MusicFreaks

Tag: Covered In You

  • The Rolling Stones reflect on losing Amy Winehouse: “It was like saying goodbye to Billie Holiday again”

    The seismic shift caused by the loss of Amy Winehouse continues to resonate through music, prompting reflection from rock titans. As The Rolling Stones gear up for a new chapter, they are approaching their 25th studio effort, Foreign Tongues, with a depth and emotional resonance that touches on themes of memory, addiction, and enduring friendship.

    The upcoming album promises a rich tapestry of sound, featuring tracks like In The Stars and a cover of the iconic Winehouse classic, ‘You Know I’m No Good’. This project is particularly poignant as it brings together legendary musicians for an ambitious undertaking.

    Beyond the music itself, the announcement has sparked reflective conversations among the band members. Ronnie Wood, who was particularly close to Amy Winehouse, shared candid thoughts about her struggles and her talent. He reflected on the dichotomy of performance versus personal life:

    “She would go, ‘Oh, Ronnie, what am I going to do?’ I said, ‘Look, everyone knows you’ve got vodka in the water bottle. Get it together and get on stage.’ If you could get her up there [on stage] and she stayed there, it’d be great.”

    Keith Richards also shared his own feelings, expressing regret that he hadn’t gotten to know Winehouse better after their time on the Isle of Wight. He noted that while expectations often fail, records are indeed the place where true connections endure: “I’m just very glad and honoured to have played with her at least once.”

    The collaborative spirit continues to define the Stones’ new venture. Foreign Tongues is set to feature guest contributions from a constellation of musical greats, including Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood, and even the late drummer Charlie Watts.

    The dynamic between the Stones and McCartney, in particular, is highlighted by their work on the album. When Mick Jagger spoke about collaborating with McCartney, he revealed that the experience was remarkably easy. He explained how effortlessly they navigated the studio, recalling recording his part for the track “Covered In You” in the same session as “Bite My Head Off.”

    “It was very easy,” Jagger noted, discussing the smooth exchange between him and McCartney. He described how McCartney delivered exactly what was needed within minutes, demonstrating a seamless blend of experience and musical vision.

    This history of collaboration is deep-rooted, extending back to the 1960s when Paul McCartney and John Lennon helped shape the Stones’ early hits, and later, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones shared a stage in 1968. This long line of musical interplay shows that connections forged in performance can transcend time.

    The resulting album is not just a collection of songs; it is a vibrant tribute to musical legacy, weaving together the raw energy of rock with the poignant beauty of personal history and the magic of shared creative endeavor.

    Credit: NME

  • Mick Jagger on The Rolling Stones’ future: “I’m already writing for the next album”

    When a major interview is about to kick off, legend often finds himself in the chaotic backstage flurry, momentarily pausing his eternal reign. As we waited for an exclusive chat with Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, the legendary musician was nowhere to be seen. An aide informed us he was simply getting changed—a small moment highlighting that even rock royalty is subject to the mundane realities of preparation.

    This pause in the spotlight provided a perfect opportunity for reflection on the evolution of rock and the enduring appeal of cool. In considering what outfit Mick Jagger might choose for the cameras, the conversation naturally drifted toward fashion history. Could he reappear in the floaty Hyde Park blouse from Brian Jones’ tribute? Or perhaps one of his seventies sequined jumpsuits? The choice ultimately pointed toward something far more contemporary: a smart, spotty shirt paired with a tailored leather blazer—a look embraced by Hollywood’s Gen-Z elite. This suggests an ethos that remains modern and relevant, yet steeped in timeless cool.

    That sense of creative flexibility is perfectly embodied in The Rolling Stones’ latest offering, the album Foreign Tongues. Recorded across London, Los Angeles, New York, and the Bahamas over several years, this twenty-fifth studio effort functions as a brilliantly souped-up greatest hits compilation. It invigorates the band’s classic sounds—R&B, rock, country, soul, funk, punk, and disco—with Jagger’s witty commentary on modern life and love. The album manages to be nostalgic yet topical; familiar while fresh.

    Jagger reflects on where the Stones began, noting that when they started, they were a blues band. While Brian Jones was a purist, he admitted that Keith and he never adhered strictly to rigid genre boundaries. Their taste spanned all kinds of pop music, starting with early singles like ‘The Last Time,’ which was essentially a copy of a gospel song.

    Looking back at the history of rock interviews, Jagger recalls how quickly the landscape changed. When NME first began focusing on music in 1964, it was famous for liking everything, offering broad, often lenient reviews. Over time, however, the publication became known for being wonderfully rude—a place where only obscure and unconventional voices were truly heard.

    When asked about their place in that evolving scene, Jagger observed that The Rolling Stones navigated many difficult times, acknowledging that they weren’t fashionable simply because they were new to NME’s eyes. He admitted that in those early exchanges, there wasn’t always much care taken; opinions could be harsh, sometimes terribly so, though he does insist he spoke the truth. For instance, in one interview from 1974, he called his debut single ‘Come On’ “pretty bad.”

    The dynamic within the band was equally complex. Discussions touched upon famous rivals like The Beatles, with Jagger playfully dismissing them as “blasé and bigheaded.” Yet, the creative process itself was a fascinating blend of egos and collaboration. For example, on Foreign Tongues, Robert Smith of The Cure contributed synths to ‘Never Gonna Lose You,’ while Paul McCartney provided an exceptionally groovy funk bass line for the track ‘Covered In You.’

    In these sessions, Jagger recounted how easily musicians melted into one another’s territory. When Chad Smith of the Chili Peppers played on a cover, there was a playful sense of disruption in the studio—even pulling in guest spots for artists like Bruno Mars to play cowbell.

    The Stones’ legacy continues to evolve, incorporating new sounds and perspectives. Jagger is currently very open-minded about writing material for other artists, suggesting that inspiration flows freely regardless of genre. He recently pointed toward newer acts, noting his appreciation for the vibe and grooves found in Sam Fender’s music, which carries a reflective quality rooted in personal experience.

    Despite the passage of time—and even the passing of those he missed, like Charlie Watts—Jagger remains fiercely invested in the future of music. He expressed enthusiasm for live performances, admitting that despite the challenge of stadium tours, he would say yes to heading back to Glastonbury again. He looks forward to seeing how the Stones continue their journey, hopeful that new creative avenues, perhaps even a residency model, will allow them to keep moving forward.

    Credit: NME