralphs was still in the band. They open up the show with a cover of Ohio, and it’s one of the best covers I’ve ever heard.
Great review guys, Mott the Hoople the most underrated band of the 70s !
Probably with UFO a strong second - kram
Stephen Stills is from Gainesville, FL..so technically that’s a Florida sound-not a “California” sound👍. Thanks for covering Mott. They were a huge favorite and influence for me growing up. They’re not credited nearly enough for just how impactful they were on other artists. If you include his solo work, Ian Hunter is probably one of these best songwriters in rock history. If y’all really want to hear Hoople open up these songs to whole other level, listen to the Mott the Hoople LIVE! record. So much energy and emotion. Live masterpiece imho..
Btw my top 5 MTH records:
1) Mott
2) All the Young Dudes
3)The Hoople
4) Mott the Hoople LIVE!
5) Brain Capers
My favs:
7 Mott The Hoople
6 Wildlife
5 Mad Shadows
4 Brian Capers
3 The Hoople
2 Mott
1 All The Young Dudes
Yes,Mott! Ive loved this band since the70's. My Ranking;
7.Wildlife(easily their nadir)
6.Mad Shadows(still great,"no wheels to ride","walking with a mountain")
5.The Hoople("golden age of rock n roll","born late '58)
4.Mott the Hoople(this rocks!-"rock n roll queen","half moon bay")
3.Brain Capers(their most "metal"album,so heavy."death may be your Santa Claus""the moon upstairs" plus great Jessie Colin Young cover"darkness darkness")
2.Mott-sometimes this is #1
1.All the Young Dudes-like MOTT,5 stars all the way thru)
For me 1. the Hoople 2. Mott. Then it's more even. Maybe 3. Brain Capers 4. All the young dudes.
Dylan + The Rolling Stones. What's not to like. Mott the Hoople is the sound of my youth. My favorite line in all of their work is, "I grow my hair just to scare the teacher." They made two more records with another singer as The British Lions. You should check them out if you haven't, particularly the first.
Thank you Jason!!! Really enjoyoing their discography.
Great to see you guys do Mott The Hoople - a band I’ve been mostly unfamiliar with but have always liked what I heard. Will definitely do a deeper dive after watching this.
Mott the Hoople, Supergrass, and The Sound have to be the most underrated bands of all time!
1. Mott
2. All the Young Dudes
3. Brain Capers
4. The Hoople
5. Mad Shadows
6. Mott the Hoople
7. Wildlife
Ian Hunter's book Diary of a Rock n Roll Star is a must-read!
Hey. I enjoyed your ranking. If my earlier post wasn't acceptable, I'm sorry about that.
Other than All The Young Dudes, I've never listened to any songs by Mott the Hoople. So I put on their first 2 albums on the way to work and enjoyed them well enough. I hope to get to the rest of their discography later in the week...thanks!
Don't feel bad, Joe. I had never checked them out either, despite hearing of their existence as a sort of protopunk influence for years, and of course, knowing "All the Young Dudes." After watching this, you guys convinced me to give them a spin, especially when you mentioned that Ian Hunter is sort of a cross between Dylan and Bowie, so I listened to Mott in its entirety right here on You Tube last night. Long story short, it really hit the spot, and I need to listen to more of their music. I don't know if this discussion was timed to coincide with the summer time, but I definitely think their music is the epitome of summer music. Many of the songs on Mott made me picture driving aimlessly at night with friends with the windows down and blasting some good rock n roll. Thanks for this eye opening spotlight!
I agree they are very overlooked and underrated. One of my all time favorites bands is in the same boat, Golden Earring.
Speaking of Brian May, his Back to the Light remaster is coming in August❤......have not listened to a full album by MTH , will have to remedy that!...great commentary, like always, and if nobody has told you guys , your hard work and dedication to this channel does not go unnoticed!!...i watch alot of music related content on YT, and Listography is my favorite!😁
My favorite band of all time! Love 'em. The songs are wonderful and to have seen them in concert is to hear these songs played live. Great.
Ah've met Morgan Fisher a few times in Tokyo. He used to do a regular solo performance at a Roppongi club playing keyboards and various electronics with a large scale film projection on the wall.
That was a pleasure to watch. You guys did a great pinpointing what was great about this awesome band. Noice.
Lenny Kravitz should be interesting. I was a pretty big fan up until the "Fly Away"/ "American Woman" era, where I thought he got a bit cheesy. Those first few albums are really great though.
Another band I’m excited to explore thanks to you guys. Agreed on Sweet Jane being a superior cover. Looking forward to your Velvets list one day…
Also Kram mentioned Green on Red, would love to see a Chuck Prophet ranking one day, though admittedly he may be a little niche!
