Mott The Hoople (September 25, 1970) – Mad Shadows UK Gatefold LP

Sep 25, 1970

3 min read

Mad Shadows was the second studio album by Mott The Hoople and followed the band's self-titled debut album released the previous year. Recorded between November 1969 and April 1970, the album continued the group's collaboration with producer Guy Stevens and further developed the band's distinctive mixture of hard rock, progressive influences and dramatic songwriting.

Issued by Island Records in the United Kingdom, the album became an important early release in the Mott The Hoople catalogue. Although it achieved only modest commercial success upon release, it has since become recognised as a significant recording from the band's formative years.

The original UK release reached No. 48 on the UK Albums Chart during October 1970.

The album was recorded between November 1969 and April 1970 at Olympic Studios in London.

Produced by Guy Stevens, the sessions maintained the unpredictable and energetic approach that had characterised the group's debut album. Stevens also contributed additional piano and percussion during the recordings.

The resulting album captured the developing chemistry between Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs, Verden Allen, Overend Watts and Buffin while showcasing the band's evolving songwriting ambitions.

STYLE & THEMES

Mad Shadows blends hard rock, progressive rock and psychedelic influences into a darker and more atmospheric collection of songs than its predecessor.

The album frequently explores dramatic arrangements and expansive song structures, reflecting the band's growing confidence as performers and composers. Tracks such as I Can Feel, When My Mind's Gone and No Wheels To Ride demonstrate the group's willingness

to combine powerful rock dynamics with

more reflective and experimental passages.

The record stands as one of the most distinctive releases from Mott The Hoople's pre-glam period.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Thunderbuck Ram — Opening track written by Mick Ralphs and one of the album's best-known recordings.

• No Wheels To Ride — Expansive Ian Hunter composition from the original album.

• You Are One Of Us — Included on the first side of the album.

• Walkin' With A Mountain — Concludes the opening side.

• I Can Feel — Extended composition opening side two.

• Threads Of Iron — Mick Ralphs composition featured on the original release.

• When My Mind's Gone — Closing track and one of the album's longest performances.

BONUS TRACKS

• It Would Be A Pleasure — Bonus track included on the 2003 CD reissue.

• How Long? (Death May Be Your Santa Claus) — Additional track on the 2003 CD edition.

RELEASE HISTORY

Mad Shadows was released in the United Kingdom on September 25, 1970 by Island Records.

The album was subsequently issued in the United States by Atlantic Records and later reissued by Angel Air in 2003 with additional bonus material.

The original UK pressing was released in a gatefold sleeve with pink Island labels featuring the white "i" logo.

PERSONNEL

Ian Hunter — lead vocals, piano

Mick Ralphs — guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals

Pete "Overend" Watts — bass guitar

Dale "Buffin" Griffin — drums

Verden Allen — organ

Guy Stevens — spiritual percussion, psychic piano

PRODUCTION

Produced by Guy Stevens

Engineered by Andy Johns

Cover Design by Ginny Smith

Cover Design by Peter Sanders

Front Cover Photography by Gabi Nasemann

Centre Painting by William Strutt

Label: Island Records

Catalogue Number: ILPS 9119

NOTES

• Original UK gatefold sleeve release.

• Pink Island labels with white "i" logo.

• Recorded at Olympic Studios, London.

• Produced by Guy Stevens.

• Reached No. 48 on the UK Albums Chart.

• First catalogue number appears on the sleeve; second on the labels.

• Includes a centre artwork reproduction of a painting by William Strutt.

• Early pressings printed incorrect timings for No Wheels To Ride, You Are One Of Us and Threads Of Iron.

RELEASE TABLE

Artist	Album	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
Mott The Hoople	Mad Shadows	Island Records	UK	ILPS 9119	September 25, 1970	LP, Album, Stereo, Gatefold

TRACKLIST TABLE

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
LP Gatefold	ILPS 9119	A1. Thunderbuck Ram (4:51) A2. No Wheels To Ride (6:02) A3. You Are One Of Us (3:22) A4. Walkin' With A Mountain (3:52) B1. I Can Feel (7:15) B2. Threads Of Iron (5:51) B3. When My Mind's Gone (6:25)