Mud: "L' L' Lucy" Single (1975)

Mud’s "L' L' Lucy" backed with "My Love Is Your Love", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Private Stock (catalog number PVT 41) on September 19, 1975.

This was Mud’s first single for Private Stock after leaving RAK Records and parting ways with Chinn and Chapman in mid-1975. It marked a continuation of their glam rock sound but with a slightly heavier edge, reflecting the band’s attempt to evolve as glam rock’s popularity waned.

A-Side: "L' L' Lucy"

B-Side: "My Love Is Your Love"

Label: Private Stock (UK)

Catalog Number: PVT 41

Release Date: 19 September 1975

Format: 7" vinyl single, 45 RPM

Track Durations:

"L' L' Lucy": 3:02

"My Love Is Your Love": 2:54

L' L' Lucy:

A rocky, upbeat glam rock track written by Mud’s lead guitarist Rob Davis and bassist Ray Stiles in the style of their earlier producers, Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. The song features a catchy, repetitive chorus ("La La Lucy, La La La Lucy") and lyrics about a tumultuous relationship, with lines like “It’s all over for you, don’t you know that it’s true” and “No messin’ or you’re out that door.” It reflects the band’s signature blend of energetic rhythms and playful, confrontational lyrics.

Chart Performance: Reached No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart in October 1975 and was a notable hit in the Netherlands, peaking at No. 2 and staying in the Dutch Top 40 for 10 weeks from October to December 1975. It also charted at No. 19 in Germany.

France - Philips - 1975

Cultural Impact:

Described as a “fine glam rock hit” with a mainstream appeal typical of mid-1970s pop, it was less iconic than Mud’s earlier No. 1 hits like “Tiger Feet” or “Lonely This Christmas” but still resonated with fans. Some reviews note a slight decline in creativity after Mud’s move from Rak Records to Private Stock, with comments suggesting the song had a “monotonous” feel compared to earlier hits, though others praised its danceable rock’n’roll energy.

Release Context

Private Stock Label: Private Stock was a UK label that Mud signed with after their successful run with Rak Records (1973–1975). The label, licensed to Philips in Continental Europe, supported Mud’s transition to a slightly heavier, less glam-focused sound as the genre declined. The single was part of a series of three Top 20 hits for Mud on Private Stock within seven months: “L' L' Lucy” (No. 10), “Show Me You’re a Woman” (No. 8), and “Shake It Down” (No. 12).

International Releases: The single was released in multiple countries, including Germany, the US, the Netherlands, and Austria, In Norway, it was released on Philips (catalog 6078 450).

Mud’s Career Context

Band Background: Mud, formed in 1966 in Carshalton, Surrey, consisted of lead vocalist Les Gray (died 2004), guitarist Rob Davis, bassist Ray Stiles, and drummer Dave Mount (died 2006). They rose to fame in the early 1970s with Rak Records, producing hits like “Tiger Feet” (UK No. 1, 1974), “Lonely This Christmas” (UK No. 1, 1974), and “Oh Boy” (UK No. 1, 1975), all under the guidance of Chinn and Chapman. By 1975, Mud had 14 UK Top 20 hits, including three No. 1s, and were a leading glam rock act.

Transition to Private Stock:

After splitting with Chinn and Chapman and Rak Records in mid-1975, Mud signed with Private Stock and welcomed keyboardist Andy Ball (formerly of Candlewick Green). This period saw a shift away from pure glam rock toward a mix of rockabilly and disco influences, as seen in later singles like “Shake It Down.” “L' L' Lucy” was their debut single for the new label, showcasing their ability to maintain chart success despite the changing musical landscape.

Germany - Philips - 1975

Chart Dominance:

In 1975, Mud had seven singles in the UK Top 40, totaling over 45 weeks on the chart, more than any other artist that year. “L' L' Lucy” was part of this prolific output, though it reflected a slight decline in chart peaks compared to their Rak-era No. 1s.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Glam Rock Decline: Released in 1975, “L' L' Lucy” came as glam rock was losing mainstream dominance, with bands like Mud adapting to stay relevant. The song’s rocky, Chinn-Chapman-inspired style was a nod to their earlier sound, but some fans and critics noted a “monotonous” or “less strong” quality compared to hits like “Tiger Feet.” Others appreciated its danceable energy, with one review calling it “genial” and praising its band-written authenticity.

Media Appearances:

The song was performed on shows like Disco (31 January 1976) and in a music store broadcast on 17 November 1975, reinforcing Mud’s visibility during this period.