The Rolling Stones - Sway

 Mick Taylor’s joining the Rolling Stones was a breath of fresh air for the band. The Rolling Stones had recently released Brian Jones one of their original members who subsequently passed away a few months later de to an unfortunate drowning. There was a major void in the band, contrary to what some may think the Rolling Stones are not just Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Mick Taylor was a well-polished guitar player who slid in nicely as a great compliment to Keith Richards who is solid in his own right but could not hold a candle technically to Taylor in my opinion. Keith gets all the fanfare, which will occur, through being more charismatic and entertaining than Taylor. Mick Taylor was also an accomplished lyricist and it is widely believed he penned many of the Rolling Stones songs during his tenure with the band. Let’s take a look at the second track off of the Stick Fingers album “Sway”. Per the personnel on this track, Mick Taylor plays lead and rhythm on this track, Keith Richards only contributes some backing vocals, which you can distinctly hear. The 2 killer solos, additional rhythm guitar was played by none other than Mick Jagger. This is a track I feel was written by Mick Taylor as well. Sway’s style does not fit the Jagger/Richards style. “Sway” has Mick Taylor’s DNA all over it. It’s deep hot track from one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded.