The Rolling Stones’ late-1970s studio sessions were packed with casual demonstrations of the band's core competency as a rhythm & blues outfit. Nearly all of it must have been about limbering up and just having some fun, though there are a few tracks suitable for b-sides. Regardless, the relaxed, spontaneous character of the performances is one of the most appealing features.
The death of Charlie Watts caused me to pull this mix out, because I remembered being impressed with how many different blues and R&B modes he dropped into effortlessly, from extremely subtle, almost jazz-like minimalism to propulsive thumping. It’s his drums that give shape and drama to many of these tracks.
76-minute mp3 mix zipped up here
- Petrol Gang
- Some People Tell Me
- My First Plea
- Little Cocksucker (inst.)
- Blues with a Feeling
- After Hours Blues (instr.)
- I Ain’t Superstitious
- Jimmy Reed Jam (instr.)
- What Am I Living For
- Armpit Blues (instr.)
- When You’re Gone (Red Eyes)
- Sweet Little Rock’n Roller (instr.)
- The Fat Man
- Shame Shame Shame
- Broken Head Blues (instr.)
- Up Against the Wall (instr.)
- Sweet Home Chicago 1
- Sweet Home Chicago 2
- You Don’t Have to Go