MOTT THE HOOPLE Vinyl Records and CDs

... entered the studio with Bowie as producer of their first album for CBS/Columbia. Mott quickly became superstars, with ?ôDudes?ö an anthem of the new glam rock. The long-player of the same name is one of the ultimate documents of the era: tough, funny rock 'n' roll with a mile-wide groove. Though they were never as popular in the States as in their homeland, Mott the Hoople did place "Dudes" in the U.S. Top 40. Another masterpiece followed in 1973: Mott was a smart, verbally layered piece of English rock, keynoted by the wry "All the Way From Memphis" ("You look like a star but you're still on the dole") and, with "Violence," presaging Kurt Cobain's critique of the mass rock audience. Hunter is also heard struggling with the perils of getting what he wanted and losing what he had on "Hymn for the Dudes" and "Ballad of Mott the Hoople." Guitarist Mick Ralphs left shortly after making the record, joining with ex-Free vocalist Paul Rodgers in the entertaining but simpler Bad Company. Mott the Hoople carried on with new guitarist Ariel Bender (Luther Grosvenor) for 1974's weakened The Hoople. One-time Bowie sidekick Mick Ronson replaced Bender; soon he and Hunter kicked it in, teaming up for the latter's solo debut as Mott staggered forward under the shortened moniker for two more albums. Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten Twice Shy" later became metal hacks Great White's biggest hit. Hunter and Mott's imagination and drive remain near the height of '70s rock.