Mick Taylor Albums: A Comprehensive Guide
Mick Taylor is a legendary guitarist who rose to fame as a member of The Rolling Stones in the 1960s and 70s. After leaving the Stones, he embarked on a solo career, releasing several albums over the years. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Mick Taylor’s discography and explore some of his most notable albums.
1. Mick Taylor (1979)
Mick Taylor’s self-titled debut album was released in 1979, two years after he left The Rolling Stones. The album features a mix of blues and rock tracks, with Taylor showcasing his impressive guitar skills throughout. The standout track on the album is arguably “Leather Jacket,” a bluesy number that highlights Taylor’s soulful vocals as well as his guitar playing.
Other notable tracks on the album include “Baby I Want You,” a catchy rock song, and “Alabama,” a slow, bluesy ballad. Overall, Mick Taylor’s debut album is a solid effort that showcases his talent as both a guitarist and a songwriter.
2. Welcome to the Canteen (1971)
Before embarking on his solo career, Mick Taylor played with a number of other bands, including The Faces and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. In 1971, he joined forces with other former members of The Bluesbreakers to form a new band called The Agitation Free.
The band recorded a live album called Welcome to the Canteen, which features Mick Taylor on guitar. The album includes covers of songs by The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, and The Doors, as well as original tracks by the band. While not strictly a Mick Taylor album, Welcome to the Canteen is still worth checking out for fans of his guitar playing.
3. Mick Taylor (1990)
In 1990, Mick Taylor released a second self-titled album, which is often referred to as “The Blue Album” due to its cover art. The album is a departure from his earlier work, featuring a more polished, radio-friendly sound. However, Taylor’s guitar playing is still front and center, with plenty of impressive solos throughout the album.
The standout track on the album is “Giddy Up,” a catchy rock song that features a memorable guitar riff. Other notable tracks include “Secrets,” a slow, bluesy ballad, and “Twisted Sister,” a funky, uptempo number.
4. A Stone’s Throw (2000)
A Stone’s Throw is Mick Taylor’s most recent solo album, released in 2000. The album features a mix of blues and rock tracks, with Taylor’s guitar playing once again taking center stage. The standout track on the album is “Lost in the Desert,” a haunting, atmospheric blues song that showcases Taylor’s ability to create a mood with his playing.
Other notable tracks on the album include “Laundromat Blues,” a cover of a song by Albert King, and “Red House,” a cover of a song by Jimi Hendrix. Overall, A Stone’s Throw is a strong album that proves Mick Taylor is still a master of his craft.
5. Mick Taylor Live (2012)
Mick Taylor Live is a live album recorded during Taylor’s 2009 tour of Japan. The album features a mix of songs from throughout his career, including tracks from his solo albums as well as covers of songs by The Rolling Stones and other artists.
The standout track on the album is “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” a classic Stones song that Taylor played on during his time with the band. Taylor’s guitar playing on this track is nothing short of phenomenal, with an extended solo that showcases his virtuosity.
6. Question and Answer
Q: What is Mick Taylor’s most famous album?
A: Mick Taylor’s most famous album is arguably Exile on Main St., which he played on during his time with The Rolling Stones. However, in terms of his solo career, his self-titled debut album is often cited as his most notable.
Q: What makes Mick Taylor’s guitar playing so special?
A: Mick Taylor’s guitar playing is known for its soulfulness, technical proficiency, and versatility. He is equally adept at playing blues, rock, and jazz, and has a unique ability to create mood and atmosphere with his playing.
Q: How have people responded to Mick Taylor’s solo albums?
A: Mick Taylor’s solo albums have generally been well-received by both fans and critics. While they may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as his work with The Rolling Stones, they have earned him a loyal following of fans who appreciate his guitar playing and songwriting.
Summary Table
| Album | Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Mick Taylor | 1979 | Blues/Rock |
| Welcome to the Canteen (with The Agitation Free) | 1971 | Rock/Blues |
| Mick Taylor (The Blue Album) | 1990 | Rock/Pop |
| A Stone’s Throw | 2000 | Blues/Rock |
| Mick Taylor Live | 2012 | Rock/Blues |
Overall, Mick Taylor’s solo albums are a testament to his talent as a guitarist and songwriter. While he may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, his music stands the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of musicians.