All the Young Dudes

by Mott the Hoople

Overview

Just at the moment Mott the Hoople were calling it a day, David Bowie swooped in and convinced them to stick around. Bowie spearheaded an image makeover, urging them to glam themselves up. He gave them a surefire hit with "All the Young Dudes," had them cover his idol's "Sweet Jane," and produced All the Young Dudes, the album that was designed to make them stars. Lo and behold, it did, which is as much a testament to Bowie's popularity as it is to his studio skill. Not to discount his assistance, since his production results in one of the most satisfying glam records and the title track is one of the all-time great rock songs, but the album wouldn't have worked if Mott hadn't already found its voice on Brain Capers. True, Dudes isn't nearly as wild as its predecessor, but the band's swagger is unmistakable underneath the flair and Ian Hunter remains on a songwriting roll, with "Momma's Little Jewel," "Sucker," and "One of the Boys" standing among his best. Take a close look at the credits, though -- these were all co-written by his bandmates, and the other highlight, "Ready for Love/After Lights," is penned entirely by Mick Ralphs, who would later revive the first section with Bad Company. The entire band was on a roll here, turning out great performances and writing with vigor. They may not be as sexy as either Bowie or Bolan, but they make up for it with knowing humor, huge riffs, and terrific tunes, dressed up with style by Ziggy himself. No wonder it's not just a great Mott record -- it's one of the defining glam platters. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	02/21/2006
Label:	Bmg / Sony Music
UPC:	0886978788023

Tracks

1. Sweet Jane
2. Momma's Little Jewel
3. All the Young Dudes
4. Sucker
5. Jerkin' Crocus
6. One of the Boys
7. Soft Ground
8. Ready for Love/After Lights
9. Sea Diver
10. One of the Boys [Demo Version]
11. Black Scorpio [Demo Version]
12. Ride on the Sun [Demo Version]
13. One of the Boys [Single Version]
14. All the Young Dudes
15. Sucker [Live]
16. Sweet Jane [Live]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Mott the Hoople   Primary Artist
Ian Hunter   Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards,Piano
Mick Ronson   Brass,Strings
Mick Ralphs   Guitar,Vocals
David Bowie   Saxophone
Verden Allen   Organ,Vocals
Terry Buffin   Drums
Pete "Overend" Watts   Bass

Technical Credits

Pete "Overend" Watts   Composer,Arranger
Ian Hunter   Arranger,Composer
Larry Keyes   Remixing
Lou Reed   Composer
Mick Ronson   Arranger
Mick Ralphs   Arranger,Composer
Overend Watts   Composer
David Bowie   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Mott the Hoople   Arranger
Ray Staff   Mastering
Ted Sharp   Engineer
George Underwood   Retouching
David Hentschel   Engineer
Verden Allen   Arranger,Composer
Terry Buffin   Arranger
Mick Rock   Concept,Art Direction
Dave Hentsche   Engineer
Keith Harwood   Engineer