Blue-Eyed Rod
When writing about Rod Stewart it's compulsory to use phrases like "wasted talent" "used to be great" and "leggy blondes." By now we all know the story of the guy with the great white soul voice who put out a series of classic albums in the early 70s that brilliantly blended rock, folk and soul and then completely lost the plot because of fame, wealth and Britt Eckland. But there are probably some young whippersnappers out there who only know him as the wheezy singer of Cole Porter tunes your Grandma likes and the randy old goat who married Rachel Hunter so here's a taste of Rod at the height of his glory.
His 1971 album "Every Picture Tells A Story" is probably the best of his early records, this is the one with "Maggie May" which made him a superstar and sent him on the road that lead to "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" and other embarrassments. From that album comes his cover of The Temptations "(I Know) I'm Losing You" which is just amazing. I hate to commit soul blasphemy but I think this is better than the Temps' version. You can hear what a great white soul singer Rod used to be (he worshipped at the altar of Sam Cooke) and the backing by The Faces is blazingly tough and kicks harder than a boot in the balls. Turn it up.
[Download]
(I Know) I'm Losing You - Rod Stewart
4 Comments:
Spot on about the great Rod. As a clergyman, and knowing about such things, I can reveal to your readership that, as a young man, Rod was possessed by a funky soul demon, which, at about the time of "Atlantic Crossing" got fed up with Rod's choice of women and transmigrated into the body of Southside Johnny, where this groovy spirit has been ever since. As we all know, Mr. Johnny has never shacked up with Britt Ekland so I think my case is proved.
Such a fall from grace, eh?
Rod wasn't just good on his first few albums, he was scary good. No comparison between then and now.
There is a great early 70's video circulating now, of the Faces live at the BBC performing this song and others.
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