Mick Jones from The Clash was a huge Mott The Hoople fan, used to follow them from gig to gig as a teenager. And The Clash got Guy Stevens tp produce London Calling, their greatest record. And they said that Stevens was way more out there and rock and roll than anyone in the band. And yeah, he was swinging mic stands around and throwing chairs while they were cutting tracks.
I saw Mick Jones at Motts last gig at Hmmersmith, I shouted hiya Mick , he looked at me like I was a kind of nutter!
Jones also worked on Ian Hunter’s Short Back and Sides album.
Hits a huge nostalgia button for me. Like many 70's Bowie fans I started with All The Young Dudes, went forward and then backward. Tried to see them during their Broadway stint, but couldn't get my folks to take me into the city and I was too young to get there on my own. Mott influenced some punk bands, The Clash being the most obvious. They had Guy Stevens produce London Calling; I think he threw chairs then, as well. Ian Hunter's book, Diary Of A Rock And Roll Star, got reissued a couple of years ago. A great read for any Mott fan. 1.Mott. If you ever watch Scorsese's Alice Doesn't Live Hear Anymore, one of the first scenes has a kid blasting All The Way To Memphis until his mother demands he shut it off. Scorsese later became a huge Clash fan. 2. All The Young Dudes 3.Brain Capers 4.The Hoople. Love the energy of Crash Street Kids, a song that doesn't get mentioned enough. 5. Mad Shadows. Listening to it now; first time in years. Don't know why I let it lay for so long. 6. Wildlife. Going to have to give that a fresh listen. 7. Mott The Hoople. Agree with most of the criticisms, though the cover of At The Crossroads had me looking into Doug Sahm's stuff. That song was on the Sir Douglas Quintet album Mendocino , which became a favorite. Check it out, if you can find it; sadly OOP. An Ian Hunter episode might be too exhausting, I assume. Great show.
"the hoople" is my favorite probably (?) because it's the first i remember ??...i was 8 when it came out, and shared a huge room with my 16 y.o. brother, only separated by a giant bookcase. "marionette" and "crash street kids" were what did it for 8 y.o. me. every time my brother went out, i'd put the hoople on, or n.y. dolls "stranded in the jungle", or iggy and the stooges "search and destroy"...
Ok, absolutely in podcast heaven! Mott the Hoople one of my top 10 and maybe top 5 depending on the week and that extends to Ian Hunter's solo stuff! Great choice and looking forward to Lenny K next. Here are my Mott faves in descending order and all but the last is a GREAT album. Mott The Hoople (debut), Mad Shadows, Wildlife, All The Young Dudes, Brain Capers, Mott, The Hoople. It is a shame that the amazing single Saturday Gigs was not solely on The Hoople as well.
Before I watch this - I know from previous videos that Jason and me both have a love for Ian Hunter and Mott The Hoople - but for different bands of that name. It will be interesting to see if we manage to get our rankings in reverse order...
I knew very little of Mott the Hoople before this. I knew "All The Young Dudes" of course and also (somewhat randomly) "Death May Be Your Santa Claus" since I downloaded it in college because the weird title appealed to me. Beyond that I really didn't know what to expect here. Everything was enjoyable though. I actually really liked Wildlife, but sounds like I need to really revisit Brain Capers again because it initially didn't grab me as much as others did.
7. Mott the Hoople - 3
6. The Hoople - 3.5
5. Brain Capers - 3.5
4. Mad Shadows - 3.5
3. Wildlife - 4
2. Mott - 4
1. All the Young Dudes - 4.5
I'm a baby boomer who really loves listening to you guys. I like that you are are knowledgable about many different genres in every time period, unlike some of the other channels which seem to gravitate too much to metal for my taste. The Beach Boys were already a nostalgia act by the time I was in high school in the early 1970s, but your show on them made me appreciate more than ever before.
There are a handful of acts bands I wish you'd take the time to listen to and review-I suspect that one and perhaps all of you would even discover a band or two you didn't realize you were missing. In no particular order they are Jethro Tull, Jefferson Starship, Renaissance, Duran Duran, Donna Summer, Harry Chapin and Emerson Lake & Palmer. You may find some filler songs that prevent some of these albums from being "5 stars", but I bet you'll find some amazing albums and at least 3 or 4 great songs on every one of these acts' albums.
All good choices. Some I already really like, others not very familiar with. Eventually we’ll get to them all. I bet Jethro or Duran sooner than the others. - Joe
For me
1. The hoople
2. Mott
3. All the young dudes
4. Wildlife
5. Brain capers
Very underated band
7) Mott the Hoople (1969) (3.5)
6) Mott (1973) (4 stars)
5) All the Young Dudes (1972) (4.5 stars)
4) Mad Shadows (1970) (4.5 stars)
3) Wildlife (1971) (4.5 stars)
2) Brain Capers (1971) (5 stars)
1) The Hoople (1974) (5 stars)
notes:
* A big thanks to Jason for choosing this band. I knew All the Young Dudes and that's it. Now I'm a fan. I feel the All the Young Dudes and Mott albums could grow in stature with more listens. Had I heard them growing up maybe I would consider them glam classics.
