Something Old...Something New (#34)
"Mott" - Mott the Hoople (released 1973)
Given a second life thanks to fan/friend David Bowie, Mott the Hoople followed up "All the Young Dudes" with this stunner! 1973 is Glam at its peak - "Queen", "Aladdinsane", Roxy Music's "Stranded", the New York Dolls debut and even the Stones dabble (check out the video for "Silver Train" from "Goat's Head Soup"). Ian Hunter's raspy vocals have been called Dylanesque, but his distinctive Englishness and higher register give him a unique emotional primacy. Paired with Mick Ralphs exactingly flawless riffs, rhythms and fills the result is an exemplary Rock 'n' Roll album. Things explode out of the gate with the rollicking piano stomper "All the Way From Memphis" spotlighting a crazed sax solo by Roxy's Andy McKay. The staccato glam anthem "Whizz Kid" hooks you with a biting guitar intro and features a spirited synth break from Morgan Fisher. Requiem for the aging rockers out there "Hymn for the Dudes" is highlighted by a soaring Mick Ralphs guitar solo! The irresistible bounce of "Honaloochie Boogie" leads to the rough and tumble rocker "Violence" which eventually descends into chaos (amid violins no less) because how could it not? Next, is the straight ahead rocker "Drivin' Sister" and "Ballad of Mott the Hoople", a pretty number tracing the restless history of the band. Mick Ralphs' guitar playing is a wonder throughout (his final album with the band) and he takes lead vocals on "I'm a Cadillac/El Camino Dolo Ros". Simply a brilliant song from the opening riff and lets Mick showcase his acoustic and slide guitar skills in the second half. Ian closes with the exquisite ballad "I Wish I was Your Mother". Some criticize this album for being too polished but hey, most gems are!
"Dead Meat" - The Tubs (released 2023)
A group of teenage squatters settle in the London slums and form a musical collective known as Gob Nation. From this aggregation spring any number of bands with "Joanna Gruesome" becoming the most celebrated. When the singer (Alanna McArdle) splits in 2017 the remaining members form the Tubs. If you can imagine Richard Thompson fronting R.E.M. you will have a good reference point for this splendid debut! Frontman Owen Williams' tales of angst and neuroses are set to layers of clever guitar hooks and bouyant melodies. Energetic strum and thrum is the fire that burns throughout, from the opening track "Illusion Pt. II" onward. Two favorites are the sparkling pop stunner, "I Don't Know How it Works" and the speedy rhythmic jangle of the title track which is over almost before it starts (1:30). "Sniveler" presents a post punk snarl with an angular guitar riff and charming chorus with Alanna McArdle guesting (check out her new band Ex-Void which has Owen Williams as a member). The closing track "Wretched Life" launches to life with a driving baseline and exudes a fine Psychedelic Furs vibe. With nine impressive songs in under thirty minutes it's over in a flash, so you can play it again, and again, and again. My favorite debut of 2023!
