The Hoople is the third of a trio of spectacular records issued by glam-rock superstars, Mott The Hoople.  Discounting a final live album in late 1974, The Hoople is vocalist Ian Hunter’s last attempt at working out his showy, ’50s-style rock and roll within a band context.  Coming hot on the heels of their phoenix All The Young Dudes in 1972 and the sometimes more incredible Mott, in 1973, The Hoople faced the challenges of a line-up shake-up and rose mightily to the occasion.  Founding guitarist Mick Ralphs had left to found Bad Company and touring organ player Mick Bolton had also dropped out, leaving pianist Morgan Fisher as the sole keyboardist.  To replace Ralphs, the band enlisted former Spooky Tooth axe slinger Luther Grosvenor, who was credited as “Ariel Bender.”  The dynamic had shifted to focus squarely on Hunter and the rhythm section of bassist and occasional guitarist Pete “Overend” Watts and drummer Dale “Buffin” Griffin.  The three remaining original members assumed production duties for 1974’s The Hoople and successfully attempted to maintain momentum.