This, I think, is what separates the Taylor/Wood camps. In 1972/73, the Stones became a "conventional" rock band, with a hot lead player. That's not what the Stones were about. The "weave" existed from the start. That's how Brian and Keith played together.

We've argued this ad naseaum, but Ronnie was the perfect fit when he came aboard. In this way, "Handsome Girls" shows the Stones taking it back to the original idea.

If the Stones in '72/73 were a "conventional" rock band, that must have been some convention!

Sometimes during those years it sounded like Santana w/band...
Thats not our boys.

Okay, what's next .... "Black Magic Woman", uh, I meant "Honky Tonk Women".

With Taylor in the band there was overall more Bass in the sound spectrum. Once Ronnie came aboard they went to that trebly midrange kind of sound.

"...no longer shall you trudge 'cross my peaceful mind."

But so many factors contribute, right...
The sonic fashion, Keef's smack abuse, setlist etc.

More bass generally in popular & rock music in late 60s & early 70s.

ChelseaDrugstore Wrote:
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> With Taylor in the band there was overall more
> Bass in the sound spectrum. Once Ronnie came
> aboard they went to that trebly midrange kind of
> sound.

Yes, you can hear this in boots say like Brussels 1973. Bill was playing some incredible bass. And yes the overall sound changed when Ronnie came on board.

But also agree that Wood was the perfect replacement for that time in Stones history.

Ronnie coming on board and taking the sound in a more rough and raucous direction helped the Stones outpunk the punks through the late 70s... and thus retain their credibility through that period for many folks.
Fortunate timing in that respect I think.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2007-02-05 18:51 by Spud.

The comparison with Santana stands for Can't you Hear Me Knocking, right ?
I love the song, but I always thought it could be seen as a new Midnight Rambler if the Santana-like quitars were replaced by another more sober style.
I loved the 2002/2003 version of the song as much as the studio version

I love the MT years, but my conviction is that with MT still in the band the Stones may sound dated today, with too long solos, and have had less success.
MT is a great guitarist, he was exactly what the band needed 35 years ago, but I am convinced that the Stones would not have been able to negociate the turn into the punk years and the ongoing 80ies, 90ies and 2000's with him.

That said, I never miss a MT concert in my neigborhood.

[doctorstonesblog.blogspot.com]

I think we're lucky to have both "eras." I enjoy both for different reasons. I'm happy things worked out the way they did with the band.

Lamemodem said
"I think we're lucky to have both "eras." I enjoy both for different reasons."


Very good point. That's the attitude we all ought to have if you ask me .

We are slipping into the "back-ground-musicians-are-carrying-the-boys era".

bassplayer617 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> We've argued this ad naseaum, but Ronnie was the
> perfect fit when he came aboard. In this way,
> "Handsome Girls" shows the Stones taking it back
> to the original idea.

"We've argued this ad nauseum, but I thought I'd bring it up yet again."

Why should we assume MT had to have long guitar solos???

The truth be told...Ronnie is a better fit WHEN HE ACTUALLY TRIES. Handsome Girls is proof of that.

The other part that doesn't seem to get mentioned (except by Mick) is that a concert is a show. Even though Ronnie goofs around too much, he does put on a show and always has. THAT does not show up on a recording.

MT on the other hand sounds great- but he just stands around like a bump on a log............................

My vote is three guitars at once. Get rid of the 8,000 back-up folks and.................

don't give me that ole one two, one two three four