MUD
1974
ROCKET - The debut album opens with this fourth single from the set that reached number 6 in the UK chart. An original composition by renowned writers Mick Chapman and Nicky Chinn. It is a straight up Pop Rock track with a memorable chorus as was Mud's forte.
DO YOU LOVE ME/SHA LA LA LA LEE - Medley of The Contours 1962 hit (written by Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr.) and Small Faces' 1966 hit. Despite the difference in the originals' styles these two songs merge brilliantly to make a cool Rock 'n Roll track.
RUNNING BEAR - The first cover on the album written by The Big Bopper (Jiles Perry "JP" Richardson Jr.) and gave Johnny preston a big number 1 hit on his debut in 1959. It's a mid tempo almost Native American sounding blues song.
THE HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE -A Rock 'n Roll/Blues/Rock combo track with some great guitar solos. One to really rock out to!
SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL/SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR - A medley of two great straight up Rock 'N Roll hits by Bill Haley and the Comets, both top Ten Hits. Singer Les Gray always did a mean Elvis Presley impersonation, a little of which is heard here!
DYNA-MITE/THE CAT CREPT IN/TIGER FEET - Another medley, this time of three original top ten hits written by Chinn and Chapman. Reaching number 4, 2 and 1 respectively in the UK charts. A big slice of classic Pop Rock and catchy choruses abound. Pity all three were not presented in full form but this is a great taster.
THE END OF THE WORLD - A cover version of the Skeeter Davis track written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee. A soft, emotional kind of doo-wop song that is a nice break in the Rock and Pop of this album.
BLUE MOON - A more conventional, down the line doo-wop song which was a hit for The Marcels in 1934. Ably sung by Les and proving that the band could switch to any genre.
IN THE MOOD - A rocked up and updated cover version of the Glenn Miller big band classic. An instrumental but still great.
BYE BYE JOHNNY - A great laid back Rock 'n Roll standard to finish the album, covering the great Chuck Berry's song.
