Mud Rock

Mud Rock is the debut studio album by the English glam rock band Mud, released in September 1974 by RAK Records in the UK (catalog number SRAK 508).

The album entered the UK chart on September 22-28, 1974, at number 12 as part of a 27-week run, peaking at number 8 on January 12-18, 1975.

Background and Context: Mud, formed in 1966 in Carshalton, Surrey, consisted of lead vocalist Les Gray, guitarist Rob Davis, bassist Ray Stiles, and drummer Dave Mount. After years of limited success with early singles like "Flower Power" (1967) on CBS, the band signed with Mickie Most’s RAK Records in 1972. Teaming up with hit-making producers and songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman (Chinnichap), Mud broke through in 1973 with singles like "Crazy" (#12 UK), "Hypnosis" (#16 UK),

and "Dyna-mite" (#4 UK). Their biggest hit, "Tiger Feet," became the UK’s best-selling single of 1974, holding #1 for four weeks. Mud Rock was released at the height of their popularity, capitalizing on their glam rock success and rock and roll revival style. Unlike contemporaries like Suzi Quatro or Sweet, who wrote some of their own material, Mud relied heavily on covers and Chinnichap compositions for this album.

Recording and Production: Mud Rock was recorded in early 1974 at Audio International Studios in London, produced by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn for Chinnichap Ltd. The album was engineered by Pete Coleman, with mastering done at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios. The recording process emphasized a lively, party-like atmosphere, with added crowd noises from "Gate Crashers Ltd" to enhance the rock and roll vibe. The album features a mix of studio performances and re-recorded hits, with Mud showcasing their musicianship, though earlier singles like "Crazy" and "Hypnosis" used session musicians. A notable addition was a comedic spoken-word introduction by "Geoffrey" from Radio Trent, adding a playful, cabaret-style element. The album was designed to capture Mud’s live energy, drawing from their experience as a club band performing 1950s and 1960s rock and roll covers.

Track Listing: The original vinyl release of Mud Rock (RAK SRAK 508) contains ten tracks:

1. Rocket (4:07)

2. Do You Love Me / Sha La La La Lee (3:22)

3. Running Bear (3:00)

4. The Hippy Hippy Shake (2:35)

5. Shake, Rattle and Roll / See You Later Alligator (4:00)

6. Dyna-Mite / The Cat Crept In / Tiger Feet (Medley) (5:08)

7. The End of the World (4:06)

8. Blue Moon (2:25)

9. In the Mood (3:40)

10. Bye Bye Johnny (4:40)

Notable Tracks: Rocket, a Chinnichap original, was the album’s lead single, reaching #6 in the UK in August 1974. The medley of Dyna-Mite, The Cat Crept In, and Tiger Feet re-recorded their three biggest hits, blending them into a dynamic showcase of Mud’s glam rock energy. Covers like The Hippy Hippy Shake (originally by Chan Romero) and Blue Moon (a Marcels-inspired a cappella version) reflect Mud’s rock and roll roots. In the Mood, a Glenn Miller cover arranged by Rob Davis, was previously released as a single under the pseudonym "Dum" (Mud spelled backwards) but failed to chart.

Musical Style and Themes: Mud Rock blends glam rock with 1950s and 1960s rock and roll and rockabilly influences, characterized by big guitars, catchy hooks, and Les Gray’s versatile vocals, often evoking Elvis Presley. The album lacks original compositions by the band, instead featuring Chinnichap originals (Rocket, the hit medley) and covers of rock and roll standards like Running Bear (Johnny Preston), Shake, Rattle and Roll (Bill Haley), and Bye Bye Johnny (Chuck Berry).

The party noises and Geoffrey’s introductions create a festive, live-show atmosphere, aligning with Mud’s cabaret background. Lyrically, the album focuses on fun, nostalgic themes of love, dancing, and rebellion, with no deep narrative complexity, reflecting its aim as an accessible, upbeat record.

Critical Reception: Upon release, Mud Rock received mixed reviews. Critics noted its energetic, fun vibe but criticized its reliance on covers and lack of original material, especially compared to albums by contemporaries like Sweet, who wrote their own songs. A Rate Your Music review describes it as a "banal interpretation of glam rock," with uninspired remakes and awkward song transitions, though it praises Rocket and the band’s enthusiasm. Fans, however, appreciated the album’s nostalgic charm, with some recalling it as their first record purchase. Retrospectively, Mud Rock is seen as a quintessential glam rock artifact, valued for its exuberance and as a snapshot of 1974’s pop culture, though it’s not considered a creative high point.

Commercial Performance: Mud Rock was a commercial success, peaking at #8 on the UK Albums Chart and remaining on the chart for 35 weeks, nearly nine months, an impressive run for a debut album. It also charted in Germany, reaching #16 and staying in the charts for four months. The single Rocket reached #6 in the UK, boosting the album’s visibility. The album’s success was driven by Mud’s string of hit singles and frequent appearances on shows like BBC’s Top of the Pops. The lack of new hit singles beyond Rocket limited its broader impact, but its chart longevity reflects Mud’s popularity at the time.