* The debut gets a good rating despite being almost painfully derivative of Bob Dylan in the vocals, to the point where he borrows part of the vocal melody of "The Times They Are A Changing" for "Backsliding Fearlessly." It's quite derivative in other ways as well but the music is undeniably very good, especially "Half Moon Bay."
* I love how the final songs on their albums are designed to be the last song, sometimes just a grand finale not long enough to be a normal song.
* The beginning of "Threads of Iron" reminds me of "Cemetry Gates" by The Smiths. Was Johnny Marr listening?
* The opening riff on "Rock and Roll Queen" sounds like the opening bass line of the Stones' "Live with Me." They both came out in '69 so I don't know who "influenced" who or if it was just a coincidence.
* Very disappointing that "Sweet Jane" is missing the "heavenly wine and roses" bridge.
Ratings -
0 stars - irredeemably terrible/ the worst
.5 stars - terrible
1 star - bad
1.5 stars - between bad and fair
2 stars - fair
2.5 stars - between fair and pretty good/OK
3 stars - pretty good/OK
3.5 stars - good
4 stars - very good
4.5 stars - excellent
5 stars - the bomb
The "Heavenly Wine and Roses" bridge was cut from the original pressings of Loaded too (as well as the single), so for all they knew at the time, that was probably the definitive version of "Sweet Jane". I think the first time I knew that part of the song was when the Cowboy Junkies covered it and included it, then they restored it in the Loaded reissue.
@@edgustafson That's all true. Still, I would have thought that Bowie would have had the inside info about how the song is really supposed to go since he was friends with Lou Reed.
@@edgustafson You are right there, this part and some others were not on the original Loaded version. Even Lou Reed's legendary version on Rock 'n' Roll Animal does not have it. The VU Live version on Max Kansas City has it, but that one was only released in 1972 and maybe Mott did not even hear it before recording their own version in the same year.
@@179rich There are only 3 albums we starkly disagree on (Mad Shadows, Brain Capers, and The Hoople)! That's not bad considering our track record!
Good call on Threads of Iron. I hear the resemblance too
1. Wildlife (1971) 4.5/5
2. Mott (1973) 4.5/5
3. All The Young Dudes (1972) 3.5/5
4. Brain Capers (1971) 3.5/5
5. Mott The Hoople (1969) 3/5
6. The Hoople (1974) 3/5
7. Mad Shadows (1970) 2.5/5
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:
3.0 Mott The Hoople (1969)
2.5 Mad Shadows (1970)
4.5 Wildlife (1971)
3.5 Brain Capers (1971)
3.5 All The Young Dudes (1972)
4.5 Mott (1973)
3.0 The Hoople (1974)
Going into this week I'd heard the album All The Young Dudes as well as a smattering of Mott's other songs. My most pleasant discovery was the Wildlife album which kind of blew me away. Overall, I think these guys were consistently good but unfortunately never had that one mega breakout album that would've made them a household name everywhere in the world.
Glad to see that I'm not alone with my opinion on 'Wildlife'.
Good job, except I don't get "consistently good" from your ratings at all.
@@179rich I only gave one of their albums a less-than-good rating. In my book they went 6-for-7. I don't know how to characterize that as anything other than "consistently good." I just don't think they were consistently exceptional. If they had been consistently exceptional they would be more famous than they are.
@@AbbeyRoadkill1 Yes, I guess your ratings do show they were consistently good. My mistake.
My Mott The Hoople list....When it comes to the fantastic rise of English rock/folk bands in early 70s, Fairport Convention has taken the folk prize whilst Free have the rocknroll one....but thanks to Jason making the call for Mott The Hoople (um most definitely not Mock The Poople after all!🤭) I now have a joint fave from that era...I reckon both Free and MTH are both very underestimated album bands....
To my rankings then...
7 Mott The Hoople (debut1969) 5.5/10, I'm a big Escher fan but not too keen on what starts as a covers debut album....excuse the clever pun 😂...lol...it is fine but a band doing a decent job of figuring out their sound does not make for good album. Singer is really doing a Bob Dylan most songs. Laugh At Me is basically Like A Rolling Stone...Half Moon Bay does show off their musicality though🧐 Free's debut set them on their way and remains a classic. No surprise this debut did not do the same for Mott TH.
6 The Hoople 6/10 glam rock meets Roxy music and Steve Harley. Like all these, but am not a fan of this. Enjoyed Crash St Kids and Roll Away The Stone tho.
