MOTT THE HOOPLE ‘Wildlife’ (Angel Air SJPCD159) (2003)
Mott the Hoople was one of the most hard-working bands of the late 60's -
early 70's. Their first US Tour in the spring of 1970 was a huge influence
in the band's creativity. As a consequence their third studio album
"Wildlife", which was released on 19th of March 1971, was "country-tinged"
and their least-popular record. That doesn't mean that there are no quality
songs in this album.
"Whisky Women" is the opening track of the album. Mick Ralphs provided the
catchy guitar riff and Verden Allen the organ melodies. The album continues
with "Angel of Eighth Avenue", a low tempo song in which Ian Hunter's vocals
will remind you allot of Bob Dylan. "Wrong Side of the River" is a country
ballad, which can compete with any C.C.R and Lynyrd Skynyrd equivalent. The
song that stole my heart is 'Waterlow'. Hunter's brilliant voice and his
collaboration on melodies with Allen brought tears in my eyes! A wonderful
song that only a top quality band can compose.
The band remained loyal to the tradition of having at least one gospel song in every album with "Lay
Down". "It Must Be love" is an average country song that didn't impress me
at all. On the contrary I really liked "Original Mixed-up Kid" which
combines southern music with classic 70's rock. "Home Is Where I Want to Be"
is a nice song with funny lyrics. The last song of the original album is a
live cover of "Keep A Knocking" which proves once more that Mott the
Hoople's live performances were exceptional.
This Angel Air release contains two extra tracks "It'll Be Me" and "Long
Red" which are pretty good songs.
Mott the Hoople never managed to break through into the mainstream, even
though I think that they really deserved it.
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
