It's Only Rock 'n Roll

by

The Rolling Stones

Edit

Some commentaries may feel that Its Only Rock N Roll is just a standard by the numbers release by the Rolling Stones. However, in addition to the usual brand of in your face rock n roll, there are some nice experimental pieces like the funky Fingerprint File, the tender acoustic gem Till The Next Goodbye, and the stunning Time Waits For No One.

Yes, Time Waits For No One is a definite album highlight with the super guitar soloing by Mick Taylor against the back drop of stunning keyboard work by Nicky Hopkins. Its nice that Mick Jagger gave up some of the spotlight on this song to Mick Taylor as Mickie T certainly added a great deal to the Stones sound with his ellaborate solos. Its a shame that he was not allowed to contribute more.

Anyway, If You Can't Rock Me and Aint To Proud To Beg are a super one two punch combination to the open the album. Its Only Rock N Roll is a good tune if a bit overplayed. Like the reggae touches on Luxury. Dance Little Sister is a nice rocker if a little bit basic. If You Really Want To Be My Friend does drag a little bit in spite of some nice organ touches and background vocals. Short and Curlies is both amusing and crude with rollicking piano contributions by Ian Stewart.

Well there you have it. I commented on every song. A very good recording although not quite on the same level as Sticky Fingers, Exile, Beggars Banquet, etc.... But pick it up anyway as there are several tracks(Fingerprint File, If You Can't Rock Me, Time Waits For No One, Aint Too Proud To Beg) which need to be in the collection of any Rolling Stones fan.

The albums the Stones were releasing in the mid '70's weren't as great as the "fabulous four"- "Beggar's Banquet," "Let It Bleed," "Sticky Fingers," and "Exile on Main Street."

The band basically gave up the ghost after "Exile," an album regarded by many as their "masterpiece," but recorded under the worst conditions imaginable. By the time of "Goats Head Soup" the group was definitely floundering due to Keith's heroin habit and a general malaise in the inspiration department. "It's Only Rock 'n Roll," the follow-up to "Goats Head Soup," is more energetic than its predecessor, but still uneven.

There are some great songs on "It's Only Rock 'n Roll." One of the Stones' best songs of all time, "Time Waits for No One," being reason enough to buy the album. But the album shows Mick in artistic control. Keith is still in the wings due to his chemical romance. Keith's MIA status is sorely felt throughout the album.

Probably the most amazing musical highlight of "It's Only Rock 'n Roll" is the wonderful guitar playing of Mick Taylor. This is Mick Taylor's last album as a member of the Stones. His leads are beautiful. The interplay of his lyrical approach blending with Keith's strong, forceful rhythm playing was incredible! The Stones lost a great deal of musicality when Taylor left the group. Taylor's guitar playing was responsible for much of the quality on the Stones' best albums- "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main Street."

"It's Only Rock 'n Roll" is worth adding to your album collection. Just don't forget to buy the "fabulous four."