5 Brain Capers, 6.5/10 disappointed with this one at start... Production is more distant (e.g. on The Moon Upstairs singer may as well be in space!!🤭) + the songs sound borderline Chaz n Dave in places ...gets much better Darkness, Darkness onwards though.
4 Mad Shadows 7.5/10, can hear why Bowie liked em and looked after them. First two songs are crackers a nice slightly heavier follow up to debut. Maybe a tiny bit forgettable rest of album (apart from constant peddle squeaks on title track😤...0.5 off for that) as they really don't move out of 2nd rock n roll gear rest of album. But the location of the pre great Bowie blueprint is clear.
3 All The Young Dudes 8/10 sounds good thanks to two very good songs in first 3. Nothing stands out from the pretty good groove running through centre of album til Ready for Love and Sea Diver at the end💖. A good Ziggy Stardust B sides to me overall but better than expected.
2 Mott 8.5/10 very solid to strong first 3 tracks and ending, with Hymn for the Dudes I can hear Suffragette City....you know what they say about all great artists.... and it isn't ''goes Bob Dylan alot.' Enjoyed.
1 Wildlife 10/10 🏆such a great start the grooving Whiskey Women. This album sounds fab and the first 3 tracks are outstanding. Ending feels slightly lightweight / countryfied in comparison to first for me but def my fave of all albums overall. I could've l knocked point off as it does feel top heavy but what is outstanding is too good. Infact I'm trying to get a copy and it's not easy🧐🥺 will the music publisher please release this in UK! I mean the bloody irony...😂🤷♂️
Another Wildlife supporter! Welcome to the club!
@@AbbeyRoadkill1 👍well I couldn't believe my ears with start of album....I had that ' have I discovered a lost classic' joy.. a bit like I felt with Sixto Rodriguez or Norma Tanega...it's that good....would be v shocked if others don't recognize how rich the top half of wildlife is compared to rest of Mott's albums...
Wildlife is great but Mad Shadows is about tied with it in my book. Stupidly, All Music rates Mad Shadows 2 stars and has a review that seems to be discussing a different album entirely.
@@179rich now that happens more often than is necessary for sure...I mean I like reviewers to make their points from their point of view, but I do think familiarity with the music over time should be stated....because then you can rate the reviewers....it is a more reliable gauge than a review hot off the press by someone who breezes through music...reviewed new music has this dilemma at its heart....what would be cool is if for any article the reviewer is obliged to revisit the music and their review once every few years, re do the experience of listening, research the impact of the music, then write article b next to 1st article and score again (much like we do here sometimes)...I'm sure in this internet age that would not be impossible...but it would give the needed room for growth in criticism ....appreciating art is more an organic and chaotic process, not a scientific precise one. There are too many people in the world missing great music or art experiences because of shoddy reviews putting them off imo😤🎩🌂🤬
I have only ever listened to Mott The Hoople’s Greatest Hits album before, and I like most of those songs (who doesn’t?) but I’ve never taken the time to check out any of their original albums. That’s something I definitely need to put right soon.
Lenny Kravitz, however, is a totally different matter. He is one of the artists that I have most been looking forward to seeing featured. That’s a great choice, Kramzer 👍
Here we are again talking about the greatest underdogs of ALL time . Criminally sidestepped ,banned from the Albert Hall, super friendly to their fans .Anybody who likes music loves them .Not perfect but so rock n roll .Bowie gave them a leg up but that’s all as they came into their own once they hit their stride .. Long Live Mott the Hoople …
Listening to Mott the Hoople was very interesting because I had never heard a whole album from them before. I’ve always enjoyed Ian Hunter’s solo work though. How about doing a ranking of him?
I’m so happy you did this review - love this band and tough to find others who are familiar with their catalog. For me, I love their early years overall more than the glam period - that said Mott is a true masterpiece (still not my number 1 though) but the theatricality of The Hoople lost me. Listening to the Live album from The Hoople tour it sounds like a Broadway show (listening to Queen Live at the Rainbow March 74 show you can picture the entire concert and both bands sets - Queen sounds more like The Who Live at Leeds pure raw power vs MTH which is surprising because early live Mott I’ve heard kicks ass). I guess I’m going to hell for my ranking of The Hoople.
1.) Brain Capers
2.) Mott
3.) Mad Shadows
4.) Wildlife
5.) All the Young Dudes
6.) Mott the Hoople
7.) The Hoople
Mott should have been bigger than Queen.
I'm with you K on the Shadows album....lots of my fave songs on that record ...not ready to go beyond the 4 stars yet it's just a bit sketchy in places for me at moment....but early days....
Love the shoutout to Green on Red's Gas Food Lodging album, Kramzer. Not a name I hear often, but I loved that 80s Paisley Underground scene.
