The most problematic aspect of the Rolling Stones’ discography is that an early business decision resulted in Allen Klein’s obtaining control of their ‘60s publishing. Accordingly, the Stones made a point of keeping those songs off concert recordings which is why the only official live album with Mick Taylor on it (Ya-Ya’s) was under their Decca contract when Taylor had only just joined. The full capabilities of that group as a live unit are not documented on any recording you can legally buy. This version of “Midnight Rambler” was recorded during a tour of Europe promoting Goats Head Soup, which is generally considered the beginning of a steep artistic decline and the point at which Keith Richards’ heroin use was making audible inroads on his ability to function. Nevertheless, this rendition of “Rambler” is over 13 minutes long, although its tempo is double that of any officially released version. Keith cues every part of it, including what Jagger does. You can tell that Keith’s guitar is all Charlie Watts hears in his monitor. Mick Taylor plays banshee slide over the top. It bears reminding that the Stones were a specifically musical phenomenon and their mystique was the tail of that comet.
Note: For Advent, 25 secular essays about 25 songs, one per day from Dec. 1 through Dec. 25. Each essay is exactly 200 words long.
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