Like a newborn baby it just happens everyday; Mick Jagger at 77

Mick Jagger.The man is the pure example of the common term sex, drugs, and rock n roll.Though the legendary frontman has dropped the drugs , he truly defines what rock n roll stands for and its rebel attitude like his heroes before him with the likes of Little Richard, James Brown ,and of course; the king himself Mr Elvis Aaron Presley. Since The Rolling Stones emergence in 1962, Jagger along with Keith Richards, then founding member Brian Jones, former bassist Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts bought their love for the Chicago and Delta blues into the British Invasion and have been celebrated ever since . Jagger is the greatest frontman in the history of rock n roll . From his slim frame (he and I are the same waist size 29/30 and he still retains it), his sexual gyration dancing , and his commanding stage presence makes him the ultimate package. For over 50 years, men wanted to be him and woman wanted him . Today, we have 10 criminally underrated Rolling Stones songs that showcase the band's tight musicianship . These tracks also shine for Mick.

10. "Whose Been Sleeping Here" Between The Buttons (1967)

Released in January of 1967, Between the Buttons marked the beginning of the Stones brief psychedelic period. This hidden gem off the album strips back on the psychedelic formula and the listener is treated to a Dylan-esc folk rock ballad. Keith and Brian provide stellar guitar work while session pianist and longtime stones collaborator Nicky Hopkins giving us Chopin-inspired piano playing . Jagger's vocal take is soft and yet punchy . Lyrically, it's based on a jealous man and his feelings towards his significant other. Was it the butler? the baker? who knows. This is vintage Stones and has aged incredibly well .

9. 'Flight 505" Aftermath (1966)

The opening track on side 2 of the 1966 masterpiece LP has a Little Richard inspired piano intro provided by Nicky Hopkins and is a fun little rocker in the key of F. Keith Richards and Brian Jones showcase Chuck Berry double-stops on guitar while Charlie Watts showcases impressive drumming. The shining moment though is from Jagger himself when he sings

Well, I sat right there in my seat
Well, feeling like a king
With the whole world right at my feet
"Of course I'll have a drink"

It sums up perfectly how big The Rolling Stones were becoming and that it was just the beginning of their legendary careers.

8. "No Use In Crying" Tattoo You  (1981)

It's considered by many Stones fans that Tattoo You was the last great album the band has released. Granted there are stellar standout tracks from Voodoo Lounge and Steel Wheels ; but Tattoo You has truly great tracks when you get pass Start Me Up and Waiting on A Friend. No Use in Crying proves me point. This laid back soulful ballad in a Otis Redding style showcases Jagger's emotional side of singing . The fantastic mellow guitar parts laid down by Keith and Ronnie are fitting and to top it off, Mick does a high-pitch vocal breakdown around the 2 minute mark. A truly underrated ballad.

7. "Black Limousine" Tattoo You (1981)

This is another standout and criminally underrated song from the bands 1981 smash LP. The Stones have dipped their toes and experimented in every genre they could. However , the bands bread and butter is the blues and even though over the horizon the 80's would give way to synths and electric drum beats, The stones once again prove that the blues is the greatest art form to perform . The song is a killer Chuck Berry infused blues in G and the band just go to town . Jagger is in full form here vocally infusing his trademark emphasis on  certain words and an absolute soulful and powerful harmonica solo .

6. "Dear Doctor" Beggars Banquet (1968)

This country-style influenced mellow rocker shows that the Stones can go country when they felt like it and pull it off with ease; despite being chaps from across the pond. Keith and Brian provide great acoustic  guitar rhythms and to top it off, Mick does his best Americana accent during the climax of the tune . It was a tip of the hat to the country music genre itself because despite a lot of classic country songs displaying heartache and loss , it can provide humor when needed.

5. 'Goin' Home" Aftermath (1966)

Before their epic Midnight Rambler off of Let It Bleed delighted fans, this 11 minute blues epic paved the way for what was to become. This blues jam in E is the Rolling Stones love letter to the Chicago blues scene and it's shown in full force with Keith Richards Howlin Wolf inspired licks . Brian Jones provides Little Walter inspired harmonica as well. However, the track goes to Mick and him alone . Starting around the 5:30 mark, Jagger gives an electrifying vocal improvisation that oozes sexual innuendo and pure swagger . A great closer from the 1966 landmark LP.

