Mud (September 22, 1974) – Mud Rock Album Chart Entry
Mud Rock is the debut studio album by Mud, released in September 1974 on RAK Records in the United Kingdom (catalogue number SRAK 508). Issued at the height of the band's commercial success, the album followed a string of hit singles including "Crazy", "Hypnosis", "Dyna-Mite" and the chart-topping "Tiger Feet". The release captured Mud's blend of glam rock, rock and roll revival and cabaret entertainment, helping establish the group as one of Britain's most popular acts of the mid-1970s.
Formed in Carshalton, Surrey, in 1966, Mud consisted of Les Gray, Rob Davis, Ray Stiles and Dave Mount. After several years of struggling for chart success, the band signed to Mickie Most's RAK Records in 1972 and began working with producers and songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman.
Mud Rock relied heavily on Chinnichap compositions and classic rock and roll covers, reflecting the band's live club repertoire and energetic stage performances.
The album entered the UK Albums Chart during the week of September 22-28, 1974, peaking at number 8 and remaining on the chart for an extended run.
Track Listing (LP Format)
All songs written by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, except where indicated.
Side one
• Rocket — Nicky Chinn, Mike Chapman — 4:07
• Do You Love Me / Sha La La La Lee — Berry Gordy Jr. / Mort Shuman, Kenny Lynch — 3:22
• Running Bear — J. P. Richardson — 3:00
• The Hippy Hippy Shake — Chan Romero — 2:35
• Shake, Rattle and Roll / See You Later Alligator — Charles Calhoun / Robert Guidry — 4:00
Side two
• Dyna-Mite / The Cat Crept In / Tiger Feet (Medley) — Nicky Chinn, Mike Chapman — 5:08
• The End of the World — Sylvia Dee, Arthur Kent — 4:06
• Blue Moon — Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart — 2:25
• In the Mood — Joe Garland, Andy Razaf — 3:40
• Bye Bye Johnny — Chuck Berry — 4:40
Total length: 36:03
Album Details
Released: September 1974
Recorded: Early 1974
Studios: Audio International Studios, London
Length: 36:03
Labels: RAK Records
Producer: Mike Chapman, Nicky Chinn
Packaging
The original sleeve was designed for EMI Records and included humorous production notes, acknowledgements and references to "Gate Crashers Ltd" for party sound effects used throughout the album.
The packaging emphasized the band's fun-loving
image and rock and roll party atmosphere.
Reception
Upon release, Mud Rock received mixed reviews. Critics praised its energy and entertainment value but criticised the lack of band-written material and heavy reliance on cover versions. Retrospectively, the album has become regarded as a classic glam rock period piece and a nostalgic favourite among fans, valued for its upbeat atmosphere and snapshot of Mud's commercial peak.
CD Release (2011)
• 01. Rocket
• 02. Do You Love Me / Sha La La La Lee
• 03. Running Bear
• 04. The Hippy Hippy Shake
• 05. Shake Rattle And Roll / See You Later Alligator
• 06. Dyna-Mite / The Cat Crept In / Tiger Feet (Medley)
• 07. The End Of The World
• 08. Blue Moon
• 09. In The Mood
• 10. Bye Bye Johnny
• 11. Do You Love Me
• 12. Last Tango In London
• 13. Do It All Over Again
• 14. Mr. Bagatelle
• 15. Morning
• 16. The Ladies
• 17. Watching The Clock
Personnel
Mud
Les GrayLead vocals
Rob DavisGuitar, backing vocals
Ray StilesBass guitar, backing vocals
Dave MountDrums
Additional Personnel
Pete Coleman – engineer
Geoffrey (Radio Trent) – spoken-word introductions
Gate Crashers Ltd – crowd and party sound effects
Technical
Mike Chapman – producer
Nicky Chinn – producer
Pete Coleman – engineer
Charts
Chart (1974-1975) — Peak Position
UK Albums Chart — #8
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts
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