Florida Woman Files For Divorce Over Haircut
What sort of haircut would you have to get before your spouse would file for divorce from you? Would a mullet work? A reverse mohawk? A haircut prompted a Florida woman to file for divorce from her husband recently. Court documents say 41-year-old Rebecca Jean Cannon suspected her husband of fooling around for a long time. She was arrested for the third time over the weekend for violence against the man after he came home with a new haircut. Police say the woman accused her husband of getting the haircut to impress his woman on the side. The altercation started when the woman came homw to find that her spouse had not only gotten a new ‘do’, but he also planned to head to town for a nice meal at Bonefish Grill. Suspecting he was heade to a meet-up, a fight broke out and the cops were called. The police report says the woman drove her SUV into her husband’s Mercedes-Benz during the incident. She is also accused of throwing his cell phone into a toilet in their home. The woman filed for divorce back in 2020, but that document was withdrawn in 2021. The divorce document was filed again after the latest interaction. Source: Villages-News.com
Alice Cooper: ROCK STAR!
Alice Cooper: His 25 Greatest Songs
25. “I Love The Dead” – ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973)
ShareThe final track on 1973’s ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ is without a doubt one of Alice Cooper’s creepiest. The song’s eerie piano-led introduction paired with scorching solos from guitarist Glen Buxton tackles exactly what Cooper is known for: humorously macabre subject matter.
24. “Luney Tune” – ‘School’s Out’ (1972)
ShareOne of the Alice Cooper Group’s grizzliest tracks - that features a violin solo nonetheless!
23. “Devil’s Food / The Black Widow” – ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ (1975)
ShareHow do you take a song and make it both scary and fun? Add Vincent Price of course! “Devil’s Food” and “The Black Widow” set the scene for Alice’s first concept record. 1975’s ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ retells the nocturnal nightmares of a young boy named Steven and kicked Alice Cooper’s new solo career into high gear.
22. “Might As Well Be On Mars” – ‘Hey Stoopid’ (1991)
ShareAlthough Alice Cooper is known for his upbeat, hard-rockin', anthemic tracks, his talents as not only a songwriter but a lyricist are vastly underrated. The sixth track on 1991’s ‘Hey Stoopid,’ clocking in at just over seven minutes, is a superb example of The Coop’s ability to write a tear-jerkin’ ballad.
21. “Bed of Nails” – ‘Trash’ (1989)
ShareIn the late ‘80s, Alice Cooper - with the help of Bon Jovi and Aerosmith producer, Desmond Child - adapted to the newest generation of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. And since it was the ‘80s, of course, that also included a lot of Aquanet. The sixth track on 1989’s ‘Trash’ is a perfect example of Alice’s flawless transition to the hard rock of the time.
20. “Department of Youth” – ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ (1975)
ShareSince the start of Alice Cooper’s career, he’s had a reputation as a parent’s worst nightmare. But that hasn’t stopped him from appealing to the world’s youth – in fact, it probably helped. Songs like “School’s Out” and this one became youth anthems that transcended the era.
19. “Be My Lover” – ‘Killer’ (1971)
Share“She asked me why the singer’s name was Alice/I said listen, baby/You really wouldn’t understand.” Before ‘Wannabe’ by The Spice Girls, there was Alice Cooper. Written by original Alice Cooper Group guitarist Michael Bruce, this cut is a Cooper classic; fit with a catchy, boogie-esque riff and noteworthy guitar fills from Glen Buxton.
18. “Ballad of Dwight Fry” – ‘Love It To Death’ (1971)
Share“Mommy, where’s daddy?/Do you think he’ll ever come home?” There’s no way this list could exist without including one of Alice Cooper’s most haunting tracks and a live show staple - usually sang in the shock rocker’s infamous straitjacket right before he gets the guillotine!
17. “Guilty” – ‘Alice Cooper Goes To Hell’ (1976)
ShareAlthough so many of the tracks in Alice Cooper’s catalog seem to revolve solely around the caricature of Alice Cooper, many of them translate into a way larger, more personal, picture. ‘Guilty’ seems to do the same thing, touching on the public’s consistent finger-pointing of Alice’s so-called ‘violent influence’ on the youth. “If you call that guilty/Well then, I guess I am.”
16. “Killed By Love” – “Along Came A Spider” (2008)
ShareA.C. has always had a knack for writing stories, and he knocks it out of the park once again with this concept record, ‘Along Came A Spider’, which details the thoughts of a spider-obsessed serial killer on the hunt for his next victim. …we know, pretty on-brand for The Coop, right? This cut is one of the releases’ finest efforts.
