“I think I busted a button on my trousers. Hope they don’t fall down. You don’t want my trousers to fall down, now do you?!” Mick Jagger to the crowd after singing “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
In recent conversation with fellow bloggers Cincinnati Babyhead and Christian’s Music Musings. I got to talking about my love for the Stones. That band is and always will be for me – and a lot of others – special. I’ve written about them a couple of times before, here and here.
I had put together a Stones Spotify list a little while back and really dug listening to it while driving around recently. So I thought, let me post a couple, two, three, hell, maybe 6 songs, a mini-Stones blast. And away we go!
From 1971’s Sticky Fingers, this is “Bitch.” Originally the B-side of “Brown Sugar.” It’s been a long time since they kicked out double-sided gems like that:
The Stones played at NYC’s great Beacon Theater a few years back. Jagger introduces the song “Champagne and Reefer” (is that a title or what?) and says he’s not sure if it’s a Muddy Waters song.
Well, I did a little research for ya Mick, and yeah, it’s a Muddy song. Oh, special guest? As Mick says, “Buddy Mothafuckin’ Guy.”
I’m not a big country fan but I’ve always said that the Stones are my favorite country band. You want country? You’ll look long and hard to find a song quite as uplifting (?) as “Dead Flowers.”
Take me down little Susie, take me down
I know you think you’re the queen of the underground
And you can send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won’t forget to put roses on your grave
From Let it Bleed came the great “Live With Me.” The Stones did this live with Christina Aguilera who proves she’s got some stones of her own:
“Twenty Flight Rock” was an Eddie Cochran song. When John Lennon met Paul McCartney, a 15-year-old Paul played this song for Lennon and the Quarrymen. Hmmm. Lennon thought. Maybe this bloke should be in my band.
The Stones visited the States in 1969 which was perhaps the beginning of their wild “no-shit-no-holds-barred” tours. From that tour, the fabulous album Get Yer Ya-Yas Out.
From that album, one of my Top Five Stones songs, the relentlessly evil “Midnight Rambler.” Skin-crawlin’ blues from way down the wrong end of the alley:
Music Enthusiast - At the junction of rock, blues, R&B, jazz, pop,and soul 
A band I just haven’t tired of… sure, there’s the odd album or two that I don’t revisit, but their discography is so rich that there’s always something to turn to. And thanks for a wee hit of Midnight Rambler this morning… that’s one of my all time favourites.
LikeLike
Rich, indeed. I had trouble coming up with just six to post. I could easily have done a completely different set and been just as happy. And yeah, “Midnight Rambler” is a great, great tune. It doesn’t even sound like a song they wrote so much as it erupted from the primordial mud.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s definitely my kind of six-pack! While if asked ‘Beatles or Stones,’ I will always say Beatles, the Stones are a kick-ass rock & roll band! If anything, I now dig them more than ever.
From the above clips, I think l like “Champagne & Reefer” with Buddy Guy the best. This man is really an incredible artist. I also really dig “Live With Me.” I think Cristina Aguilera is one of the best contemporary female vocalists – when that woman gets into it, I get goose bumps. I just wish she’d do more rock! As for “Midnight Rambler”, “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out” is one of my favorite Stones and live albums. If I had to pick one track from that record, I’d probably go with “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” or “Carol.”
BTW, for all Stones fans, I can highly recommend the recently released BBC recordings “On Air”. Among others, the compilation includes a previously unreleased cover of “Roll Over Beethoven,” which is outstanding. And Keith’s distorted signature riff on “Satisfaction” sounds more dynamic than on the original version!
LikeLike
Agreed on digging them more than ever. I’ve been listening to my Spotify list in the car and I can’t get enough. Thanks for the tip on the BBC thing. A lot of good stuff has come out BBC sessions including Beatles, early Fleetwood Mac and Zep. And yea, Aguilera can fucking join the Stones as far as I’m concerned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I Could listen to that Buddy Guy shit all night. I love that Chuck Watts.
LikeLike
Kick that Stones blues album a notch or two higher in your playlist, CB.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah they’re kinda of reminding me why I liked them. Real good stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
With the Stones everybody’s 6 pack would be different but you have sure set the bar high with these 6 tunes.
LikeLike
They smoke for sure. I’ll do another six-pack one day on them. But I’m inspired to try some other artist as well. Thanks.
LikeLike