When My Mind's Gone is probably the most talked of number, next to Walking with a Mountain, when people mention Mad Shadows and for good reason. "Mind" is really an intense journey which Ian Hunter takes you on once the opening piano line introduces its contemplative, wistful, bittersweet feel. Thunderbuck Ram opens the record and is penned by Mick Ralphs, offering a strong album opener that sets the dark tone which seems to haunt the record itself. Featuring Mick's incredible guitar performance, his lead vocals are anguished and atonal at times, but it just adds  to the sense of dire urgency this number warrants. Hunter's No Wheels to Ride starts out sparse and quiet, giving way to a pleading feel within the lyrical theme of abandonment. Its composition is somewhat of a primal scream, if you will and despite the fact that the number gets stuck in its 4 chord main theme, again, its intensity is inescapable. You Are One of Us follows in a similar fashion, although it feels like an extended resolve from No Wheels to Ride's recorded fade out; it results in a better structured tune, despite its short length, hence the connection to the former number.

 

One of Mad Shadows bright, upbeat songs is the classic Walking with a Mountain, which is just a rave up of a number and ironically, catches the band quoting "Jumping Jack Flash, It's a Gas!" in its refrain(Mick Jagger sings back-up vocals on its chorus). As a result, it's easily the most accessible number offered here. Ralphs' I Can Feel is dirge-like, but builds into a driving, emotionally charged number led by Ian's raw and soul driven vocal. Threads of Iron offers a little more brightness here, along with a plodding guitar/bass duel attack being anchored by Allen's piano and Dale Griffin's solid drumming, making for a good solid cut to round out this bleak and moody record. Apparently, during the recording of the record, Hunter's marriage was on the rocks and Guy Stevens seemed to be in a depressed, manic state for much of the sessions, and considering Guy was their mentor for inspiration, this would perhaps explain Mad Shadows' somewhat, uninviting and unnerving feeling.

 

If I were to recommend someone starting out with Mott's discography, I would point to All the Young Dudes first and then Brain Capers, their fourth release. Mad Shadows would be the 3rd recommendation and although it's a hard record to grasp upon first listen, it can grow on you after each successive rotation  Hardcore fans will love it for its intensity that commands the listener's attention, but this is not the glam rock era of the band as most casual fans are familiar with and Mott are still finding their collective feet here, albeit, quickly and progressively.

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Rating Grade- B+