Also loved hearing the Green On Red shoutout. Sometimes grouped with the Paisley Underground, sometimes under the unfortunate "cowpunk" moniker. Green On Red, along with Dream Syndicate, Rank and File, Giant Sand, Flesh Eaters, were some of my 80's favorites.
@@johnlefsky8731 definitely not cowpunk, though I could hear the country influence. Jason and the Scorchers were the real cowpunks. That L.A. scene in the early to mid 80s was incredible. Love the Dream Syndicate but then also all those other little known rock and roll bands like Rain Parade, Gun Club, Pontiac Brothers, Plimsouls, the Blasters, not to mention Los Lobos, X, and all those punk bands. And Fishbone too! Wow.
@@burmajones803 Those umbrella terms were usually disliked by the artists; the same thing happened with the term "grunge." Sometimes the media just needs a label. Glad to see some of these musicians still recording/touring. Dream Syndicate, especially, have been putting out strong records. I've seen Kid Congo Powers and Alejandro Escovedo around 2016/2017 and they were both great. Escovedo did a cover of All The Young Dudes, backed by The Minus Five. To bring it all full circle, Minus Five/Young Fresh Fellows head, Scott McCaughey, has been recording new material under the name Scott The Hoople, mixing Mott and Neil Young covers with his originals.
@@johnlefsky8731 really like the latest Dream Syndicate album--kicking it off with a 20+ minute instrumental jam with sax! Bold step for those old guys. Turns out a lot of those 80s underground bands I like were influenced by artists like Mott the Hoople, Small Faces, and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. And, like those first two bands at least, were equally overlooked during their times.
I've been a huge fam for many years, So I will share my list
7)The Debut 3 Stars
6)Mad Shadows 3.5 Stars
5)Wild Life 4 Stars
4)All the Young Dudes 4 Stars
3)Brain Capers 4.5 Stars
2)The Hoople 5 Stars
1) Mott 5 Stars
And I'll add that the expanded version of the live album is amazing!
Sweet another bunch of albums to check out 👍
Familiar with Ian Hunter and in particular his ‘79 album You're Never Alone with a Schizophrenic (thanks to Listography) but not Mott the Hoople. Looking forward to it!
Good to see this band being ranked.
I agree that Mott and The Hoople are best two albums
Obviously Ian Hunter solo albums all very good as well
I can also recommend Drive On by Mott (post Hunter). It is excellent
About Guy Stevens, he also produced The Clash’s London Calling. As legend goes he would knock over ladders and chairs, messing about in the studio to create the right atmosphere.
1974, saw MTH with Queen opening.
Prior to this, I didn't really know a lot about Mott the Hoople. I don't really know why -- I like Bowie and T.Rex, who are sort of Mott the Hoople adjacent bands. But, I was probably only familiar with 4 or 5 songs prior to this. I also didn't know that Mick Ralphs went on to form Bad Company with Paul Rodgers.
I don't really know how the albums rank amongst diehard fans, but here's mine. All the albums are pretty good -- there's not any that are egregiously bad or anything.
1. All the Young Dudes
2. Mott
3. Brain Capers
4. Mad Shadows
5. Mott the Hoople. Agree that an instrumental cover of "You Really Got Me" is maybe not the best way to kick off a career.
6. The Hoople. Their only album without Ralphs. I think it's just a little over the top in terms of production, and I don't think the songs are as strong.
7. Wildlife. Not terrible, but probably the least Mott the Hoople sounding album. Doesn't help that Ian Hunter only sings on about half the songs.
The absence of Ian Hunter's vocals maybe is the reason I like 'Wildlife' the most.
You guys should do a Byrds album ranking next!
It’s coming at some point. We’ve talked about it. - Joe
Seinfeld had its Summer of George, now we have the Summer of Jason with Mott the Hoople and that last win. It's up to Kramzer to turn his smile upside down.
I wasn’t looking forward much to this video till I saw this comment. Now it’s worth it.
Great choice , guys. Only knew them though the Bowie connection and their standing with some of the rock press as a sometimes underrated but great band of the glam and early 70s rock period . I ofcourse being lazy and ignorant , focused only on Trex and Bowie in this era and only know “All the young dudes and the Hoople lp , which is a travesty I know ( me not knowing their other stuff not the record ) but I will make it right and check the other albums out , thank you Listography gurus. More homework for me this week 😊👊🏻
One of my favorite bands of all time. Saw them in '74 with Queen. I love all of their albums and I agree with Joe about the Hoople being their best, although Mott is probably just as great--two sides of a coin. The best part of Mott the Hoople however was their live show. At the end of their show, nobody was thinking much about Queen. Mott just totally dominated the stage. Brian May says that Mott taught them how to be a rock and roll band. 'Nuf said.
