Mott the Hoople “Mott” 1973. US version. Since I’ve been on a 70s rock kick all week (which is fitting, I guess, since it’s my birthday this weekend and I was born in the 70′s), I’m spinning Mott which was released on this date, July 20th. It was the band’s sixth album, reaching #7 on the UK album charts and #35 in the US; Rolling Stone ranked it at #366 in their 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums of all-time. The lead single “All the Way From Memphis,” a song about the weariness of the rock-n-roll life, losing guitars, having no money or respect, made it to #10 on the UK singles charts and although it received decent radio play in the US, it did not chart. (As a nod to yesterday’s post about Brian May: May covered “All the Way From Memphis” in 1998 on Another World).

Mott is grand glam 70′s rock, a concept album with songs that “are a set of road tales fraught with exhaustion, disillusionment, and dashed dreams, all told with a wry sense of humor…a wry commentary on rock & roll itself, which, as Ian Hunter notes, is a ‘loser’s game.’’ (Allmusic) These laments are evident on tracks like “Hymn For the Dudes” and “Ballad of Mott the Hoople.” There is still good ol’ down and dirty rock and roll, though: “Violence,” for instance, has power riffs with sneering vocals and punk worthy lyrics.

I’m a missing link, poolroom stink, I can’t talk
(Well that’s too bad)
What’s going on, something’s wrong, I can’t work
Can’t go to school, the teacher’s a fool, the preacher’s a jerk
(Well that’s such a drag)
Got nothing to do, street-corner blues, and nowhere to walk
Violence, violence
It’s the only thing that’ll make you see sense
(Repeat)
Gotta fight, nothing’s right, livin’ nowhere
(That’s so sad)
Watch out for the gun, snake on the run, hide in my hair
You keep your mouth shut, or you’ll get cut. Haha – I like to scare
(Bet you’re so mad)
I’m a battery louse, a superstar mouse, I don’t care
Get off my back or I’ll attack, ‘n I don’t owe you nothin’ (OK)
Head for your hole, you’re sick and you’re old
‘N I’m here to tell you something
Violence, violence
It’s the only thing that’ll make you see sense