Mad Shadows (album)

Mad Shadows was the second album by Mott the Hoople. It was recorded in 1970 and released in the UK on Island Records in September 1970 (catalogue number ILPS 9112) and in the US by Atlantic Records (cat. no. SD 8272). It was subsequently re-released by Angel Air in 2003 (SJPCD157).

As with their debut album it was produced by Guy Stevens. The album title "Mad Shadows" was originally planned for the Steve Winwood's solo project that evolved into Traffic's John Barleycorn Must Die. Mott The Hoople's original title, Sticky Fingers, was dropped when The Rolling Stones used it for their own record. Indeed, Mick Jagger sang backing vocals on the song "Walkin' With A Mountain". The album was notable for its darker, heavier sound, and oppressive cover artwork. The final track of the original album, "When My Mind's Gone", was allegedly performed by Hunter under producer Stevens' hypnotic influence. Although the album received mixed reviews and sold poorly, "Walkin' With A Mountain" remained a live favorite until the band folded.

Track listing

All songs written by Ian Hunter except where noted.

1. "Thunderbuck Ram" (Mick Ralphs) - 4:50
2. "No Wheels To Ride" - 5:50
3. "You Are One Of Us" - 2:26
4. "Walkin' With A Mountain" - 3:49
5. "I Can Feel" - 7:13
6. "Threads Of Iron" (Ralphs) - 5:12
7. "When My Mind's Gone" - 6:31

2003 CD bonus tracks

8. "It Would Be A Pleasure" (Ralphs) - 1:50
9. "How Long? (Death May Be Your Santa Claus)" (Hunter, Verden Allen) - 3:54

Personnel

• Ian Hunter - vocals, guitar, keyboards
• Pete "Overend" Watts - bass
• Mick Ralphs - guitar, vocals
• Dale Griffin - drums
• Verden Allen - organ

with

• Guy Stevens - piano