Listening to the studio version and noticed for the first time that there's two, not just one, harmonica fighting to be heard on the track.

There's the 1st harmonica which is in background in the centre of the mix, it sounds as if they tried to mix it out completely, but it bled on to another mic. Then at approx 2 minutes in to the track a 2nd harmonica enters on the right speaker. The 2nd harmonica sounds more close mic'd and intentionally there, it's just mixed low.

Interesting that two different takes of harmonica still never really made it to the final mix in any significant way. Oh to find an alternative mix in which they are a lot more present.

Interesting also, atleast to me, because this means there are two tracks on Beggars Banquet, Parachute Woman and Prodigal Son, which have two different harmonica takes on them.





Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2012-02-22 01:39 by His Majesty.

You're absolutely right, His Majesty. It's really haunting and makes this great song even greater in my opinion. I've often wondered if it's so far down in the mix because the Stones/producer/engineer consciously desired the effect. If so, it's inspired. Early 'subliminal' country blues!

There is the iconic phrase "more cowbell." I feel the same way about the Stones and the harmonica. As far as I'm concerned Jagger can play harmonica all he wants. In one of my daydreams I hear harmonica closing out MLMile. Taylor's on stage as well.

That's one of the things that make me love Beggars Banquet. It's full of those really subtle things. There's a ton of instruments on it, but only some of them are up front. There's lots of mysterious things buried in the mix, in a good way. Sometimes it's hard to even know what kind of instruments they are, like the oooing flute sound on Jig-Saw Puzzle and the stuff at the end of Street Fighting Man. Took me years to realize that there's a mandolin mellotron sound on Factory Girl.

Makes it more exciting on headphones and makes repeated listens more rewarding.

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His Majesty
There's the 1st harmonica which is in background in the centre of the mix, it sounds as if they tried to mix it out completely, but it bled on to another mic. Then at approx 2 minutes in to the track a 2nd harmonica enters on the right speaker. The 2nd harmonica sounds more close mic'd and intentionally there, it's just mixed low.

Are both tracks Jones on harmonica?

Mathijs

I'm listening very close here to the entire Beggar's and I'm not satisfied with the drumming... it have never happened before...must been something I have been eating..time to leave the building for today...

2 1 2 0

Mathijs, I believe it is Mick on harmonica. I recall reading that in It's Only Rock and Roll...or another reference book.

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whitem8
Mathijs, I believe it is Mick on harmonica. I recall reading that in It's Only Rock and Roll...or another reference book.

Books etc often get this stuff wrong.

Hard to say for certain, but it sounds like Brian to me, atleast the harmonica in the centre of the mix.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-02-24 13:52 by His Majesty.

Yeah, so true, but doesn't it sound like Jagger's style? I think it does.

I actually never doubted it is Brian on harmonica.

Mathijs

Actually, Mathijs I think you are right! It is Brian! I just listened again in headphones and man it really sounds like his trade mark harp riffs... good call.

What about the 2nd harmonica in right speaker?

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Mathijs

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His Majesty
There's the 1st harmonica which is in background in the centre of the mix, it sounds as if they tried to mix it out completely, but it bled on to another mic. Then at approx 2 minutes in to the track a 2nd harmonica enters on the right speaker. The 2nd harmonica sounds more close mic'd and intentionally there, it's just mixed low.

Are both tracks Jones on harmonica?

Mathijs

My question exactly. I was reading through this thread wondering whether there was any possibility that was the case--so I'm glad you posited that. Because I would have been hesitant to actually suggest it, even tho thinking it. Any chance Brian recorded first, then Mick re-recorded, and ultimately the decision was just made to turn it way down in the mix?

- swiss

What with Mick most likley doing vocals during the recording of the basic track, Brian playing harmonica during the same take makes sense. The 2nd harmonica which enters at approx two minutes sounds more restrained in comparison to the 1st harmonica, but at same time it's low in the mix and doesn't appear for long enough to really pick up on anything that strongly suggests whether it's Brian or Mick.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-02-25 16:43 by His Majesty.