MusicFreaks

Tag: You Know I’m No Good

  • The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards describes America as “a bit of a disappointment at the moment”

    When rock legends speak, they often touch upon the pulse of the nation, filtering complex political realities through the lens of history and melody. For The Rolling Stones, this reflection on the American experience has recently taken a particularly poignant turn.

    Guitarist Keith Richards has offered a candid assessment of the current climate, describing America as “a bit of a disappointment at the moment”. This commentary surfaces as the band prepares to release their upcoming album, ‘Foreign Tongues‘, prompting a deeper look at what it means to hold onto an idealized vision amidst contemporary social and political unrest.

    The conversation touches upon more than just headlines; it delves into a nostalgic love affair with the nation. While Richards acknowledges the presence of wonderful immigrant stories over the last twelve months, he also points toward concerns regarding the decline of the American Empire, questioning issues of imperial overreach and the pervasive lobbying system.

    The sentiment is echoed by frontman Mick Jagger, who spoke about the inspiration behind tracks like ‘Ringing Hollow‘. He reflected that while not solely about a specific political figure, the song centers on general American experiences and asks profound questions about identity and power structures.

    “The American Dream is intact for some people,” Jagger noted, “but we read about the decline of the American Empire. It’s not the same at all.”

    Adding a layer of contemporary urgency to this historical reflection is the concern over economic strain. Richards highlighted how pressing financial worries—like rising gas prices—are felt by ordinary people, serving as a stark reminder that systemic issues extend beyond political rhetoric.

    The band’s engagement with the political sphere has not been passive. Over the last decade, The Rolling Stones have navigated difficult waters, engaging in public discussions regarding climate change and political actions. This history includes clashes with prominent figures, such as a dispute over the use of their music by Donald Trump.

    In 2019, Jagger made pointed comments about environmental control, expressing frustration that regulations meant to protect the environment had been rolled back by the current administration. He voiced the belief that the U.S. should be a world leader in environmental policy, lamenting that the nation has decided to move in the opposite direction.

    As The Rolling Stones prepare to release ‘Foreign Tongues‘, they bring together a diverse array of musical talent, including contributions from Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Bruno Mars. The album also features a cover of Amy Winehouse’s classic ‘You Know I’m No Good’, showcasing the band’s ability to blend their timeless rock legacy with modern sounds.

    Whether viewed as a critique or a nostalgic reflection, the Stones’ journey into the current moment suggests that some truths are louder than ever, delivered not just through music, but through the enduring and evolving story of America itself.

    Credit: NME

  • 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 praises Geese for being “very experimental” and Rosalía for her “conceptual” album ‘Lux’

    Mick Jagger Unpacks His Musical Obsessions for New Rolling Stones Album

    The legendary Rolling Stones are gearing up to drop a new gem, their 25th studio album Foreign Tongues, set for release on July 10 via Polydor/Universal Music. But the buzz surrounding the record isn’t just about the new tracks; it’s also about the eclectic musical landscape that shapes the band’s creative mind, as frontman Mick Jagger shares his deep-dive into contemporary art and sound.

    In a recent interview, Jagger opened up about the current musicians who inspire him. When asked about his influences, he didn’t settle for just rock history; instead, he painted a picture of a listener who embraces the present moment. He highlighted collaborations that reflect a broad appreciation for global sounds, noting that working with Burna Boy, for instance, revealed an undeniable affinity for afrobeats. While acknowledging figures like David Bowie as historical benchmarks, Jagger stressed that true inspiration lies in living within what is happening now, dismissing the notion of being a slave to the present moment while still engaging with it.

    Jagger also pointed toward experimental sounds that push boundaries. He spoke highly of Geese and their work, admitting admiration for their willingness to be “very experimental.” Upon hearing about their album Getting Killed, he expressed delight at the departure from traditional indie rock into more unconventional territory, admiring the audacity of the sound.

    His taste also extended to contemporary vocalists. Jagger gave his approval to Rosalía, praising her album Lux for being “really conceptual” and creatively compelling. This reflective appreciation for artistic ambition extends beyond music, showing a desire for depth and concept in modern artistry.

    The sonic tapestry of Foreign Tongues itself is a masterclass in musical synergy. The album boasts significant contributions from heavyweights like Robert Smith of The Cure, Paul McCartney, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, underscoring how this new work bridges classic rock sensibilities with cutting-edge production.

    The project is rich with material, incorporating previously released singles such as Rough And Twisted and In The Stars, alongside a striking cover of the Amy Winehouse classic ‘You Know I’m No Good.’ Furthermore, the album features the involvement of the group’s late drummer, Charlie Watts, adding another layer of history to the new offering.

    Beyond the music, the Stones are engaging their fanbase further by launching a new podcast series titled Speaking In Tongues. This six-episode series offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the creation process of Foreign Tongues, providing an intimate view of the album’s journey.

    Looking ahead, Jagger remains ready for action, teasing the possibility of a new Rolling Stones tour in the coming year. He expressed that he “can’t wait” to get back on the road with the group, while Keith Richards hinted at potential dates for 2027, suggesting that the band is poised for another era of live performance and creative exploration.

    Credit: NME