Keef's Closers

Starting with Emotional Rescue most Stones albums end with a Keith Richard ballad.  Supposedly ending the side with a ballad is good groove management on vinyl.  The other interpretation is "Mick wants the commercial shit early in the album!"  "All about you" is the ultimate non-love song and one of my favorite confused kiss-offs.  "Slipping Away" from Steel Wheels could have been a hit. I liked how Mick actually participated in the middle 8. It's a great cue the credits song.  "Sleep tonight" works best in the context of Dirty Work; a ravaged ballad with drums by a Ron Wood and choir of Kirsty MacColl, Bobby Womack, and Tom Waits!!!!  That leaves "Thru and Thru"  and "How can I stop";  both have turned up on T.V. and Films, the modern version of a hit (background music or ads).

So my top 3: "Slipping Away" best song; "All about you" emotionally resonant; and "Sleep Tonight"- best performance-best context. Follow JimmyHoneyman on Spotify. I've compiled a playlist there.

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