Comments, input and alterations are very welcome!
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Mean Disposition
(Mick Jagger / Keith Richards)

Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin, Ireland,
November 3 - December 11, 1993 and Don Was’ Private Studio &
A&M Recording Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, US,
January 15 - April 23, 1994

Mick Jagger - vocals
Keith Richards - electric guitar
Charlie Watts - drums
Ron Wood - electric guitar
Darryl Jones - acoustic bass
Chuck Leavell - piano

I'm getting wise to you, you're going to see
I'm going to work on you, the way you worked on me
I got a sharper aim and you're in my sights
If I'm going to go, I'm going in a blaze of lights
And in this crazy world of hit and run
There are no laws here, just a loaded gun

She's got a mean disposition, got a big shooter too
She's got a mean disposition, really make a mess, really make a mess out of you

I never close my eyes, I never sleep
I'm staying on my guard waiting for my flesh to creep
And I never trusted you and you never trusted me
But I'll do a deal with you, if you'll do a deal with me
For me the nightmare's only just begun
There is no law here, just a loaded gun

She's got a mean disposition, got a big shooter too
She's got a mean disposition, got a bad attitude
She's got a mean disposition, going to cut your half, going to cut your half in two

Yeah, I'm going to have to stand my ground like Crockett at the Alamo
I'm going to draw the line, one of us has got to go

She's got a mean disposition, got a big shooter too
She's got a mean disposition, got a bad attitude
She's got a mean disposition, going to make a mess out of you
She's got a mean disposition, going to cut your half, going to cut your half in two

Produced by Don Was & The Glimmer Twins

First released on:
The Rolling Stones - “Voodoo Lounge” CD
(Virgin Records CDV 2750) UK, July 11, 1994

One of the best VL-tracks, imo.

A different Stones rocker, gradually turning into a regular Stones rocker toward the ending

Different song but Muddy Waters
recorded a track titled Mean Disposition in 1948 ....



ROCKMAN

Great "Down The Road Apiece" groove, love it

one of the best stones song, fans miss lot of the good music as they are too busy putting the stones down,after all ITS ONLY ROCK-ROLL BUT I LIKE IT.

What a great way to end an album. This song takes my mind back to the early years.
The song would easily fit on a classic album like Now!

Just as long as the guitar plays, let it steal your heart away

One of these "Send it to Me"/"Neighbors"/"Hangfire"/"Don't wanna go home" boogie tracks, instant gratification, the exact opposite of say..."Gimme Shelter" that it took me years to fully appreciate. I'm a sucker for them but it's a bit hard to understand how they can spend their precious time on stuff like that...as Mick admitted to the R&F interviewer who had the nerve to point it out in December 1981, "these tracks are easy to do" ;-)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-11-05 12:16 by gotdablouse.

There is an important part of the song that is different from the boogie tracks, though - quite inventive, really.

"And in this crazy world of hit and run...".

Cool riff and nice melody line, imo.

I have never payed much attention to it. When listening to VOODOO LOUNGE I am so tired by then when this song finally comes, so the song escapes my mind and leave no trace.

But listening to it now - thanks to Rene - it is a nice throwaway song. It has a nice classical rock and roll groove going on. Yeah, The Stones very rarely do this kind of old time 50's rock and roll, so it positively stands out. Being a rough demo it is, and probably took two minutes to 'write', is probably okay. A typical VOODOO LOUNGE retro number, with no substance, and probably wouldn't have made any album prior to it (another form of 'let's do EXILE again'), but still I think it is among the best tracks in the album (a kind of sad thing to say, as seeing a rough demo like "Had It With You" being about the best thing in DIRTY WORK). But it is a typical VOODOO LOUNGE track also in that sense that it pleases ears first, but wouldn't stand many listenings.

So to preserve that good feeling I had while listening to it through now, I will not listen it for some time now...

- Doxa



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012-11-05 12:27 by Doxa.

It's got a nice bluesy groove going on there. A solid album track ("deep cut") from the VL album.

Oh, and it has aged pretty well: it receives more plays today than when the album was new.

Quote
Doxa
I have never payed much attention to it. When listening to VOODOO LOUNGE I am so tired by then when this song finally comes, so the song escapes my mind and leave no trace.

