In Performance 1969-1974 [Box] [PA]

Performer: Mott the Hoople
Distributor: Music Video Distribution

Notes: Mott the Hoople: Mick Ralphs (vocals, guitar); Ian Hunter (vocals, piano); Verden Allen (organ); Overend Watts (bass guitar); Dale Buffin Griffin (drums). Liner Note Author: Keith Smith. There was a time, believe it or not, when Mott the Hoople live recordings were scarcer than fish lips, the consequence of the band's utterly uncompromising attitude towards bootlegging. Today, there is scarcely a significant moment in the band's development that cannot be reflected by a live album, from their earliest visit to the Fillmore to their final trip down Broadway, and, in between times, a series of discs follow the band through what once seemed an endless series of peaks. In Performance does not add to that corpus; it does, however, tidy it up a little. The four discs in this box set are little more than a straightforward repackaging of shows that the Angel Air label has already taken around the block once: the 1970 Croydon gig that was originally recorded for an official release but wound supplying a mere one song to the band's next studio album; five tracks recorded in Stockholm in 1971; a 1972 show in Philadelphia, touring All the Young Dudes and welcoming David Bowie on-stage to join in the chorus for the title song; a stupendous 1974 King Biscuit broadcast from Santa Monica, with the band at the peak of their glam rocking powers, and a 13-song mishmash of live cuts and demos recorded between 1971-1973. There are no bonus tracks, and no subsequent remastering. But, if you haven't picked up the original discs yet, this is the package for you. The bookshelf-style box is beautifully designed, and a perfect match for the studio roundup that Sony released a few years back, while a well-stuffed 48-page booklet penned by Mott fan club guru Keith Smith delivers some extra bang for your buck. Plus, Mott were rarely ever less than blazing hot on-stage, and this box captures them both seething and steaming. ~ Dave Thompson

While most rock fans remember Mott The Hoople as a thriving early-'70s glam band, they were also one of the first British bands to serve as a mouthpiece for the working class (predating both The Sex Pistols and The Clash by several years). Led by singer Ian Hunter and future Bad Company guitarist Mick Ralphs, Mott could rock out and pose with the best of 'em.

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