Published on Jan 19, 2007
Back in the early ‘80s I remember being really freaked out by the Rolling Stones. I was mortified by their music videos, as the 11-year-old me found Mick Jagger completely disgusting. His bulging eyes and protruding lips, his sweaty form-fitting attire and his ridiculous posturing repelled me. And the drummer, Charlie Watts, looked as though he was falling asleep! To say I was instantly turned off by this band would have been an understatement.
Fast forward 25 years and you will find that things really haven’t changed much. But now at least I do know that they were on drugs when they made many of those early videos. It certainly explains the catatonic, slow-motion movements of the band members, making it seem as though they haven’t slept in weeks. I can’t help but wonder if rock musicians would even be able to function otherwise, let alone play effectively. Ah well, that’s the stuff legends are made of, I guess. As if anyone who subscribes to the adage “sex, drugs and rock & roll” and lives to tell about it deserves special recognition.
Out of the countless albums the Rolling Stones have released over their seemingly never-ending career, I only own three, and this is one. For a new wave aficionado, the title track is a definite must-have and includes the immortal line “I will be your knight in shining armor.” It is one of the only Rolling Stones songs to feature, albeit sparingly, a synthesizer. That is always a plus in my book. I also happen to like when Mick sings in an upper register. Not a lot of male singers can pull it off, but it suits his campy style.
Other highlights include a surprising Chuck Berry cover, “She’s So Cold,” and “Dance, Pt. 1,” both of which joined “Emotional Rescue” on the Billboard club play chart. There are also a pair of tracks that employ decidedly gay lyrics: the jangling rocker “Let Me Go” and “Where The Boys Go.” At one point, Mick even makes a sly reference to hanging out in gay bars and moving to the west side of town. If that doesn’t make one question Mick Jagger’s sexuality, nothing will…okay, maybe that “Dancing In The Street” duet with David Bowie from Live Aid was another not-so-subtle hint.
Never one to tip the scales too much in either direction, Mick balances things out with the understated ballad “Indian Girl,” and fellow Glimmer Twin Keith Richards counters with a slow tune of his own, “All About You.” Elsewhere you’ll find touches of reggae (“Send It To Me”), dark and grungy blues (“Down In The Hole”) and even a hippie anthem of sorts (“Summer Romance”).
There’s quite a lot to be found on Emotional Rescue, from its wide palette of musical styles to its creepy thermo-imaging artwork. Frankly, there hasn’t been another Rolling Stones album out there that I have even considered buying. For whatever reason, Emotional Rescue was the only one that ever piqued my interest. For the passing fan, Forty Licks should suffice, though I do recommend this one as well.
Of course, say what you will about their longevity and their ability to perform live, but the Rolling Stones are one band that I still would rather hear than see.