But listening to it now - thanks to Rene - it is a nice throwaway song. It has a nice classical rock and roll groove going on. Yeah, The Stones very rarely do this kind of old time 50's rock and roll, so it positively stands out. Being a rough demo it is, and probably took two minutes to 'write', is probably okay. A typical VOODOO LOUNGE retro number, with no substance, and probably wouldn't have made any album prior to it (another form of 'let's do EXILE again'), but still I think it is among the best tracks in the album. But it is a typical VOODOO LOUNGE track also in that sense that it pleases ears first, but wouldn't stand many listenings.

So to preserve that good feeling I had while listening it to through now, I will not listen it for some time now...

- Doxa

I know what you mean, but personally I love a good Stones-jam when I hear one.

This song gives me the same feeling of spontanity as I get from other no-brain, but swinging jams like Hide Your Love, Turd On The Run, Silver Train, Short And Curlies, Had It With You, Tie You Up, Black Limousine, Summer Romance and others.

When the train starts rolling, you just gotta smile - never mind the profundity

I cannot find any redeeming qualities to this one at all. No melody, no appeal to Jagger's performance, no interesting guitars or drumming, depressing lyrics.

An utter throwaway, to my ears.

Drew

This is a superb grooving little rocker. Nothing truly special in the songwriting section. What makes it special, for once, is the production. It has the refined delicacy of Keith's recent productions. The band is allowed to perform. Jagger sings without showing off, vocals sunk in the mix, great guitar sound, they left a good 1.20 minutes of instrumental jam that alone is worth the price of the CD and, may I add a special mention for Chuck and Jones. No wonder Watts shines on this.

C



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-11-05 12:34 by liddas.

"This song gives me the same feeling of spontanity as I get from other no-brain, but swinging jams like Hide Your Love, Turd On The Run, Silver Train, Short And Curlies, Had It With You, Tie You Up, Black Limousine, Summer Romance and others."

Yes, I feel the same. I love these kind of grooves, nobody can do it better.

Quote
billwebster
Oh, and it has aged pretty well: it receives more plays today than when the album was new.

I agree here. The groove and the retro-sounding, lightful guitars and all - especially solo - are more ear-pleasing than the one-dimensional forced riff-monster rockers a'la "I Go Wild" or "You Got Me Rocking". Lyrically as scheisse as them all...

Not that the song has a straight airbridge all the way to "Down The Road Apiece", "You Can't Catch Me", etc. I think there is a also a bit of that slight 'rock-a-billy' period of the late 70's/early 80's, when they borrowed (originally) that stuff to some of their rockers at the time ("Claudine", "Neighbours", "She's So Cold", "She Was Hot", etc.). Though they are more straight 'retro'and less original here, this is a bastard son of one of those Pathe Marconi specialities they experimented at the time.

- Doxa

I'm exactly with Doxa on this. The second half of Voodoo Lounge is so poor that I'm either asleep or just turn the CD off half way through. But yeah, it's kinda OK. Lightweight and rockaday b-side material.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-11-05 13:42 by Silver Dagger.

Quote
Doxa
The groove and the retro-sounding, lightful guitars and all - especially solo - are more ear-pleasing than the one-dimensional forced riff-monster rockers a'la "I Go Wild" or "You Got Me Rocking".

- Doxa

I'm sorry Doxa, but I couldn't disagree more. The glorious guitar-work in those tracks, and the way Charlie wraps his drumming around those guitars, and the way Jagger pours his heart into the lyrics, is precisely what makes those tracks so special (to me), as opposed to the plodding and joyless sound of this one.

Drew

Without:

Suck On The Jugular
Blinded By Rainbows
Thru And Thru
Sweethearts Together
I Go Wild

it could have been a more than decent album, imo.

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Doxa
I have never payed much attention to it. When listening to VOODOO LOUNGE I am so tired by then when this song finally comes, so the song escapes my mind and leave no trace.

