Mott The Hoople (October 23, 1970) – “Mad Shadows” Album Review - Great Yarmouth Mercury

Oct 22, 1970

2 min read

This Great Yarmouth Mercury review by Ian Burfield assesses Mott The Hoople's second album Mad Shadows, describing it as heavy and somewhat boring but nevertheless praising the rapidly developing group. The article singles out Ian Hunter and Mick Ralphs as the band's principal composers and highlights several tracks while noting Guy Stevens' production.

Publication: Great Yarmouth Mercury / The Yarmouth Mercury, Gorleston Herald and North Norfolk Advertiser

Date: October 23, 1970

Country: United Kingdom

THE STORY

Appearing in Ian Burfield's “Turntable Topics” column, the review examines Mott The Hoople's newly released Island album Mad Shadows.

Burfield opens with a mixed assessment, describing the record as “heavy, heavy going” and adding that it is somewhat boring. Nevertheless, the writer immediately acknowledges that Mott The Hoople were an increasingly popular group whose reputation was growing through their public appearances.

Particular attention is given to the band's songwriting. Mick Ralphs and Ian Hunter are identified as the group's principal composers.

The article states that Hunter contributed five of the album's seven tracks, while Ralphs contributed three, noting that the pair had also collaborated on material.

“No Wheels To Ride” receives individual attention. Burfield hears what is described as a Moody Blues influence, while still regarding the track as almost commercial.

The review then acknowledges the other members of Mott The Hoople: Overend Watts on bass, Verden Allen on organ and Buffin on drums.

Producer Guy Stevens is also praised for contributing effectively to the overall quality of the record.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The article appears alongside a large group photograph captioned:

“Mott the Hoople — their new Island L.P. ‘Mad Shadows’ has just been released.”

The review captures Mott The Hoople during the early phase of their career, before their later commercial breakthrough. While Burfield clearly has reservations about the weight and density of the album, the column recognises the band's growing reputation as a live attraction and identifies the creative importance of Hunter and Ralphs.

The review forms part of a wider page covering new releases in rock, folk, jazz and country music, with additional assessments of Fairport Convention and other contemporary records.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Review of Mad Shadows

Era: 1970 early Mott The Hoople period

Tone: Mixed and critical

Label: Island Records

Photography: Large black-and-white group photograph accompanying the column

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Review of Mott The Hoople's Mad Shadows

• Ian Hunter and Mick Ralphs identified as the principal composers

• “No Wheels To Ride” singled out for particular comment

• Overend Watts, Verden Allen and Buffin identified as members of the group

• Guy Stevens praised for the production

• Recognition of Mott The Hoople's growing popularity through live appearances

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