Mad Shadows

"Upon its original release in 1970, Mott the Hoople's sophomore album was panned as sophomoric by many a music critic. Mad Shadows isn't as festive and fun (nor as witty) as their critically acclaimed 1969 eponymous debut, but dig below the surface and you'll find an album of darker introspection with songs that get inside your head and work their magic after a few listens — especially the pensive ""No Wheels To Ride."" Guy Stevens' production has aged well; just listen to the rich, saturated guitar tones on the opening cut ""Thunderstruck Ram"" (which was later covered by AC/DC). The emotive ""You Are One of Us"" hints at the direction taken later by the anthemic ""All the Young Dudes."" Also note the nod to ""Jumpin' Jack Flash"" at the end of ""Walkin' With A Mountain."" It initially confused fans who thought there might have been some bitter rivalry between the two camps because Mad Shadows was originally to be titled Sticky Fingers before the band learned that the Stones were using it for their 1971 zipper-sleeved opus. But listen closely to ""Walkin' With A Mountain"" and you'll hear the band's buddy Mick Jagger singing some enthusiastic backups."