Interesting that people - other than flat-out Ian Hunter fans - don't segue onto his later work. He followed 'The Hoople' with 'Ian Hunter' and 'All American Alien Boy,' both phenomenal, then 'You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic.' And his last run of albums, starting with 'Rant' (and I would say 'The Artful Dodger') are all home runs.
As well as his most recent Defiance Pt. 1. Amazing. At 84 he has lost none of his edge
It's an excellent album. Can't wait for Pt2
@@timhewtson6212me too!
I have to admit, I know about 10 songs, but never listened to a full album.. Will give a few a spin
The only thing I've heard of Mott the Hoople is All The Young Dudes song. Didn't realize they were so well liked
Several hugely important comments:
1. I have absolutely zero familiarity with Mott the Hoople but after seeing how huge they are for Jason in the AOTY series, I suspected I would both really enjoy this album ranking show AND be sold on checking out their music. Yes and yes. Just downloaded MOTT and BRAIN CAPERS to start with. Well done, guys.
2. Jason: please clarify - did you say you would now swap MOTT into the top spot ahead of CLOSING TIME for AOTY 1973? Please let me know cause I keep track of Listo AOTY data. Thanks!
3. I totally disagree with Joe about the album art of BRAIN CAPERS. I think it's very cool, evokes that 1950s jazzy loungey party album vibe. I like the mask, the colors, the lines, the fonts, all of it.
4. Love you guys. Another great show. Listo 4ever 👏🎶🙏🎉
I’ll stick with Closing Time for now but it’s really a toss-up. -Jason
Very high lows and some of these albums are stone cold classics, or at least should be. Really an awesome band that are far too neglected nowadays.
7. Mott the Hoople (1969) ★★★½
6. Wildlife (1971) ★★★★
5. Brain Capers (1971) ★★★★
4. Mad Shadows (1970) ★★★★
3. All the Young Dudes (1972) ★★★★½
2. Mott (1973) ★★★★★
1. The Hoople (1974) ★★★★★
★★★★★ - Masterpiece
★★★★½ - Really great
★★★★ - Great
★★★½ - Really good
★★★ - Good
★★½ - OK
★★ - Bad
★½ - Really bad
★ - Awful
½ - The worst
i would put Brain Capers at 3 but otherwise same ranking.
@@peterhammer4644 Yeah, it's really good, but the title track to All the Young Dudes alone makes it really hard to not have in the top three.
It is a bit unfair but those were the times...their heyday was just coinciding with the peak of so many other great bands. My favourite Mott album made #20 with 4,5 stars - in a year that had 8 albums with 5 stars leading my list...They were unique but you had to be that in those years to be recognised at all. At least Ian Hunter and Mick Ralphs (with Bad Co) later got the respect and success they had deserved with Mott the Hoople already.
Guy Stevens may have had a vision of the Clash already when he produced them, Bowie gave them a glam treatment - but Stevens worked out the danger, gloom and intensity in their material that was closer to Exile on Main Street or New York Dolls, while Bowie's glitter was as soon forgotten as Bowie himself moved to his next incarnation.
Not to forget their cover versions - Melanie and Little Richard, Sonny & Cher and Velvet Underground, Mountain and Youngbloods, Kinks and Doug Sahm...
7. The Hoople 3,0
6. All the Young Dudes 3,5
5. Wildlife 3,5
4. Mott 3,5
3. Mott the Hoople 1969 4,0
2. Mad Shadows 4,0
1. Brain Capers 4,5
I knew you’d have Brain Capers #1. -Jason
Parts of the their early catalog sound a little *too* much like The Rolling Stones to me. There were times I had to actively remind myself I wasn't listening to a Stones album. My take is that Wildlife and Mott are their 2 most distinctive statements- it's the music they produced when they had full control over making their own album.
@@AbbeyRoadkill1 Wildlife is too much dominated by Mick Ralphs for my liking. However, the version of Lay Down is worth the album alone, Ian Hunter gives it the meaning that Melanie may never have thought it could have. And, their version of Mountain's Long Red should have been on it, later CD releases have it.
Mott...hm...it has some of their best tracks but also loads of generic rock songs. Maybe I hear this with my 1973 ears, but songs like Whizz Kid or Drivin' Sister were on nearly every second album in that year, they are generic to a point where they work as parodies of "The 1973 rock song", which may make sense if you think of the album as a concept album about a 70s rock band (Ballad of Mott or Hymn to the Dudes may point to that intention).
@@roxannewalsh I get that Wildlife is sort of an oddball album in their discography. It's not very representative of their sound overall. I just thought it was the most consistently memorable for melody-and-lyric. I guess that makes me a bigger Mick Ralphs fan than most.
