What makes Mr. Mick by Stackridge notable?

Mr. Mick is notable for its ambitious blend of progressive rock elements with playful lyrics, which did not achieve mainstream success but has since garnered a cult following. The album's single 'Hold Me Tight' received airplay on BBC Radio, contributing to Stackridge's reputation as an inventive band within the UK music scene during the 1970s. Released in 1976, Mr. Mick was Stackridge's third studio album, following their self-titled debut and the more commercially oriented 'Friendliness'. At this point, the band aimed to solidify their unique sound while navigating changes in the music landscape, showcasing their artistic vision amidst the growing popularity of punk and new wave.

How many songs are on Mr. Mick?

Mr. Mick has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Mr. Mick

Stackridge · 1976

38 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock

Eclectic progressive rock melodies interweave whimsical narratives with intricate arrangements and a touch of British humor.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hold Me Tight — This track features infectious melodies and harmonies that encapsulate the band's quirky charm, making it one of their most recognizable songs.
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Breakfast With Werner Von Braun — This song stands out for its satirical take on space exploration, blending humor with a catchy progressive rock arrangement that reflects the band's lyrical wit.
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Coniston Water — A reflective piece that showcases Stackridge's ability to create atmospheric soundscapes, this track highlights their lyrical depth and musical sophistication.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends playful lyrics with complex arrangements, creating a distinct but niche sound in progressive rock.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as strings and woodwinds, which add layers to the melodic structure.
The pacing varies significantly; for instance, 'The Slater’s Waltz' introduces a slower tempo that contrasts sharply with the more upbeat tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Hold Me Tight 3:37
2 Breakfast With Werner Von Braun 4:07
3 Steam Radio Song 3:38
4 The Dump 1:47
5 Save a Red Face 3:25
6 The Slater’s Waltz 4:36
7 Coniston Water 5:43
8 Hey Good Looking 4:19
9 Fish in a Glass 7:20

What to play next

Listen next

Something for the Weekend

1999

Go back to

Extravaganza

1975

Full Stackridge discography Artists like Stackridge

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata