A Sultry Legacy: Sticky Fingers at 50

 This past Friday, The Rolling Stones celebrated yet another milestone. Is it that this coming summer mick Jagger will be 78 and still has the energy of a 23 year old ? While that is a given fact , no that's not it. Is it that it's a miracle Keith Richards is still alive and will probably outlive us all ? While that's also a cold solid fact that's not it either. This past Friday The Rolling Stones celebrated the 50th anniversary of their 1971 masterpiece Sticky Fingers. When it comes to ranking The Stones studio albums, Sticky Fingers is always runner up to Exile On Main St. in many fans list as their  best work. It's my in top 3 for sure and it's for good reason. This album marked a turning point in the bands career from a public relations standpoint as this album would be the first released under their own record label Rolling Stones records. Prior to 1971, the band was signed Decca/London Records and now the band had complete artistic control. The now iconic album cover was designed by Pop Art icon Andy Warhol and some copies even included an useable zipper. Sticky Fingers also marked the first album with then new guitarist Mick Taylor as he was the replacement for founding member Brian Jones who died two years prior . As for the songs, it's the stones at their raunchiest and it's beautiful. The album opens with "Brown Sugar" and its the bands at their most beautifully obscene. Jagger's swagger and vocal delivery , Charlie Watts driving drum groove, Bobby Keys soaring sax solo , this song runs on all cylinders. Of course , the driving force behind this classic tune is none other than Keith Richards open G guitar riff . The opening two chords have become so recognizable that you instantly know what song it is . It's a blast to play on guitar and is a fantastic rhythmic exercise and showcases how Keith is an incredible player. For the next track, the band takes a step back and crank out the emotionally driven "Sway". The song is most notable for its outro solo played by Mick Taylor and is soulful , passionate and full of feel . 

"Can't You Hear Me Knocking" is a 7 minute swaggering ride . It features another iconic  open G guitar riff from Keith Richards and the band just cooks on the outro jam that carries the rest of the song. Mick Taylor brings tasty licks and Bobby Keys wails on his tenor sax. This song alone is the standout track on side 1.

"Sister Morphine" is an haunting acoustic ballad about a man who gets into a car accident and is rushed to the hospital and dies while asking for morphine. Session legend Ry Cooder provides the excellent haunting slide guitar while Keith lays down the rhythm on acoustic guitar.  

"Dead Flowers" is a tongue and cheek country epic that once again prove that the Stones can tackle many different genres effectively and country-rock is defiantly their best outing . It's a simple 3 chord progression of D, A, and G. Mick Taylor provides pays homage to country music as he delivers a classic country guitar solo using the D major pentatonic scale. I got to see the band perform this song back in 2019 and it was a real treat.

The album closer "Moonlight Mile" has to be one of The Rolling Stones most underrated ballads. The open G acoustic guitar part was actually played by Jagger himself . "Moonlight Mile" is strictly just mick Jagger and Mick Taylor as Keith Richards had become strung out by the end of the recording sessions for the LP. The song is a haunted country rock ballad and the lyrics depict of a man driving on the open road in the dead of night to be reunited with his girl. It's a great closer to a legendary record.

Sticky Fingers may be 50 now, but the album still sounds fresh and innovating as it did then. Each time I listen to it , I find new meanings in all of its songs and how it is musically structured. It's a flawless album and deserves all the praise that it gets . Do yourself a favor and play this record and play it loud. 

Mr Mojo Risin: The Doors L.A. Woman at 50

The Doors swan song L.A. Woman was released 50 years ago today on April 19th, 1971 on Elektra Records. By 1971, The Doors legacy and popularity was on the rocks but luckily they were able to bounce back with their 1970 classic Morrison Hotel which was lauded by critics as their return to their blues roots while adding their signature sound. However, their legendary frontman Jim Morrison was in bad shape. Prior to recording, the past year he was arrested in   New Haven, Connecticut for indecent and immoral exhibition and breach of peace and he resisted arrest in Phoenix, Arizona where he was charged with abuse with an in-flight attendant while also interfering with the aircraft. Physically, he wasn't in the best of shape . He drank continuously and developed a beer belly, grew a beard, and was on and off again with his use of drugs. However, despite with all that was stacked against them the band was able to create a masterpiece that many consider the bands best album next to their debut LP and I'm inclined to agree. "Love Her Madly" showcased once again Morrison's crooner knack as he was influenced by Frank Sinatra and the title is taken from a saying Duke Ellington would say to the audience at his shows . It's a laid back groovy jam in A minor and is just a joy to listen to. However, this song single handedly ended the bands friendship with their longtime manager Paul Rothchild who coined the song as "cocktail music." he couldn't be more off the mark. The title track is truly one of rock and rolls greatest anthems , The song is a tribute to the bands hometown and about hitting the open road. It's a two chorded masterpiece as it revolves just around A major and G major and showcases why the band works so well musically. You have Robby Krieger's simple yet effective blues phrasing , Ray Manzarek's rollocking piano , John Densmore's sophisticated drumming and of course Morrison's epic vocal delivery. The song is legendary for its build up bridge section with Morrison chanting "Mr Mojo Risin" over and over which builds and builds until Morrison releases his signature rock n roll howl . John Densmore has stated in later interviews that "Mr Mojo Risin" is an anagram for Jim Morrison himself. The band doesn't shy away for showing their blues influences once again with 2 original compositions being the  rollocking "Been Down So Long' and the slow infused bluesy "Cars Hiss By My Window." 

The closing track "Riders on The Storm" is the closest The Doors ever gotten to jazz and once again showcases the bands talents with Krieger's country-western guitar and Ray Manzarek's haunting piano. Sadly, this would be the final album The Doors would release with Jim Morrison. Jim Morrison would pass way two months later on July 3rd, 1971 in Paris, France due to an heroine overdose. 50 years later, The Doors continue to inspire musicians with their one of a kind musical style and like James Dean, Morrison has cemented himself as the ultimate sex symbol. The Doors are truly up there with one of America's greatest bands and this album is a testament to their infinite legacy.