I get that everyone here knows lots about the musicians in their fave bands...but I don't think inner band squabbles or changes of direction are a good reason to not objectively listen to the music for what it is....in my classes I call taking a breather from making artworks and coming back the next day.... looking anew with your fresh eyes....I'm sure there is an equivalent for music....I've got no gripes or hang ups with Mott The Hoople or preferences....and no knowledge about the band...but with my fresh and objective ears👂...wildlife is just a gorgeous listen...
Roll Away The Stone is surely one of the greatest goodbyes from a band in all of music
Except their true goodbye was the single Saturday Gigs with Mick Ronson on guitar.
I'll take your word for it Jason. I'm not familiar with that single. Do you think it's better than Roll Away The Stone?
Both are great songs. But as you’ll see tomorrow, I do prefer Saturday gigs.
@@12spanku "Saturday Gigs" is likely to make my top 10 as well.
@@TastesLikeMusicSaturday Gigs.... what a gorgeous heartbreaker. Saw all five reunion show at The Hammy in 2009 and those goodbyes on the last night. The audience sang goodbyes even after the light came up. Not a dry eye in the place.
Mott the Hoople Live 1974 is one of my favs!
Not much of a fan, but still a good video. I appreciate you hitting artists like this, and mixing up the decades.
Mott, Mad Shadows, Brain Capers
Arrghh.(!) The great thing about Mott The Hoople, specially the Island period albums that they don't have a " directions' . The Dylan/ Rolling BoneStones influenss are obvious as poststamp on one's forehead. And the clumsu playing. Compering to virtuoso at the time, and what was to come. Yeah, " Deep Zeppelin Purple" . Romantic , when I was young, comforting Hoople was, now it is nostalgia, In a thoughtful way. I don' find any Bowie influences In their music ( what era Bowie? ) but Ian Hunter adopted much of additude - and sarcasm- to the stardom and " platform shoes, from Mr. B. Mott the Huupla were " honest" real Peoples ( " ) band, and when they got success, the band, those brothers together forever, split. Sad, really. My favourites : ...every one. Today, The Brain Caper Hoople album. And you guys, ameericans you...next time, next programmin', drink beer, wine and smoke unhealthy cigarettes, cause' it' s only rock'n ' roll. Or as I. Hunter wrote : " it' s life, and life only..."
Green on Red lifting from Mott. Nice! Gas Food Lodging was the debut of Chuck Prophet in the band.
Grew up enjoying The Rolling Stones,....but,....always favored (the much lesser-known) Mott the Hoople. You know you are getting older ( I am 61) when you realize Ian Hunter is 82,..and Bill Wyman is 85!!!. Let that sink in for a moment.
Well I gave 5 stars to at least 6 iron maiden albums and all but one of Opeths discography so all is forgiven....a fan is a fan......is a fan🧐🤘
prefer The Sweet when it comes to glam bands. But Mott isn't bad.
Mott The Hoople seem to be solid craftsmen whereas Sweet have just a bit more spark at least in regard to singles. Advantage Sweet.
@@rupertx_x1613 And Mott the Hoople may actually have written more cohesive albums that have better songs overall. (perhaps, haven't heard all the Mott the Hoople albums nor have I heard all the sweet albums which seem to be a mish mash of singles and album tracks anyway). But I agree, when it coems to the singles they beat Mott, though i do enjoy Mott a lot, expecially as I hear more from them.
And for someone who was used to only knowing them from something like Blockbuster or Little Willy I was blown away by something like Set Me Free. DIdn't realize they had that heavy metal side to them till i got more into their stuff. Not a huge fan of the very last album with Brian as the lead singer as they went far more prog. But its still ineresting.
Remember listening to them when I was at full speed
Oops, I did It again. Knew only ATYD & now I saw a quite cheap Island Years 1969-1971-box and bought it. And will buy the "Original-Album Classics". Thanks again for recommending good music. Listography rules! What about U2 (here is of course nothing there to recommend , I have them all, big fan since 1985 :) )? Although here I´m a little scared of Jason. :)
I always wanted to listen to this band so want to see what u all think of them to get idea and get back to my ranking
I’ll have to check out Mad Shadows and Brain Capers. I’ve only known their albums from Dudes and later.
Booooyyyzzz .......the guy Stevens connection (he of course produced London calling by the clash which is one of the greatest records all time and threw chairs around) I didn’t really think about/remember so I’m definitely checking this out
Thanks for yet another avenue to explore
Mick Jones was a massive Mott the Hoople fan. He’s in their documentary The Ballad of Mott the Hoople and he also produced Ian Hunter’s 1981 solo album Short Back n Sides. -Jason
@@TastesLikeMusic even more reason to like them. I remember walking past loads of people of to see Ian Hunter at the Astoria back in the day and not realising who he was. They all and Ian Hunter T-shirt’s on and we’re very into him
I picked up All The Young Dudes and Mott the same day 10 yrs ago. Never followed up with them because these are 2 fine records. My bad. I will check out Brain Capers and some others. The song Sucker is a ripping rock song, love it
They were the quintessential glamerock band period. Ian Hunter was MTH. Totally under rated. They found their sound with ATYD
No.. Bowie GAVE them a sound.. Good band in patches.. Not in the same universe as Roxy Music or Cockney Rebel tho..