4 "Sister Morphine" Sticky Fingers (1970)

This acoustic /electric country/blues inspired tune in A minor is stone cold . Originally recorded by Jagger's then girlfriend Marianne Faithfull the year prior. It's no surprised her version tanked . The song is lyrically very dark as it is about a man who gets into a fatal accident, and is sent to the hospital and put on morphine. Jagger pleads and moans while asking "why does the doctor; have no face!" The standout for this track comes from Mick Taylor's great slide guitar work.

3. "Shine A Light" Exile On Main St (1972)

This gospel /R&B inspired tune was written originally written back in 1968 as Jagger wrote the song for fellow band member Brian Jones as his drug problem was getting significantly worse and was originally titled "Get a line on you" but later was changed to the song title we know now. This is the stones love letter to the queen of soul Aretha Franklin as it is heavily influenced in the Muscle Shoals sound . Billy Preston provides blissful organ and Jagger once again provides a sultry and soulful vocal take .

2. "Moonlight Mile" Sticky Fingers  (1970)

When people think of acoustic Stones ballads they automatically think 'Wild Horses". Moonlight Mile is the unsung hero on the bands 1970 legendary LP and the most underrated Rolling Stones ballad period. The iconic opening riff in open G was actually created by Jagger himself and the rest of the guitar work is provided by Mick Taylor. Jagger croons and moans with meaning while the lyrics paint a bleak portrait of a man living on the road and wanting to next to his woman.

1. "Torn and Frayed" Exile On Main St (1972)

This country-rock and criminally underrated song from the Stones catalog was influenced by Keith's good friend at the time Gram Parsons . Gram Parsons was best known for his time with the Country Rock band The Flying Burrito Brothers . Lyrically, the song stands out because it shows how touring can take a toll on a band and the haphazardly events that can happen at sound check and backstage and Jagger delivers them perfectly. The stellar session musician Al Perkins plays the iconic steel pedal guitar line. Combine all these elements, and you have a Stones classic that begs to be bought up more in conversation.

Ain't Noise Pollution; top 10 AC/DC deep cuts

As far back as kindergarten, my father gave me my taste in good music. It's no secret because without it, I wouldn't have made this blog. One of the bands that he introduced to me at the time was Australian formed /Scotland born  rock royalty AC/DC. It's safe to say that the band had a tremendous effect on me musically . At the time, I never heard anything like it. The combination of Malcolm and Angus and their punchy, in your face guitar tone, Bon Scott's/Brian Johnson's raspy vocals, Cliff William's in the pocket bass lines and Phil Rudd's simplistic yet effective drumming and my kindergarten mind was blown . Since then , my musical tastes and bands have grown and AC/DC hasn't overstayed their welcome one bit. To close out my senior year of high school, I performed "Highway to Hell" as the closing number with fellow classmates and it was one in a million. Here are top 10 AC/DC deep cuts that unquestionably should have more recognition.



10. "Whisky on the Rocks" Ballbreaker (1995)

Ballbreaker marked the return of original drummer Phil Rudd who hadn't appeared on one the bands records since Flick of the Switch in 1983. Despite their age at the time, AC/DC delivered like they always do time and time again. The band is running on all fours here . Malcolm Young provides a groovy and bluesy rhythm section on his Gretch G131, while Angus provides his killer fills and a soulful solo and Brian Johnson at the forefront with his trademark howls and screams. Plus , this is the only AC/DC album that was produced by Rick Rubin who was the 90's own Phil Spector, so production wise was stellar.


9. "Stormy May Day" Black Ice (2008)

Black Ice would mark the final time all members; both AC/DC and the producers would be in original Back in Black format. Released in 2008, Black Ice gave AC/DC worldwide fame once more and the LP itself sounds amazing because the band wanted to recapture the sound and lyrical styles of Highway to Hell and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. This track in particular shines because of Angus Young and his surprising stellar slide guitar playing. A must listen to one of the bands best albums post Back in Black.

