It might have been right after the release of "Bridges To Babylon," or it might have been as early as "Voodoo Lounge," two Rolling Stones records I have no patience for, where I, and maybe millions of others said, "These guys should just strip down and make a blues record." I know I also said, "And get rid of that fucking Don Was," but I can't prove anyone else said that, too.
Well, December will bring us "Blue & Lonesome," the live-in-the-studio, stripped down blues record from the Stones we've all been clamoring for since "Emotional Rescue." The first single, "Just Your Fool" has already been released.
Why is it not what I wanted? Is it me? Yes, it's a blues song, with Mick blowing his harmonica, and Charlie pounding away. But it sounds like it belongs on "Bridges To Babylon." It's loud and brittle and sounds like 15 guys playing a blues tune at the end of an awards shows. Am I simply asking too much from these guys? Am I letting the baggage of past disappointments get in the way of what might be the best 2:30 of music these guys have released in 30 years? I don't know anymore. I do know, "Just Your Fool" is an unpleasant listen. There will be more songs to choose from, of course. But I'd love to know if you are hearing what I am hearing.
15 comments:
My impression of the Stones is that they haven't given a shit for thirty years or more. They don't have to. Fans still show up and pay incredible amounts of money to watch them go through the motions and go home thinking they've seen the greatest rock and roll band in the world. Why should they bother?
Sal - I'm going to wait until the full album comes out in Dec. So far, I like the single but it's not like it's on auto-repeat.
That being said, it's time for the Stones to get rid of Don Was. Each record he does with them sounds worse than the prior one. A Bigger Bang sounds awful (and yes the songs could have been better and some left off entirely) He serves as bridge between Mick & Keith and that's probably why they still employ him.
The last Stones' elpee I bought was Love You Live, and I still haven't listened to all of it yet. I've tried to work up some interest ever since but never managed to sustain it. I was slightly tempted to buy this but trailing as featuring the dismal Eric Clapton didn't help matters... so it goes...
"Whole album recorded in 3 days..........not bad"
-YouTube comment
They figured out a way to make an album where they wouldn't have to hang out or rehearse much.
Rumor has it that ever since Keith fell out of the tree, he's had memory issues.
Sure as shit ain't "Stop Breaking Down" or "Love In Vain".
I'm still reeling from the one verse of "Come Together" I heard here yesterday.
I hope they didn't "blues" that one up for the album.
Sal - not sure if you ever saw this article (and not sure how legit it really is) but it does shed some light on the Mick/Keith relationship.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/low_concept/2010/11/please_allow_me_to_correct_a_few_things.html
I had the same thought. Exactly the same thought.
"This is what i wanted! yet....no". This doesn't feel organic or heartfelt- the only things we wanted from an album like this. It's Dan Ackroyd blues.
No thanks
"...sounds like 15 guys playing a blues tune at the end of an awards show."
Sal. I so love you.
I'd posit that Don Was is giving his clients what *they* want. They can't be bothered to cook up inspired music, how much patience do you think they have in the studio to get great sounds?
If nothing else, the Stones should inspire the next generation of artists to retire gracefully.
I hate to be a crepe hanger but why do I feel as if many many people are going to say this is the best Stones album since ___________?
"Some Girls"
"Flowers"
Captain Al
Mick's harp and Charlies fills are the saving graces.
I'd rather listen to blues and R&B from the Stones' early albums. Anyways, after "Aftermath", everything went to shit. :)
Yeah, the last good Stones album was "England's Newest Hitmakers."
;)
I'm just listening to all the original Decca/London lp's in mono. And you know my feelings way too well. Lol
The music's not bad, but Mick sounds a little bored and stiff. He's hitting the notes but I don't hear much feeling. The harp does sound good, as others have noted, but he's sung better. Maybe a couple of pops before singing like the real bluesmen used to?
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