But listening to it now - thanks to Rene - it is a nice throwaway song. It has a nice classical rock and roll groove going on. Yeah, The Stones very rarely do this kind of old time 50's rock and roll, so it positively stands out. Being a rough demo it is, and probably took two minutes to 'write', is probably okay. A typical VOODOO LOUNGE retro number, with no substance, and probably wouldn't have made any album prior to it (another form of 'let's do EXILE again'), but still I think it is among the best tracks in the album. But it is a typical VOODOO LOUNGE track also in that sense that it pleases ears first, but wouldn't stand many listenings.

So to preserve that good feeling I had while listening it to through now, I will not listen it for some time now...

- Doxa

I know what you mean, but personally I love a good Stones-jam when I hear one.

This song gives me the same feeling of spontanity as I get from other no-brain, but swinging jams like Hide Your Love, Turd On The Run, Silver Train, Short And Curlies, Had It With You, Tie You Up, Black Limousine, Summer Romance and others.

When the train starts rolling, you just gotta smile - never mind the profundity

I get you what you say, and I wholeheartidly agree. It is that spontaneity that works here - the band 'just' jams and let it roll. It was actually that I have forgotten, or hadn't paid much attention prior. It is like: if you have a band like this, and that kind of unique chemistry, just leave the brains out and just let it go... (another example of 'kids, don't try this at home!'). One can only imagine how much the old teddy boy Keith Richards is enjoying there.

It is basically the chorus why I have never liked very much of this song (that's the thing I do recall). The melodic hook with the guitars giving it a support just don't sound very good... it is a bit... hmmm.. odd-sounding.

- Doxa

Quote
Doxa

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Doxa
I have never payed much attention to it. When listening to VOODOO LOUNGE I am so tired by then when this song finally comes, so the song escapes my mind and leave no trace.

But listening to it now - thanks to Rene - it is a nice throwaway song. It has a nice classical rock and roll groove going on. Yeah, The Stones very rarely do this kind of old time 50's rock and roll, so it positively stands out. Being a rough demo it is, and probably took two minutes to 'write', is probably okay. A typical VOODOO LOUNGE retro number, with no substance, and probably wouldn't have made any album prior to it (another form of 'let's do EXILE again'), but still I think it is among the best tracks in the album. But it is a typical VOODOO LOUNGE track also in that sense that it pleases ears first, but wouldn't stand many listenings.

So to preserve that good feeling I had while listening it to through now, I will not listen it for some time now...

- Doxa

I know what you mean, but personally I love a good Stones-jam when I hear one.

This song gives me the same feeling of spontanity as I get from other no-brain, but swinging jams like Hide Your Love, Turd On The Run, Silver Train, Short And Curlies, Had It With You, Tie You Up, Black Limousine, Summer Romance and others.

When the train starts rolling, you just gotta smile - never mind the profundity

I get you what you say, and I wholeheartidly agree. It is that spontaneity that works here - the band 'just' jams and let it roll. It was actually that I have forgotten, or hadn't paid much attention prior. It is like: if you have a band like this, and that kind of unique chemistry, just leave the brains out and just let it go... (another example of 'kids, don't try this at home!'). One can only imagine how much the old teddy boy Keith Richards is enjoying there.

It is basically the chorus why I have never liked very much of this song (that's the thing I do recall). The melodic hook with the guitars giving it a support just don't sound very good... it is a bit... hmmm.. odd-sounding.

- Doxa

You might be thinking of the bridge? The chorus is: "...She's got a Meeaaan Disposition..."

Quote
Doxa
The melodic hook with the guitars giving it a support just don't sound very good... it is a bit... hmmm.. odd-sounding.

- Doxa

Now THAT I agree with! The old-fashioned rockabilly swing clashes with the spiteful lyrics, IMO.

Drew

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Doxa

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Doxa
I have never payed much attention to it. When listening to VOODOO LOUNGE I am so tired by then when this song finally comes, so the song escapes my mind and leave no trace.

But listening to it now - thanks to Rene - it is a nice throwaway song. It has a nice classical rock and roll groove going on. Yeah, The Stones very rarely do this kind of old time 50's rock and roll, so it positively stands out. Being a rough demo it is, and probably took two minutes to 'write', is probably okay. A typical VOODOO LOUNGE retro number, with no substance, and probably wouldn't have made any album prior to it (another form of 'let's do EXILE again'), but still I think it is among the best tracks in the album. But it is a typical VOODOO LOUNGE track also in that sense that it pleases ears first, but wouldn't stand many listenings.

