Ol' Red Eyes Is Back

I will admit responsibility for the rather unsightly mod you see here, but after all, think of the many similarities between Frank Sinatra and Keith Richards…. Well, wait a minute, there must be a few. They were both skinny in their day (for different reasons I suspect, but still), both were linked to many beautiful women, both were musicians… ok, there’s a few. Understandably, when I say “crooner,” you will think of Frank before you think of Keith. But wait! Here is some evidence of Keith’s more mellow side, in these tracks that, frankly, I can’t remember where and when I found. This much I know: Keith was apparently killing time in the studio and recorded these songs while accompanying himself on the piano. I have no idea when they were recorded – if any of you know, please provide the missing info. I have more tracks from this session, but I think these adequately portray the lesser known side of Keiff, Mr. Smooth, a guy who could very easily slip on Frank’s trademark fedora (though I hope the one he slips on fits better than the one I gave him here). Without further ado, may I present Mr. Keith Richards, Co-Chairman of the Board (or in this case, Bored). Sorry, Pat Cooper was unavailable for warm-up. As always, to download each song, left click on the title and follow the link to the download page.

Keith Richards – The Nearness of You

Keith Richards – Don’t

Keith Richards – Sing Me Back Home

Just to show that Keith did pick up the tempo once in awhile during these sessions, here’s a little Jerry Lee Lewis:

Keith Richards – Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

And finally, if you’re still with me, here are a couple of interesting Stones rarities. First, Keith takes the lead in “Gimme Shelter,” then Mick returns the favor by taking lead vocal on “You Got The Silver.”

Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter” (Keith lead vocal)

Rolling Stones – “You Got The Silver” (Mick lead vocal)

Next time: Garbage B-sides and rarities