IGX

Picked it up because of all the good reviews but didn't expect much. Well, it's surprisingly good. Starts with a drug bust (natch) in Arkansas in 1974 and the story is worthy of T200.

Keith had a co-writer, but there are numerous letters and journal entries quoted verbatim, so you can see the writing style of the book is absolutely in Keith's voice. Gives a fine feel for the madness of the late 60s and early 70s. (I'm only 1/3 through it). For you guitar players --- he says you can skip the guitar workshop if you like --- Keith talks about certain licks. Like how he learned Jimmy Reed's secret lick on the turnaround of a 12 bar blues. I listened for it on the solo guitar opening of "Wild Horses" and there it was.

Keith comes out as more sensible than I imagined. And he's funny.

I'm really enjoying this one.

I'm just on the last chapter. Certainly worth reading, though it's clear 1965-1974 is a bit hazy. He describes in minute detail learning the Jimmy Reed licks, but then in the next chapter he's suddenly on a charter airplane, touring the world and not thinking it extraordinary.

It inspired me to go back and listen to Exile on Main Street, which still sounds brilliant. Also built a Pandora station based on his influences (BB King, Jimmy Reed, etc.) and that has been blast.

I'm number 3 on the list at the library. Looks good from the excerpts I have read.

What about this dissing of Mick? What's that all about.

Shapecharge wrote:What about this dissing of Mick? What's that all about.

Net is he speaks highly of Mick's creative talents, but sees him as a socialite, nobility chaser and someone who has forgotten his working class roots. On a related note, we learn that Keith Richards is a black man in mind and spirit.

lasalle wrote:

Shapecharge wrote:What about this dissing of Mick? What's that all about.

On a related note, we learn that Keith Richards is a black man in mind and spirit.

Which may sound like some sort of pre-wigger bullshit. But when KR lived in Jamaica, he lived in a rich white enclave, but spent his time with native (black) Jamaicans in Steer town. Played music. Then invited them to his house almost every night, to his neighbors' dismay. Which is probably why the cops busted his house. KR was gone, but they took away his wife, Anita Pallenburg?. Left his two kids. Keith was in London, couldn't go back or he'd be busted. So the Jamaicans took care of his kids for weeks. He was part of their community.