The Rolling Stones 2020 vinyl reboot of Goats Heads Soup comes with a second album of rarities and alternative mixes.
Although Mick Jagger and Jimmy Page differ over where they recorded the recently unearthed Scarlet perhaps they can agree that Page’s sweet tones and funky groove (which is all over the track) would have given the original 1973 album a shot in the arm. Despite the demo not being recorded until the following year, it fits this collection seamlessly.
When you add a classic Mick n’ Keef chorus it’s fair to say we have a cut that could stand up with the best of the Stones work during the period. Let’s hope Scarlet finds its way into their set-list when normal service resumes with a guest spot somewhere down the line from Mr Page.
All The Rage highlights the infectious chemistry of Richards and Taylor with some classic strutting energy from Jagger that recalls previous album Exile On Main Street. Criss Cross is a typical sleazy rocker of the era with its reference to a blood transfusion tapping into Keef mythology.
Had these three cuts made the original album GHS would perhaps be referred to with the same reverence as their previous four records. Like those album’s the 1973 long-player was the last to be produced by Jimmy Miller, another of many key Stones associates appearing on the record. The piano demo of 100 Years Ago has shades of Ruby Tuesday, it also recalls Waterboy Mick Scott’s puckish piano demos for This Is The Sea. Heartbreaker showcases the additional players such as Bobby Keys, Nicky Hopkins and Ian Stewart, the instrumental is worth the admission price alone.
Never a favourite album of critics and widely seen as the start of a decline perhaps GHS has been harshly judged. The 2020 reboot with new stereo mixes by Giles Martin is an undoubted treat for vinyl fans.
Housed in a cracking gatefold, David Bailey’s yellow cover is more dynamic, a glam looking Mick Jagger under a veil was perhaps influenced by Bowie’s striking Aladdin Sane sleeve earlier in the year. At last, we can hear this amazing collection of musicians on a beautiful mix of Coming Down Again thanks to Martin and mastering engineer Emily Lazar.
Keith’s dastardly riff on Dancing With Mr D dabbling with Mick Taylor’s slide has never sounded better. Winter is largely the work of Jagger and Taylor, the former Stones guitarist really should have been given a credit for his work here, the lush strings on this classic torn and frayed ballad are destined to heat up a few cold nights before the end of 2020. Taylor does get a writing credit for Criss Cross, his melodic style was a boon to the Stones during this period.
Goats Head Soup only enhances his reputation further.