So to preserve that good feeling I had while listening it to through now, I will not listen it for some time now...

- Doxa

I know what you mean, but personally I love a good Stones-jam when I hear one.

This song gives me the same feeling of spontanity as I get from other no-brain, but swinging jams like Hide Your Love, Turd On The Run, Silver Train, Short And Curlies, Had It With You, Tie You Up, Black Limousine, Summer Romance and others.

When the train starts rolling, you just gotta smile - never mind the profundity

I get you what you say, and I wholeheartidly agree. It is that spontaneity that works here - the band 'just' jams and let it roll. It was actually that I have forgotten, or hadn't paid much attention prior. It is like: if you have a band like this, and that kind of unique chemistry, just leave the brains out and just let it go... (another example of 'kids, don't try this at home!'). One can only imagine how much the old teddy boy Keith Richards is enjoying there.

It is basically the chorus why I have never liked very much of this song (that's the thing I do recall). The melodic hook with the guitars giving it a support just don't sound very good... it is a bit... hmmm.. odd-sounding.

- Doxa

You might be thinking of the bridge? The chorus is: "...She's got a Meeaaan Disposition..."

No no! It is exactly that. From that on the song go obscure until hits the basic groove again. To me it sounds like: let's put something different here so that the song is not just a basic rock and roll jam groove.. but unfortunately to my ears that 'trick' doesn't work (but for example, in "She Was Hot" or "Star Star" it does work).

- Doxa



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-11-05 13:18 by Doxa.

Quote
Doxa

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Doxa

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DandelionPowderman

Quote
Doxa
I have never payed much attention to it. When listening to VOODOO LOUNGE I am so tired by then when this song finally comes, so the song escapes my mind and leave no trace.

But listening to it now - thanks to Rene - it is a nice throwaway song. It has a nice classical rock and roll groove going on. Yeah, The Stones very rarely do this kind of old time 50's rock and roll, so it positively stands out. Being a rough demo it is, and probably took two minutes to 'write', is probably okay. A typical VOODOO LOUNGE retro number, with no substance, and probably wouldn't have made any album prior to it (another form of 'let's do EXILE again'), but still I think it is among the best tracks in the album. But it is a typical VOODOO LOUNGE track also in that sense that it pleases ears first, but wouldn't stand many listenings.

So to preserve that good feeling I had while listening it to through now, I will not listen it for some time now...

- Doxa

I know what you mean, but personally I love a good Stones-jam when I hear one.

This song gives me the same feeling of spontanity as I get from other no-brain, but swinging jams like Hide Your Love, Turd On The Run, Silver Train, Short And Curlies, Had It With You, Tie You Up, Black Limousine, Summer Romance and others.

When the train starts rolling, you just gotta smile - never mind the profundity

I get you what you say, and I wholeheartidly agree. It is that spontaneity that works here - the band 'just' jams and let it roll. It was actually that I have forgotten, or hadn't paid much attention prior. It is like: if you have a band like this, and that kind of unique chemistry, just leave the brains out and just let it go... (another example of 'kids, don't try this at home!'). One can only imagine how much the old teddy boy Keith Richards is enjoying there.

It is basically the chorus why I have never liked very much of this song (that's the thing I do recall). The melodic hook with the guitars giving it a support just don't sound very good... it is a bit... hmmm.. odd-sounding.

- Doxa

You might be thinking of the bridge? The chorus is: "...She's got a Meeaaan Disposition..."

No no! It is exactly that. From that on the song go obscure until hits the basic groove again. To me it sounds like: let's put something different here so that the song is not just a basic rock and roll jam groove.. but unfortunately to my ears that 'trick' doesn't work (but for example, in "She Was Hot" or "Star Star" it does work).

- Doxa

The "trick" starts with the bridge "And in this crazy world of hit and run..." (this is the part where the guitars are supporting the vocal melody line), and then the chorus kicks in: "She's got a meeaaaan disposition, got a big shooter, too...".

I get what you're saying, but I kinda like that twist, and I think Jagger sings magnificently on this track.

EDIT: In fact, I'm putting it on right now



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-11-05 13:23 by DandelionPowderman.

