On Tuesday , August 24th, the rock community suffered a devastated gut punch . Legendary drummer Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones passed away at the age of 80. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this tremendous lost . I want to keep believing it's not real . I heard the news while I was record shopping with my girlfriend over the speaker. The DJ was talking about Watts but in the past tense so I was puzzled. I knew he had to back out of the bands upcoming dates due to health reasons and I believed he was healthy and in a full recovery . Sadly I was mistaken . I couldn't believe it when I looked on Facebook and saw that Rolling Stone magazine posted the news. Fans of this site know I saw The Rolling Stones back in the summer of 2019 so hearing of Watt's passing hits even harder. The Stones are quite arguably the greatest rock and roll band in the world. You have Mick Jagger, the greatest frontman of all time , the immortal guitar god Keith Richards and legendary rhythm player Ronnie Wood. The reason why all 3 members gel so well together ? It was because of the backbone and heartbeat of the band that was Charlie Watts. Watts wasn't known for his flashy fills and crazy antics like fellow contemporaries Ginger Baker and Keith Moon. It was his in pocket, on time playing that made him so legendary. Charlie Watts (born Charles Robert Watts) came into this world on June 2nd, 1941 and hailed from London. From an early age he was self taught on the drums and grew up listening and loving Jazz. He was schooled on the music of Louie Armstrong and Miles Davis. Watts already was a superstar in the London club scene in the early 60's and The Rolling Stones practically had to beg him to join . He was reluctant at first and even turned it down at first , but thankfully he reconsidered. It's astonishing to know that Charlie Watts has played on every Rolling Stones recording and tour with Mick and Keith being the only other band mates to do so . No matter what musical route the band took , Charlie was there at the forefront keeping the beat. It's hard to pinpoint songs to showcase his abilities but I have surprisingly came down to 2 that in my opinion showcase his greatness. "Get Off My Cloud" is the first song that pops into my mind when I think of Watts and his playing . The song itself is vintage and classic Rolling Stones at its core . However, it's Watts song. Right from the opening beat he never slows down and continuously uses fills throughout the tune. "Honky Tonk Women is quite possibly Watts best drum track recorded . Jimmy Miller opens with the iconic cowbell . However, it's Charlie's simplistic and in pocket drumming that makes the intro (along with Keith's riff) so iconic . It's a simplistic drum beat yet it is and forever will be unforgettable. Time does heal wounds and it's going to take a while for the rock community to move on . It also reminds us that the Stones are human too just like us and that life is a precious gift . 80 is one heck of a run .To say he had the life would be an understatement . Rest In Peace Charlie Watts. Truly one the of greatest.
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Meet the new boss same as the old boss: The Who's Who's Next at 50
On August 14th, 1971 The Who released their 5th album titled Who's Next. By 1970, The Who were flying high and considered one of the greatest live acts at the time with Live At Leeds being released back in February of that same year. However , the bands original fan base was starting to fade. The Mod movement from the early 60's were long gong and the original followers from Shepard's Bush had jobs and started families. The band was still touring on the success of their rock Opera masterpiece Tommy but Peter Townshend was getting bored with the stale setlist and wanted to create new material. Who's Next was originally going to be Lifehouse which was going to be a follow up rock Opera to Tommy but it fizzled into obscurity. Instead Who's Next was going to be a straight up rock and roll record and its safe to say we're glad it ended up that way. Ethan Russell shot the now legendary album cover which depicts the band urinating on a large concrete piling.
The album itself falls into the same category with the likes of The Doors debut LP and Revolver by The Beatles . There isn't a single song that you skip because its that perfect. Right from the opening synthesizer notes of "Baba O'Riley" and you know you're in for something special . Those opening notes are so iconic that anyone can recognize it. "Bargain" is a rollocking rocker and Pete Townshend's ode to his spiritual guru to Meher Baba. Townshend's rhythm guitar playing is in full swing here along with Keith Moon's god like drumming .
"My Wife" showcases bassist John Entwistle once again on vocals. As the story goes , he wrote the song as frustration with his wife because he was out partying way too much. "Going Mobile" has Pete Townshend take vocal duty and it's one of the best driving songs you can have in your arsenal when hitting the road. It's a fast-pace rollocking acoustic number in E and is a thrill ride from start to finish. Townshend's vocal delivery is cheeky and Moon's drumming is off the wall genius.
"Behind Blue Eyes" is the bands best ballad . Period. It has beautiful guitar playing from Townshend and the lyrics are some the best he has ever written.
The closer "Won't Get Fooled Again" is one of rocks greatest anthems . The Who have never sound better on record. Everyone brings their best to the table. Pete's punchy rhythmic playing , John's tight bass work and of course Keith's drumming and Roger's legendary vocal delivery. The best part of the song is that iconic drum fill from Keith Moon which then resonates into Daltrey's iconic scream.... "YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH"!!!.. pure rock n roll swag.
50 years on, the album is still as fresh as it was when it was released . It's a record I'll never get tired of listening . Critics and fans have hailed it the bands best record and I'm inclined to agree. It's The Who in their purest form. A must have for everyone . Listen. You'll thank me later.