Legacy and Influence: Mud Rock is a significant milestone in Mud’s career, capturing their peak as a glam rock and rock and roll revival act. It remains a fan favorite, often cited for its nostalgic appeal, with reviews on Amazon and Discogs noting its sentimental value for those who owned it in the 1970s. The album’s reissue in 2011 by 7T’s Records (GLAM CD 117) included seven bonus tracks (B-sides like Do You Love Me, Last Tango in London, and Watching the Clock), enhancing its appeal for collectors. The album’s influence lies in its role as a bridge between 1950s rock and roll and 1970s glam, though it lacks the lasting cultural impact of Mud’s hit singles. Mud’s later albums, like Mud Rock Vol. II (1975), continued this style but saw diminishing returns as glam rock faded.

Additional Notes:

- The album’s sleeve, designed for EMI Records, credits inspirations like "H. & M. Wilson" and includes humorous notes about producers’ transport (Rolls Royce and Mercedes Benz) and party noises from Gate Crashers Ltd.

- Available on cassette and cartridge in 1974, with vinyl pressings in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and Japan (EMI EMS-80063).

- The 2011 CD reissue features original artwork, liner notes, and European picture sleeves, as noted on Cherry Red Records.

- The album’s party vibe and cover-heavy tracklist reflect Mud’s live cabaret roots, making it a fun but not groundbreaking record.

Two singles were released from Mud's album Mud Rock, which was released in September 1974 by RAK Records in the UK (catalog number SRAK 508).

Angola - Columbia - 1974

1. Rocket / The Ladies

Release Date: July 1974 (UK, RAK 174)

Details: Rocket, a Chinnichap (Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman) original, is the opening track on Mud Rock (4:07). It’s an upbeat glam rock song with a driving rhythm and Les Gray’s charismatic vocals, fitting the album’s rock and roll revival style. The single reached #6 on the UK Singles Chart and #19 in Germany, boosting the album’s visibility. The B-side, The Ladies, is a non-album track, also written by Chinnichap, with a playful, rockabilly vibe. This single was a key promotional release for Mud Rock and is included in its original form on the album.

- Note: The Ladies was later added as a bonus track on the 2011 CD reissue of Mud Rock by 7T’s Records (GLAM CD 117).

Germany - RAK - 1974

2. In the Mood / Watching the Clock

Release Date: 1974 (UK, RAK 165, released as "Dum")

Details: In the Mood, a cover of the Glenn Miller instrumental arranged by Mud’s guitarist Rob Davis, appears on Mud Rock (3:40). It was released as a single under the pseudonym "Dum" (Mud spelled backwards) before the album’s release, likely as a promotional experiment. The single did not chart, reflecting its niche appeal. The B-side, Watching the Clock, is a non-album track (also credited to Dum) and was included as a bonus track on the 2011 Mud Rock CD reissue. While In the Mood is part of the album’s tracklist, its single release predates Mud Rock and was less tied to the album’s promotion compared to Rocket.

Additional Context: Mud Rock also includes a medley of three earlier hit singles—Dyna-Mite, The Cat Crept In, and Tiger Feet—which were not released as new singles from the album but were re-recorded for it. These tracks, originally released in 1973-1974, were major UK hits (#4, #2, and #1, respectively) and were included to capitalize on Mud’s existing popularity. The decision to re-record them as a medley (5:08) was likely to give fans a fresh take while filling out the album, which heavily relied on covers. No other tracks from Mud Rock, such as the covers of The Hippy Hippy Shake or Blue Moon, were released as singles.

Commercial Impact: Rocket was the primary single tied to Mud Rock, driving the album’s chart success (#8 on the UK Albums Chart, 35 weeks). In the Mood, as a non-charting single under the Dum pseudonym, had minimal impact and is more of a curiosity. The absence of additional new singles from the album reflects its reliance on familiar hits and covers, with Rocket being the main promotional vehicle.

Sources and Verification: Information is drawn from my knowledge of Mud’s discography and supplemented by web sources, including mudrock.org.uk, Discogs, Cherry Red Records (for the 2011 reissue), and Rate Your Music. Chart details for Rocket come from Wikipedia and AllMusic. If you need further details (e.g., specific chart runs, vinyl pressing information, or fan reactions on X), I can search or elaborate. Let me know if you want more on these singles, Mud Rock, or related Mud projects like Roly or Les Gray’s solo work!

Sources and Verification: Information is drawn from my knowledge of Mud’s discography and supplemented by web sources, including mudrock.org.uk, Discogs, Cherry Red Records, Rate Your Music, and AllMusic. Specific details on chart performance and release come from Amazon, Wikipedia, and The Second Disc. If you need further details (e.g., specific track analysis, vinyl condition, or fan reactions on X), I can search or elaborate. Let me know if you want more on Mud Rock, related Mud releases, or the band’s connection to Roly or Les Gray’s solo work!