Sorry I'm late, But here's My Top 7.
7. Wildlife (Not that Bad of an Album)
6. Mott the Hoople
5. The Hoople
4. Mad Shadows
3. Mott
2. Brain Capers
1. All the Young Dudes
Yeah, sorry I'm late with this.
Dreams do come true, kids. Just ask Jason...
I came across “The Hoople” in like 9th grade. Totally didn’t get it - I was looking for some psychedelic Brit blooze, but got what sounded to me at the time like Sha Na Na, same as Roxy Music. Now, I realize how deeply odd and engaging this music is. Plus the fact that the Clash were Mott fanatics and even roped in Guy Stevens to throw some furniture while they recorded London Calling.
Good point about Bat Out of Hell Jason. Also Rocky Horror.
I’m relatively new here and I love these guys already but how do you find out what artist they are covering the next week so I can start listening to the discography?
Next weeks is announced at the end of this video
@@TastesLikeMusic okay thank you! Love the channel!
Thanks!
You can also follow us on Twitter where I routinely give spoilers. - Joe
I am surprised by the lack of love
for Wildlife from you guys....hit me like a bolt of lightning ⚡⚡⚡....none of the others got near....
It's almost always ranked in the bottom 2 of their discography. I don't know what you and Whammy are smokin. Even Mick Ralphs jokingly refers to it as Mildlife. -Jason
@@TastesLikeMusic then they are all idiots imo...maybe I have a better ear than all these guys I've never heard of....🤭...and you've gotta remember someone with different taste made the ranking lists jason
Never heard of Mick Ralphs? The guitarist of Mott the Hoople and Bad Company.
Nothing wrong with liking Wildlife. I think it's great. 4 stars. Lots of great songs, especially the Mick Ralphs tracks. But it's not the traditional pick, that's for sure.
@@TastesLikeMusic hell no....I love Free way more that MTH (at moment) and can't name a band member🤷♂️
Now Lenny kravitz is a cool pick ...only know one album intimately...no not the classic one ...but I do love it👍....can someone pick Stevie Wonder soon? I just started digging bit deeper with him....and just discovered where a classic George Michael song came from....what a genius.....🤘
Yeah the songs I heard from Lenny Kravitz are great. I'm hyped.
Another one for the books. But when is that Harry Nilsson episode ? Ive been really digging his stuff lately
He’s another one of my faves so eventually, for sure. -Jason
First heard At the Crossroads on an Island sampler LP called Nice Enough To Eat. It had loads of great Island bands.
These budget price samplers from various labels were treasures back in the day when it came to discover new artists. I remember Age of Atlantic (the record company), and CBS/Columbia also had one where I first heard Edgar Winter and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Sometimes (in my country) you even got them for free in a record shop when you purchased several albums at once. Just for those younger ones who might wonder how we learned about new bands that were not on the radio in the days before internet or youtube - samplers were one source, pirate radio another, cassettes...album credits (written by...guest appearance by....)
Completely agree @@roxannewalsh
1. Mott
2. The Hoople
3. All the Young Dudes
4. Brain Capers
5. Mad Shadows
6. Wildlife
7. Mott the Hoople
Exactly the same ranking as me -Jason
Mmm I think that's a generous mark for the debut Jason...leaves very little room for the other albums that are way better....but you are a fan so all is forgiven 🧐
Haven’t watched you yet guys…but just finished listening to all seven.. my thoughts 1. The Hoople (74) ****
2. Mott (73) ****
3. All the young dudes (72) ***1/2
4. Mott the Hoople (69) ***1/2
5. Mad shadows (70) ***1/2
6. Brain capers (71) ***1/2
7. Wildlife (71) ***
I think your stars are off. - Joe
The Hoople and Mott should be four stars not two stars … a cut and paste error … Thanks Joe … appreciated!!!
Never thought of brain capers as the food capers.I always reffered to the word caper as a sort of slang as to mean game.As in dont come that caper meaning dont play that game.Maybe its an english thing.Thus it changes the title to mind games. Makes more sense
Album wise they only really peaked for me around 1972-73 with ATYD and the Mott album. The early albums were interesting but didn't quite gel artistically or creatively. The Hoople had some great songs, clever but very poppy and glam with occasionally overwritten lyrics; it lacked Mick Ralphs and Verden Allen who were key to the sound of Mott the Hoople.
SPARKS ARE WAITING FOR YOU GUYS
I have 3 different versions of the debut album due to misprints of vinyl , weird!