8. "Beating Around the Bush" Highway To Hell (1979)

Highway to Hell would mark the final album with original frontman Bon Scott and it remains one of AC/DC's most beloved albums next to its equally power cousin Back in Black. Beating around the bush is a killer bluesy /hard rock joyride from start to finish and it has everything that makes AC/DC what they are ; simple and yet so effective. The main riff by Malcolm Young himself is heavily influenced by Fleetwood Mac's Oh Well. Angus Young provides a killer solo and great fills while Bon Scott is in full swagger . Cliff Burton provides in the pocket and stellar bass playing as well. It's true AC/DC in full force.

7. "High Voltage" High Voltage (1976)

High Voltage was the bands first international release in 1976 and put AC/DC on the map and a force to be reckon with. Lot's of signature songs came from this album including T.N.T., It's a long way to the top (if you wanna rock n roll) and The Jack. However, I feel that the title track is often overlooked. High voltage is the foundation on what AC/DC was going to become . Everything is here. Bon Scott's sexual innuendos and swagger, Malcolm's legendary rhythm playing, and Angus with his frantic/blistering solos . A strong and iconic sing along chorus, Bon wanting to get his kicks, and a guitar player lusting for that Malcolm tone drive this song home.

6. "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be" Let There Be Rock (1977)
1977. The year that Punk rock was starting to take full charge of the music scene. With innovators like The Sex Pistols, Ramones, The Clash and The Jam making their breakthrough, it's hard to believe that AC/DC's music was up against some noteworthy competition. Nonetheless , AC/DC kicked down the door and made sure their presence was here to stay . This track is underrated because it shows Malcolm Young's is more diverse than most critics give him credit for . This track allows his rhythm paying to be powerful and breathable . Highly would suggest this killer song off this 1977 powerhouse and is one of my favorites from the band.

5. "Gone Shootin" Powerage (1978)

AC/DC's Powerage is Led Zeppelin's Presence as in it's the bands most underrated album to date. It is also the first AC/DC album to feature permanent bassist Cliff Williams. This song proves my point.With thumping bass provided by Cliff, a steady drumbeat from Phil Rudd, and the most groovy guitar that Angus and Malcolm ever put to wax. This song has become a fan favorite and was even used in Beavis and Butthead Do America in 1996.

4.  "Night Prowler" Highway To Hell (1979)

The final track off Highway to Hell showcases that AC/DC can slow jam just as hard as they can when they're hard rocking. It's similar to the Stones classic "Midnight Rambler" as it is center around a killer who stalks his prey at night. Bon Scott's vocals are ghostly and chilling which is sadly ironic because he would then pass away the follow year . Scott died of alcohol poisoning (he choked on his vomit in his sleep) on February 19th, 1980. The song is unique for it's key signature which is Ab. Angus really shines on this piece because it showcases that he can play slow and powerful blues licks while also shred like the rest of them.

3. "Down Payment Blues" Powerage (1978)

The second track off the bands 1978 masterpiece is a rollicking bluesy rocker in B with a killer opening guitar part provided by the late great Malcolm Young . Lyrically , it's a song about a struggling musician who can't afford much ' let alone gasoline for his Cadillac. Phil Rudd provides a powerful and steady drum beat and like always , Cliff Williams with his pocket bass lines. Lots of critics always dismiss the band of being predictable musically . But that is the reason AC/DC is so beloved . A simple formula that proves  the saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it "

2. "Ride On" Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)

As I mentioned earlier, AC/DC has always had the same magic formula that has made them last the test of time . However, when they decided to record this heartbreaking  , realistic, ballad for Dirty Deeds, it's something the band pulled off effortlessly . It's a slow blues in they C with lyrics that people can relate to during times of trouble. With stellar backing vocals and Bon Scott at his best vocally, this song is a treasure in the catalog of the ultimate party band .

1. "Whole Lotta Rosie" Let There Be Rock (1977)

The final track off the bands 1977 Hard rock masterpiece is AC/DC in their hard rock peak . The song starts off with a rock n roll Led Zeppelin like riff , and from 0 to 60 the bands kicks it into overdrive form then on . Every single band member is running on all 4 cylinders. Bon Scott with his usual sexual innuendos and swagger, Malcolm Young's legendary rhythm work , and quite possible Angus Young's greatest guitar work ever recorded . His soloing is fast and melodic; his mid-bridge sharp pocket licks and an epic closing solo that solidify his place as a guitar god makes this AC/DC the hard rock gods we have hailed them to be .