1969. The sound, the choppy playing on Altamont (everything is right), the solos, the songs he wrote that year, the way he played melodies and riffs. Everything. Although 1977 is one I prefer (El Mocambo) I have to say 1969 if you listen to his playing.

Between 1977 and 1983. Raunchy weaving with Ron and lots of heroin with the president. MEZ


and Ay ay baby it hurts

Manhattan you stole my and Ay ay baby it hurts!

And Ay ay baby it hurts

but yeah 77-83 are good years indeedio

1967 - 1972, 1981, 1997

When Keith wants he's good every year despite his fingers

lol im still waiting for his best year...have to say 69 to 72...and dont forget 1964

Sofar 2006. And please put the smack romantizisin up where it belong

That would be the the arm!

The cat aint never had a bad year. He is Rock'n'Roll personified...

JR

1969-1973

x



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2006-12-05 21:46 by Beelyboy.

1989/90...listen to Holdon to your hat, Sympathy live...WOW!!

1965/66

69

Hands down.... not even close....

The zenith of Keith's playing was the Forty Licks Tour 2003.... every song was a concert in itself. Keith put new meaning into the term "Rhythm" Guitar, dominating the rhythm of the stones like no other guitarist I can think of has led the rhythm of their band....

For that matter it was the zenith of Keith & Woody as a duo, and overall the very best tour the band ever had, certainly from the standpoint of complex musicianship and complete "song development".... granted 1972 was a "faster" concert, but 40 Licks was just more complete.

"It's just that demon life has got me in it's sway..."



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2006-02-27 10:18 by BornOnTheBayou.

Really Born on the Bayou?!?!

I really like the licks tour, much better than the B2B IMO but i don't think it capured his best playing.
I think Keith is one of the best thythem players but since '89 he doesn't really plays real rhythem guitar like he used to do. If you listen to the '69 concerts or '72 he is really playing some awesome rhythem on songs like Gimme Shelter. In the late seventies and early eighties he played some great rhythem but some more lead style due to the weaving with Ronnie, awesome again. Since '89 he is playing more fills and leads then the pure rhythem of the song wich everyone follows.

Yesterday i was listening to the bbc sessions and rolling stones now and Keith is just on fire on Dow the Road Apiece!!!! So it is just to difficult to say what year he is at his best because he is almost always great. Still, after all those years the man has detoriated a bit of course but i'll take his playing over every other guitarist that has become "famous" is the last 25 years!!!!

Cheers,
Wuudy

keith is the Man!! the best time is the next time

1969
1972/73
1978
1981/81

1970. Listen to Europe bootlegs and Keith just lets it rip on Roll Over, Beethoven, Let It Rock, and Little Queenie. He was on fire and musically the star of the band. He was a junkie in '70 but the effects of the heroin didn't make themselves known until '71. I mean, look at the Marquee show - Keith looks like some dirty busker from the back of Kings Cross station!

"The wonder of Jimi Hendrix was that he could stand up at all he was so pumped full of drugs." Patsy, Patsy Stone

1971

While I think Keith has had some stronger periods where his playing if extra hot, the guy has never been off his game. His playing in recent years has changed cuz of his hands I think. To hear cut Keith cut it loose on a good night is still a revelation. That's why I still go hear the Stones. When Keith brings his A game the band always gets on board for the ride and those in the audience lucky to be there get a real treat. He is what rock and roll guitar is all about. We are lucky to get to hear him after all of thse years.

Let's not forget the '75 tour. After Taylor left and Wood join the band, he seemed rejuvenated. Of course, I don't think he's really ever had a bad year. The Stones hiatus during the '80s even seemed to have a positive effect on him.Being a frontman for the Winos and working with Chuck Berry.