The band's second LP and to my taste one of their best. It's been reported Ian Hunter didn´t like the outcome and wasn't pleased with his singing or songwriting. I find that very hard to understand. Hard rockers mixed with long slow ballads, some very strong, overall well performed with a darkish glow. Maybe producer Guy Stevens dictatorial manners in the studio, making the recording a bad experience for the group, is behind the negative feelings. He didn't allow any second takes to right wrongs or smooth thing over, wanted everything to be almost on impulse and for exemple goaded Hunter to make the lyrics up to "When My Mind's Gone" as he sang them. I'm sorry Ian, all the things You didn't like back then, the uncorrected errors - like when the voice cracks, or minor faults in playing - is what makes it so good today. I'm not listening to a glossy, ready-made product tied to the early sevenities - I'm hearing real people still doing good. The mixing is tops and sound quality absolutely superb on this 1:st UK issue. Perhaps Stevens was a dictator in the studio, but it turned out very well. If the group had got everything their way the result may have been smoother and more neat, but also less interesting. Then it would have sunk rather quickly, but now because of the closeness and honesty it's still a classic. (Also worth mentioning Mick Jagger visited the recordings and sings background on "Walking With A Mountain", wich probably is the reason the line "Jumping Jack Flash Is A Gas" is repeated within the song.) US first issue on Atlantic (SD 8272), also as white label mono promo with same number. German 1st on Island (6339006). (ÖSÄP*)(MÖHÖ*) (GÖJ*)
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