Mud: "Nite on the Tiles" Single (1976)

Mud’s "Nite on the Tiles" backed with "Time and Again", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Private Stock Records (catalog number PVT 80) on September 24, 1976.

The single was recorded in March 1976 and released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, It’s Better Than Working!. According to Ray Stiles in a 1976 interview with Record Mirror & Disc, the song represented a musical evolution for the band, with Stiles describing it as "perhaps musically the best thing we’ve done." However, the decision to release "Nite on the Tiles" as a single was controversial, as it was chosen by the band’s labels (Private Stock in the UK and Philips in Europe) after consultations with label managers across Europe. This choice was later criticized by vocalist Les Gray, who felt it wasn’t the right fit for the UK market.

Commercial Performance:

"Nite on the Tiles" was a commercial disappointment in the UK, failing to reach the Top 50 and breaking Mud’s run of fourteen consecutive UK Top 20 hits from 1973 to 1976. This marked a significant decline from their earlier chart success, including three UK number-one singles. However, the song performed better in Europe, suggesting a divergence in musical tastes between the UK and continental markets. Les Gray attributed the UK’s lack of reception to changing musical trends and the influence of commercial radio stations, which were pushing British audiences toward newer sounds.

Artist: Mud

A-Side: Nite on the Tiles

B-Side: Time and Again

Album: From the album It’s Better Than Working! (1976)

Songwriters: Ray Stiles (bassist) and Rob Davis (guitarist)

Producer: Pip Williams

Background and Context

Mud, formed in 1966 in Surrey, England, were a prominent glam rock band known for hits like "Tiger Feet," "Lonely

This Christmas," and "Dyna-mite." By 1976, the band had parted ways with their earlier songwriting and production team, Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, who were instrumental in their chart-topping success from 1973 to 1975. For It’s Better Than Working!, Mud took creative control, with bassist Ray Stiles and guitarist Rob Davis writing most of the material, including "Nite on the Tiles." This shift marked a new phase for the band, moving away from the Chinn-Chapman formula toward a more self-directed sound, though still rooted in glam rock with influences from 1950s rock and roll and emerging disco trends.

The song’s title, "Nite on the Tiles," is a British colloquialism for a night out, often implying a lively or hedonistic evening, which aligns with the band’s playful, energetic style.

The track was praised by Ray Stiles for its musical quality, suggesting it was a step forward in terms of composition and arrangement, though it didn’t resonate with UK audiences as hoped.

B-Side: "Time and Again"

Was also written by Stiles and Davis and produced by Pip Williams. I

Digital Platforms:

The song is available for streaming on Spotify (including a 2023 remastered version) and Apple Music.

Germany - Philips - 1976

It’s also part of compilation albums like The Private Stock Mudpack: Special Great Hits Recipe (released 2016) and Mud: The Singles 1973-80 (3CD set by Cherry Red, 2023).

YouTube:

Performances and audio of "Nite on the Tiles" are available, including a TopPop performance from 1976 and official uploads from Private Stock Records.

Critical Reception:

The song received mixed feedback due to its commercial failure in the UK. Les Gray’s comments in Record Mirror suggest frustration with the label’s choice, as the band felt other tracks from It’s Better Than Working! might have been better suited for the UK market.

Cultural and Historical Context

Mud’s Career Arc: By 1976, Mud were transitioning from their peak glam rock years (1973–1975) into a period of experimentation. The split from Chinn and Chapman gave them creative freedom but also led to inconsistent chart performance. "Nite on the Tiles" reflects this transitional phase, where the band tried to balance their established sound with new influences.

Glam Rock Decline:

The mid-1970s saw glam rock waning in the UK as punk and disco gained traction. The single’s failure to chart highly in the UK may reflect these shifting musical trends, as Gray noted in his comments about commercial radio’s influence.

Band Lineup:

At the time of the single’s release, Mud consisted of:Les Gray (lead vocals)

Rob Davis (lead guitar)

Ray Stiles (bass)

Dave Mount (drums)

Norway - Philips - 1976

Legacy:

While not one of Mud’s biggest hits, "Nite on the Tiles" is part of their broader discography, which includes iconic tracks like "Tiger Feet" and "Lonely This Christmas." The song’s availability on modern streaming platforms and inclusion in retrospective compilations show its enduring niche appeal.

Sources and Further Exploration

Discogs: Detailed tracklists, credits, and vinyl versions of "Nite on the Tiles" are available for collectors.

Wikipedia: Provides background on the song’s creation, release, and commercial performance.

Streaming Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, and Gaana offer the song in various formats, including remastered versions.

YouTube: Offers audio and performance footage, including a 1976 TopPop appearance.

eBay/Amazon: Current listings for vinyl copies provide insight into the single’s condition and market value.

Mud’s Official Website: Offers historical context on the band’s career and discography.