Mott the Hoople – Live (Expanded Deluxe Edition)
Iconoclassic Records
www.iconoclassicrecords.com  

Rating: B+ 

We have seen the original album released and then an expanded release and now we have an expanded, deluxe release.  This makes one wonder what the hell can be next?  An expanded, ultra-deluxe, no sugar added release?  Or maybe a totally really killer ultra-cool bootleg release.  Perhaps they will go back and do the lookie here: the original release again!  This time remastered.  Hell, Mott can do whatever the hell they want with this album because their fans will keep buying it.  And who can blame them?  It’s a great live album.   

Ian Hunter is a master composer and wordsmith.  This shows off everything he had to offer with his former band (who have recently reunited and played a show or two – see concert reviews).  From “Sucker” to “Roll Away the Stone” to the Underground’s “Sweet Jane” to the Bowie composed “All the Young Dudes” this album does not stop till it’s over.   

And it takes a long time to get over since Iconoclassic Records has expanded the album.  Extra songs for the Broadway side and then extra stuff on the Hammersmith side.  If you want to hear what made Mott the Hoople who they were just check out the Hammersmith version of “Walking with a Mountain” or the Broadway disc’s “Born Late ’58.”  This stuff is good stuff and if you crank it up loud enough then I am pretty sure you will have an expanded and deluxe day!  

By Jeb Wright