A compilation of 16 songs from their first four albums, covering their strongest material from the records predating their
All the Young Dudes breakthrough. This shows the band casting about, sometimes wildly, for an identity. The earliest tunes (including a cover of
Sonny Bono's "Laugh at Me") are perhaps the most blatantly worshipful imitations of
Dylan's
Blonde on Blonde period ever attempted. Subsequent efforts found them getting into boogie and hard rock, with a few
Stones riffs copped here and there. The gut-stomping "Death May Be Your Santa Claus" is a highlight, and
Ian Hunter's piano-based ballad "When My Mind's Gone" hints at the more complex psychological territory he'd explore during
Mott's prime. This isn't bad and is often interesting, even if it isn't very similar to
Mott's best work...Weirdest cut: a cover of
Melanie's "Lay Down." But where is their instrumental version of "You Really Got Me"? ~ Richie Unterberger