Mud: "What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For" Single (1977)

Les Gray’s "What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For" backed with "Stand Still Stella", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Warner Bros. Records (catalog number K 17007) on September 30, 1977.

Background and Context: Les Gray (born Leslie George Gray, April 9, 1946 – February 21, 2004) was the frontman of Mud, a UK glam rock band known for 1970s hits like "Tiger Feet," "Lonely This Christmas," and "Oh Boy." By 1977, Mud's commercial success was declining due to the fading popularity of glam rock and issues with their label, Private Stock. Gray began pursuing solo projects while still associated with Mud, which was transitioning to RCA Records after Private Stock's financial

troubles. The release of this single marked Gray's attempt to establish a solo career, capitalizing on his recognizable voice and Mud's rock and roll revival style. The single was released shortly after Mud's "Beating Round The Bush" / "Under The Moon Of Love" single (September 23, 1977), indicating Gray was exploring solo work concurrently with band activities.

Single Details:

A-side: What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For (2:49)

A cover of a 1916 song by Joseph McCarthy, Howard Johnson, and James V. Monaco, popularized in the 1950s by artists like Emile Ford and The Checkmates (a 1959 UK #1 hit).

Produced by Pip Williams, who also worked on Mud's later recordings.

B-side: Stand Still Stella (2:30)

An original track, credited to Les Gray

Release Information:

Released on 7" vinyl by Warner Bros. UK (K 17007) on September 30, 1977.

The single did not chart in the UK, reflecting Gray's struggle to replicate Mud's earlier success as a solo artist. This was a challenging period for glam rock acts, with punk and disco dominating the charts.

Critical and Commercial Reception: The single received little critical attention and did not make a significant impact

commercially. By 1977, Les Gray and Mud were struggling to maintain relevance in a music scene dominated by emerging genres like punk and new wave.

Legacy and Context: This single is a minor entry in Les Gray's career, overshadowed by Mud's 1973-1976 peak. It reflects his attempt to branch out as a solo artist while maintaining the retro rock and roll style that defined Mud. After this release, Gray left Mud in 1978 to focus on solo work and later fronted Les Gray's Mud, a revival act touring with various lineups. The single is not included in major Mud compilations like the 2023 Cherry Red set Mud: The Singles 1973-80, as it was a solo release. What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For remains a curiosity for Mud fans and collectors, but it lacks the enduring appeal of Gray's work with the band. Stand Still Stella is largely forgotten, with minimal documentation or fan discussion.