MOTT THE HOOPLE Vinilo y CD

Review: Rhythm & Blues follows on from the success of its Mott The Hoople at the BBC 1970 release - well worth a look (or listen) - with another retrospective compilation that makes a convincing case for us all diving headfirst into the band's full back catalogue to marvel at what's there. A collection of broadcast tracks from Top Gear, Sounds of the Seventies, and The John Peel Sunday Concert are included, and all sound gritty, growly, raw and vital. Among the highlights are versions of Like A Rolling Stone and When My Mind's Gone, which the release notes argue are "rare-as-hens-teeth", and we're not in position to argue, while the take on 'What'd I Say' feels soaked in enough spilt whisky and blues you could probably get loaded on the fumes alone. Ultimately, though, there's no point picking individual parts here. Instead, think wall-to-wall reasons why the Hoople were such a rare breed.

Review: Mott The Hoople's original line up were on hand when the band went in to the BBC to record this live show for radio. It was back in 1970 and the set list they went for mixes up their Dylan-influenced ballads with plenty of more does eyed stoner rock sounds. Fans will recognise most of these tunes from various Mott the Hoople long players, although three of them were never actually on any record other than this one. The pressing is of great quality given the age of the recording and is a must for fans with extensive sleeve notes.