Looking forward to reading it!

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TravelinMan

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Mathijs

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TravelinMan

One of the best quotes here is by Jimmy Miller: "The riff for Ventilator Blues was written by Taylor. It is such a great riff that it kept me awake a couple nights just thinking about it."

But, according his own words: 'I got a credit on Ventilator Blues, which I had nothing to do with'.

Mathijs

From 1974:

The only actual composer credit Taylor has ever received with the Stones was as the third party on 'Ventilator Blues' off of Exile.

"That was mostly Keith really, that album. The riff for that particular song was mine. Actually I've written quite a few songs with the band — Keith and I did a couple in France that were never recorded."

Keith Richards took the riff and developed it into a song, but he did the honorable thing and ensured Taylor received a writing credit for his riff. I think Taylor felt he had more to do with the composition of other songs which he wasn't credited for.

The issue with Taylor is that many of his statements conflict each other. With Nick Kent he stated he got a credit for Ventilator Blues but that he got nothing to do with it. Later on he claims he wrote the riff. He also stated that many of the musicians credits on the album were wrong and that he played on a lot more songs. He states Sway was all Mick's song, but he also claims he should have received a credit. Same with Moonlight Mile. Time Waits For No One -the one time he claims that was already written, done within two takes as the first track in the studio, but later he claims he should have received a credit as a writer.

Mathijs

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Mathijs

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TravelinMan

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Mathijs

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TravelinMan

One of the best quotes here is by Jimmy Miller: "The riff for Ventilator Blues was written by Taylor. It is such a great riff that it kept me awake a couple nights just thinking about it."

But, according his own words: 'I got a credit on Ventilator Blues, which I had nothing to do with'.

Mathijs

From 1974:

The only actual composer credit Taylor has ever received with the Stones was as the third party on 'Ventilator Blues' off of Exile.

"That was mostly Keith really, that album. The riff for that particular song was mine. Actually I've written quite a few songs with the band — Keith and I did a couple in France that were never recorded."

Keith Richards took the riff and developed it into a song, but he did the honorable thing and ensured Taylor received a writing credit for his riff. I think Taylor felt he had more to do with the composition of other songs which he wasn't credited for.

The issue with Taylor is that many of his statements conflict each other. With Nick Kent he stated he got a credit for Ventilator Blues but that he got nothing to do with it. Later on he claims he wrote the riff. He also stated that many of the musicians credits on the album were wrong and that he played on a lot more songs. He states Sway was all Mick's song, but he also claims he should have received a credit. Same with Moonlight Mile. Time Waits For No One -the one time he claims that was already written, done within two takes as the first track in the studio, but later he claims he should have received a credit as a writer.

Mathijs

The original Nick Kent article I shared was in 1974 and MT said it was his riff, but followed it up Exile being "mainly Keith". Which we all agree with as Keith tweaked a lot of songs as the studio was in his basement. I think KR turned Taylor's riff into something he didn't imagine; the layered guitars and walk-down part is phenomenal and showcases why KR was—dare I say—a Rock n Rock songwriting "genius". It's like the Jay-Z quote: "You made it a hot line, I made it a hot song."

IMO the difference between KR and MJ is KR would give credit where he felt it was due, while MJ seemed to be a bit more stingy. KR didn't need the help of other musicians to write or finish songs. His output from the mid-60's to late 70's is really a master class of craftsmanship in the art of songwriting and arranging. Sure, there were songs that were definitely Jagger + (insert musician here) creations (Winter and 100 Years come to mind), but the most memorable stuff seems to originate with KR. That's just my take.

Not to get off track, but Time Waits For No One is an interesting one. In the Stones Gear Book, Taylor said it was done in the first or second take and the solo was live off the floor—which I believe because there are one or two notes which aren't cleanly picked but add to it's charm. Sort of like Can't You Hear Me Knocking. Taylor said he overdubbed with the Hi-FLi an octave down and layered some of his ascending riff passage. It was MJ who said Taylor "added some passing chords". Taylor has alluded to the chords being something the Stones didn't use very often.

I think Time Waits For No One was worked out before they started rolling. That's how they seemed to work in the studio: rehearse until they got the structure down, and then roll tape.

Also, I think you nailed it when you said Taylor didn't use the Hi-Fli for the Time Waits solo. It appears he just used it to overdub and reinforce the interludes etc.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025-11-28 15:37 by TravelinMan.

Several great tunes from a CD never officially released.Some ended up on "a Stone's Throw". The most inspiring (instrumental) music ever released by a Rolling Stone to my taste. Reminds me of Jeff Beck in a way.

Special
Going To Mexico
Blind Willie McTell
Separately
Downtown Broadway
The Blue Note Shuffle
Red Shoes
Soliloquy
Separately (Instrumental Bonus Track)

Mick Taylor Blue Note Shuffle 1988

great this

[youtu.be]

What's on my mind right now regarding Taylor?

That it's his birthday tomorrow, and mine too!

I always make sure to play some loud taylor era tracks on 1/17



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026-01-17 04:12 by floodonthepage.

Only birthday wishes & season greetings on MickTaylorOfficial - [Facebook.com] .

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floodonthepage
What's on my mind right now regarding Taylor?

The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind.