Despite the controversy and modern sensibilities around the lyrics to this song, (which I totally get by the way) it’s still one of the greatest track one, side ones of all time.
With the addition of Mick Taylor to the band this is the strongest line up that the Stones ever had. There’s a groove that runs through the whole album and this track sets the tempo for that.
This really is masterpiece with one of the greatest guitar riffs ever played. This is the Stones playing great blues and the use of the sax (more on that on later tracks as well), is inspired. The energy on the song and the whole album is, as someone described it, “gritty and groovy".
Just to address the lyrics, Keith Richards has defended the song as being about the "horrors of slavery," but others have labelled them gross and sexist. In 2021, the Rolling Stones removed "Brown Sugar" from their US tour setlist. Mick Jagger has stated he "never would write that song now" and would "probably censor [himself]" because the lyrics are so raw.
I couldn't find a version of the album that would load so you'll have to make do with this live version (It's a pretty decent version TBH)
“Ain't flinging tears out on the dusty ground for my friends out on the burial ground.
Can't stand the feeling getting so brought down.
It's just that demon life has got me in its sway.”
A slower bluesy number with a couple of outstanding solos from Mick Taylor and with a great arrangement on this track has a similar feel to Moonlight Mile, another slower number but more on that later.
Ahhh well. April is going to be a different format. Rather than an album we are going to choose individual tracks from the 70's by female artists.
The group is rather dominated by albums by male artists so wanted to highlight some of the great music by female artists.
Still thinking of the tracks to put forward. We get two each and see how many we can get through in the 90 minute session
This is the first track that I am considering
If I'm in Luck I Might Get Picked Up by Betty Davis
Not to be confused with the Hollywood actress. This is Betty Davis, the singer, performer, a funk pioneer and a great songwriter.
She was also the wife of Miles Davis (I only mention this to make the following point). The fact that she was married to one of the greatest musicians of all time can often overshadow what a great artist she was in her own right which is extremely unfair.
This is one of her most well-known tracks from her 1973 self titled debut album.
It’s quintessential Betty Davis with her raw and sexually charged funk sound that she did so very well
Another one of the 100 / 100 songs on this album. A fantastic country-rock ballad and a great counterpoint after the first two songs.
It’s a song that feels incredibly emotional to me with a beautiful melody and great acoustic guitar from Keith. You also must pay tribute to Mick’s vocals. Painfully beautiful.
It’s one of those songs that hard to quantify why I love it so much. On the surface it’s incredibly simple compared to other Stones songs, a little like Yesterday (The Beatles) but it grabs you somewhere deep inside and doesn’t let go.
Haven't been able to find a YouTube that I can successful post yet. will keep trying.
According to one source on Wiki, "The entire track was captured in one take, with the jam being a happy accident; the band had assumed the tape machine had been stopped, and were surprised to find the entire session had been captured. Originally, they were going to end the song before the jam started, but were so pleased with the jam that they decided to keep it in."
For me, this is the standout track from the album and quite rightly gets a 100 / 100 from me. It’s seven minutes of pure genius and happy coincidence. Spontaneous joy and raw playing. You have to love the latin feel to the second half of the track led my Mick Taylor.
The song opens with one of Keith Richards' most iconic riffs, and is one of my favourite guitar openers of all time.
My favorite Stones record. I think this is the one where they combine all the elements they do to the best of their ability. But it still all comes together to feel as “Stones” as anything. _________________ Attention all planets of the solar federation: We have assumed control.
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