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Mad Shadows

by Mott the Hoople

Released: September 25, 1970

Hard rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

It was subsequently re-released by Angel Air in 2003 (SJPCD158). "Mad Shadows" was the second album by Mott the Hoople. Mad Shadows marked a continuation of the band's raw, energetic sound, but it also showed a deeper, more introspective side.

Inside the Recording

It was recorded in 1970 and released in the UK on Island Records in September 1970 (catalogue number ILPS 9119) and in the US by Atlantic Records (cat. As with their debut album, it was produced by Guy Stevens.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album features a mix of hard rock…

The album features a mix of hard rock and ballads, with Ian Hunter's distinctive voice and Mick Ralphs' powerful guitar work at the forefront.

Key tracks from the album include "Thunderbuck Ram,"…

Key tracks from the album include "Thunderbuck Ram," a driving rock song written by Ralphs, and "No Wheels to Ride," a haunting ballad that showcases Hunter's emotive vocal style.

The album also includes "Walkin' with a Mountain,"…

The album also includes "Walkin' with a Mountain," another high-energy rock track, and "I Can Feel," which highlights the band's ability to blend rock with more reflective, soulful elements.

It remains a significant entry in Mott the…

It remains a significant entry in Mott the Hoople's discography, reflecting the band's growth and the unique chemistry between its members during this early period of their career.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Mott the Hoople - Mad Shadows

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Then

Reception

The original pressing reached No. 48 in the UK Albums Chart in October 1970. Despite its modest chart performance, Mad Shadows has been praised by fans and critics for its raw intensity and emotional depth.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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 9119) and in the US by Atlantic Records (cat. no. SD 8272). It was subsequently re-released by Angel Air in 2003 (SJPCD158). As with their debut album, it was produced by Guy Stevens.

The original pressing reached No. 48 in the UK Albums Chart in October 1970.

Mad Shadows marked a continuation of the band's raw, energetic sound, but it also showed a deeper, more introspective side. The album features a mix of hard rock and ballads, with Ian Hunter's distinctive voice and Mick Ralphs' powerful guitar work at the forefront.

Key tracks from the album include "Thunderbuck Ram," a driving rock song written by Ralphs, and "No Wheels to Ride," a haunting ballad that showcases Hunter's emotive vocal style. The album also includes "Walkin' with a Mountain," another high-energy rock track, and "I Can Feel," which highlights the band's ability to blend rock with more reflective, soulful elements.

Despite its modest chart performance, Mad Shadows has been praised by fans and critics for its raw intensity and emotional depth. It remains a significant entry in Mott the Hoople's discography, reflecting the band's growth and the unique chemistry between its members during this early period of their career.