Mick Jagger and ‘Moonlight Mile’: Anatomy of a Song

WSJ ^ | 5/28/2015 | Marc Myers

[mojito]

Interesting discussion by Mick on how the song came about, which has always been one of my favorites by the Stones.

I have, however, always assumed that "head full of snow" was a drug reference, since the rest of the album is saturated with them.

[a fool in paradise]

The song was covered a few years ago for a Mojo Magazine “Sticky Fingers” tribute CD (included free with the magazine).

Lee Fields has since released that version on one of his albums in 2012.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFzXevlR6Yk

[ifinnegan]

This is what Murdoch’s WSJ wastes space and money on?

Pathetic.

[circlecity]

"For the first time in years, the Rolling Stones are performing “Moonlight Mile” at arenas during their 15-city North American “Zip Code” concert tour."

Sorry, but I can't think of anything I'd less rather watch than a 71 year old man shaking his ass on stage and making kissy lips to the girls in the front row. I watched some video of their last tour and that's what he was doing and it was pretty repulsive. But, if people will still pay you big bucks to do it then I can certainly understand why they do. I just won't be watching it.

[FlJoePa]

Let it Bleed and Sticky Fingers. I couldn't/wouldn't choose between the two of them if I had to. They're both fantastic (mostly due to Mick Taylor).

[God luvs America]

never mind a “man” who berated conservatives in a song during the iraq war...

[D_Idaho]

"I have, however, always assumed that "head full of snow" was a drug reference, since the rest of the album is saturated with them."

You just might be on to something there, my friend. ;-) That said, "Sticky Fingers" is my all-time favorite Stones album. My fav is "Can't You Hear Me Knockin" or maybe "Sway", or maybe "I've Got the Blues", hell, they're all so damned good!

[Dr. Thorne]

Much better "Moonlight" songs:

Sinatra - "Moonlight in Vermont"

The Doors - "Moonlight Drive"

[a fool in paradise]

No Bobby Keys on sax this time around.

[onyx]

My home town ... I wish I could have attended!

[a fool in paradise]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1CXyJntsZg
Roy Lee Johnson on Vocal.
MISTER MOONLIGHT - Dr.Feelgood & the Interns [Okeh #4-7144] 1961
(R.Stevens - R.C.Stephens)

Also recorded by Thebeat Les
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YfWQG5gI4A

[gusty]

If you still can at 71, go for it. Would you rather he just sat on a bench in St. Petersburg, FL feeding the pigeons waiting to die. For many, Mick is erasing the image of the Grim Reaper just waiting around the corner.

[mojito]

Sticky Fingers is probably my favorite Stones album also. Just a great rock and roll record from beginning to end.

[FlJoePa]

No Mick Taylor either (to my knowledge). I’d go up to Orlando in June if he was playing. Won’t go without him.

[a fool in paradise]

How many songs has this band written and recorded about confiscatory tax rates?

Exile on Main Street was named as such but lyrically there is no outrage about their government.

These days they remain out of England long enough to avoid what they believe to be excessive taxation.

[a fool in paradise]

Mick did go out on the road for a few shows a couple of years ago.

[circlecity]

"If you still can at 71, go for it."

Actually, he still can't. But as I specifically said in my post if someone is willing to pay you big bucks to try and do then I can certainly see why they would. And I'd say there's a lot of room between sitting on a bench and acting like a Chippendales dancer at over 70 years of age.

[mojito]

I’m partial to Beggar’s Banquet too.

[Squawk 8888]

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[a fool in paradise]

The Rolling Stones participated in one of the first examples of "Sleeve Face" that I am aware of:

http://www.sleeveface.com/