🔘 Mott The Hoople – Album US: Jun. 1970

The US edition of Mott the Hoople arrived in mid‑1970, issued by Atlantic Records with revised publishing credits and a new pressing lineage. Although musically identical to the UK Island release, this edition marked the band’s American introduction, presenting their raw, Dylan‑meets‑Stones aesthetic to a new audience. The album’s mix of covers and originals, shaped by Guy Stevens’ chaotic production style, remained intact.

Released in June 1970 by Atlantic Records (SD 8258), the album marked Mott the Hoople’s US debut. Produced by Guy Stevens, it showcased the same track sequence as the UK edition, with pressing handled by Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute. The release helped establish the band’s early American cult following.

Label: Atlantic

Catalogue Number: SD 8258

Format: LP (12") — Stereo, Gatefold (CTH pressing)

Released: June 1970 (US)

🔘 Track List

US LP — Atlantic – SD 8258 — 1970

Side A

• You Really Got Me — 3:04

• At The Crossroads — 5:14

• Laugh At Me — 7:22

• Backsliding Fearlessly — 3:15

Side B

• Rock And Roll Queen — 5:08

• Rabbit Foot And Toby Time — 2:12

• Half Moon Bay — 11:01

• Wrath And Roll — 1:32

Writing Credits

• Ray Davies — “You Really Got Me”

• Doug Sahm — “At The Crossroads”

• Sonny Bono — “Laugh At Me”

• Ian Hunter — original compositions

Production Credits

• Produced by: Guy Stevens

• Arranged by: Mott the Hoople

• Recorded: Morgan Studios, 1969

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released June 1970

• Lead single(s): “Rock and Roll Queen”

• Chart performance: US Billboard 200 peak #185

• Recorded at: Morgan Studios

• Notable collaborators: Guy Stevens, Andy Johns, M.C. Escher

• Era significance: US introduction to the band’s Island‑era sound

🔘 The Story

Following the UK release in late 1969, Atlantic Records issued Mott the Hoople in the United States in June 1970. The album retained its original tracklist and Escher artwork, but featured updated publishing credits and US manufacturing details.

Pressed at Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute, the US edition helped introduce American listeners to the band’s distinctive blend of hard rock, surreal lyricism, and Dylan‑influenced phrasing. Although not a commercial breakthrough, it laid the groundwork for the group’s later success and cult following.

🔘 Personnel

Mott the Hoople

• Ian Hunter — piano, lead vocals

• Mick Ralphs — lead guitar, vocals

• Pete “Overend” Watts — bass

• Dale “Buffin” Griffin — drums

• Verden Allen — organ

Technical

• Guy Stevens — producer

• Andy Johns — engineer

• M.C. Escher — cover illustration

🔘 Variants (US)

• LP — Atlantic – SD 8258 — US — 1970 — CTH pressing

• LP — Atlantic – SD 8258 — US — 1970 — Promo, Gatefold

• Issued in gatefold sleeve with Escher artwork

🔘 Sleeves

• Primary sleeve: M.C. Escher’s Reptiles artwork

• Back cover notes: Atlantic credits, US publishing details

• Record label notes: green/white Atlantic labels

• Alternate sleeves: none documented beyond promo variations

🔘 Chart Performance

US — Billboard 200

Peak Position: 185

Total Weeks: [not specified]

First Chart Date: 1970

🔘 Context & Notes

• Album era: early hard rock; Dylan/Stones hybrid vision

• Singles: “Rock and Roll Queen”

• Production: Guy Stevens

• Sleeve notes: Escher artwork retained for US market

• Historical placement: first US release; foundation of American cult following

• Reissues: Angel Air (2003) and later catalogue editions

🔘 Related Material

• Mott The Hoople (1969 UK edition)

• Mad Shadows (1970)

• “Rock and Roll Queen” (single)

🔘 Discography

Mott The Hoople — 1969 (UK)

Mott The Hoople — 1970 (US)

Mad Shadows — 1970

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1969 — UK recording and release

✦ June 1970 — US release on Atlantic

✦ 1970 — US chart appearance (#185)

🔘 Glam Flashback

Before the glitter, Mott stormed America with Escher reptiles and raw, fearless swagger.