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Doxa

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Doxa

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Doxa
I have never payed much attention to it. When listening to VOODOO LOUNGE I am so tired by then when this song finally comes, so the song escapes my mind and leave no trace.

But listening to it now - thanks to Rene - it is a nice throwaway song. It has a nice classical rock and roll groove going on. Yeah, The Stones very rarely do this kind of old time 50's rock and roll, so it positively stands out. Being a rough demo it is, and probably took two minutes to 'write', is probably okay. A typical VOODOO LOUNGE retro number, with no substance, and probably wouldn't have made any album prior to it (another form of 'let's do EXILE again'), but still I think it is among the best tracks in the album. But it is a typical VOODOO LOUNGE track also in that sense that it pleases ears first, but wouldn't stand many listenings.

So to preserve that good feeling I had while listening it to through now, I will not listen it for some time now...

- Doxa

I know what you mean, but personally I love a good Stones-jam when I hear one.

This song gives me the same feeling of spontanity as I get from other no-brain, but swinging jams like Hide Your Love, Turd On The Run, Silver Train, Short And Curlies, Had It With You, Tie You Up, Black Limousine, Summer Romance and others.

When the train starts rolling, you just gotta smile - never mind the profundity

I get you what you say, and I wholeheartidly agree. It is that spontaneity that works here - the band 'just' jams and let it roll. It was actually that I have forgotten, or hadn't paid much attention prior. It is like: if you have a band like this, and that kind of unique chemistry, just leave the brains out and just let it go... (another example of 'kids, don't try this at home!'). One can only imagine how much the old teddy boy Keith Richards is enjoying there.

It is basically the chorus why I have never liked very much of this song (that's the thing I do recall). The melodic hook with the guitars giving it a support just don't sound very good... it is a bit... hmmm.. odd-sounding.

- Doxa

You might be thinking of the bridge? The chorus is: "...She's got a Meeaaan Disposition..."

No no! It is exactly that. From that on the song go obscure until hits the basic groove again. To me it sounds like: let's put something different here so that the song is not just a basic rock and roll jam groove.. but unfortunately to my ears that 'trick' doesn't work (but for example, in "She Was Hot" or "Star Star" it does work).

- Doxa

The "trick" starts with the bridge "And in this crazy world of hit and run..." (this is the part where the guitars are supporting the vocal melody line), and then the chorus kicks in: "She's got a meeaaaan disposition, got a big shooter, too...".

I get what you're saying, but I kinda like that twist, and I think Jagger sings magnificently on this track.

Okay, you are right.... that's where the trick starts, and my ears start 'suffering'...><

Damn you, I need to listen the song again!

- Doxa



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-11-05 13:27 by Doxa.

It's even more "rockabilly" than I recalled

To me, this has always been the ultimate example of the word 'filler'.

This inspired me to rediscover some of the latter day albums.

IMO, Steel Wheels is the best of the lot, hands down. There is much more creditbility even in Sad Sad Sad, than in later rockers. Continental Drift, Terrifying and Almost Hear You Sigh show a band still caring for exploring music.

Quote
DandelionPowderman
Without:

Suck On The Jugular
Blinded By Rainbows
Thru And Thru
Sweethearts Together
I Go Wild

it could have been a more than decent album, imo.

Thru And Thru - especially the psyched out alternate 10 minute take is one of the most forward and modern sounding songs the Stones have done in the last 30 years. Check it out while driving in the early hours and you should get that real spooked out feel. It's an amazing track.

Mean Disposition is a fine track, IMO....one of the few RS songs from the 90s that "swings"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-11-05 17:28 by Erik_Snow.

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Silver Dagger

Quote
DandelionPowderman
Without:

Suck On The Jugular
Blinded By Rainbows
Thru And Thru
Sweethearts Together
I Go Wild

it could have been a more than decent album, imo.

Thru And Thru - especially the psyched out alternate 10 minute take is one of the most forward and modern sounding songs the Stones have done in the last 30 years. Check it out while driving in the early hours and you should get that real spooked out feel. It's an amazing track.

I agree, but I find the album version somewhat dragging, even when we are being "woken up" by the bang in there

I loved the 2003 live version, though.