Mott The Hoople: Mott The Hoople Live - 1974
Released at the end of 1974, this live album created the impression of MTH fans like myself that the group hadn't split up, when of course they had. It kept the dream alive for just a little while longer.
The album contained live material from Mott's New York Uris Theatre gig on side one - All The Way From Memphis, Sucker, the non-album 'b' side Rest in Peace, All The Young Dudes and Walking With A Mountain.
Side two was from London's Hammersmith Odeon and gave us a great version of Sweet Angeline (with Hunter's somewhat cringey spoken bit in the middle - "you don't look like a slag you look alright"), another non-album "b' side in the lovely ballad Rose and and an extended rock out encore containing snippets of Jerkin' Crocus. One Of The Boys, Rock 'n' Roll Queen, Get Back, Whole Lotta Shakin' and Violence.
The cuts, particularly the encore are all somewhat shambolic, something that sums up MTH as a live band - flawed, rough and ready but honest as the day is long and extremely likeable. As Brian May of supporting act in the US Queen said in the sleeve nots - "God bless 'em".
The more contemporary two CD version is obviously more comprehensive, giving us far more material from each gig, but this single album is how I remember getting it for my birthday in December 1974. Great memories.
Here are the extended track listings -