15. “I Never Cry” – ‘Alice Cooper Goes To Hell’ (1976)
ShareYet another example of Alice’s exquisite lyrical work. Though a tamer track from Cooper, “I Never Cry” seems to serve as a confessional and is arguably one of the rawest songs in his seemingly endless catalog
14. “Caught In A Dream” – ‘Love It To Death’ (1971)
ShareThis upbeat, rockin’ track opens up the Alice Cooper Group’s third studio record; although ‘Love It To Death’ almost seems like their first (their first two albums, 1969’s ‘Pretties For You’ and 1970’s ‘Easy Action’ were good, but things really kicked in with ‘Love It To Death’). With the help of producer Bob Ezrin, also known for his later work with KISS and Pink Floyd, the Alice Cooper Group found the unique sound that would propel them into their next six records.
13. “Hello Hooray” – ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973)
ShareThis atmospheric track is arguably one of the greatest album openers of the 1970s and was written with the sole purpose of opening up a mind-blowing rock and roll show… which is exactly what the Alice Cooper Group did on the Billion Dollar Babies tour. As seen in the shockingly bad, yet fantastic, ‘Good To See You Again Alice Cooper’ film.
12. “Nurse Rozetta” – ‘From The Inside (1978)
ShareFollowing a stay in a mental asylum in the late ‘70s to treat his alcoholism, Alice returned to his musical craft with a plethora of stories and characters that he used to create his greatest concept record yet, ‘From The Inside.’
11. “He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)” – ‘Constrictor’ (1986)
ShareAfter stepping out of the spotlight for three years, Cooper returned with a heavy metal roar on his 1986 record ‘Constrictor.’ The album, featuring muscle-bound shredder Kane Roberts, contains this cheesy yet memorable tune that was used in the film ‘Friday The 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.’
10. “Escape” – ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ (1975)
ShareOriginally written by Kim Fowley and the rest of The Hollywood Stars, the closer to 1975’s ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ got the Alice Cooper treatment; including a rewrite of the verses and bridge.
9. “How You Gonna See Me Now” – ‘From The Inside’ (1978)
ShareGiven Alice’s penchant for shock rock, it’s understandable that some fans may forget what a great balladeer he is. We love his ballads, and we hope we’ve made our point: Alice Cooper is one of the most underrated ballad writers of his generation! Every other slow jam previously mentioned on this list were just the training wheels for this one. From 1978’s ‘From The Inside’, this touching piece of musical genius chronicles the real story of Cooper coming home to his wife Sheryl after recovering from alcoholism and was based on a real letter written to Sheryl at the time.
8. “Feed My Frankenstein” – ‘Hey Stoopid’ (1991)
Share“WE’RE NOT WORTHY! WE’RE NOT WORTHY!” This risque track is most known for its appearance in the 1992 music centric comedy, ‘Wayne’s World’, where Alice informs Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar the proper way to pronounce Milwaukee. (“It’s Mill-E-Wah-Que”).
7. “Welcome To My Nightmare” – ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ (1975)
ShareThe opener and title track of Alice’s solo debut is an instant classic, and the first time we hear the rough vocals of Cooper without the original band behind him. The song, although more atmospheric than any of Alice’s previous works at the time, contains some tasty fills from new guitarists Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter. The almost funk influenced song contains a thumping bass line, horns, keys, and serves as a recipe for the next 40 years of Cooper’s career.
6. “Billion Dollar Babies” – ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973)
ShareFeaturing the Scottish singer Donovan on backing vocals, the title track from the Alice Cooper Group’s 1973 release is everything you want from an Alice Cooper song. It’s evil, rockin’, and of course, contains the band’s trademark sarcasm that’s, as always, a bit macabre.
5. “Under My Wheels” – Killer (1971)
ShareThe rubber burnin’ “Under My Wheels” is a testament to the Alice Cooper Group’s beginnings in the rock and roll city of Detroit, Michigan and displays a band that is young, hungry, and fired up. This fast paced rocker joins “School’s Out” and “I’m Eighteen” as the most performed songs in Cooper’s catalog.
4. “Poison” – ‘Trash’ (1989)
ShareAlice’s return to the world of hard rock in the mid 1980’s was led by the release of 'Constrictor’ (1986) and ‘Raise Your Fist And Yell’ (1987) - both commercial failures. With the help of producer Desmond Child, Alice navigated the terrain of ‘hair metal’ with the release of 1989’s ‘Trash,’ and most importantly, the album’s lead single: “Poison.” The song reached #7 on the Billboard 100 chart, and brought The Coop back to the forefront of hard rock and heavy metal.
3. “School’s Out” – ‘School’s Out’ (1972)
ShareIn the words of Alice himself, “The two most joyous times of the year are Christmas morning and the end of school.” Although “School’s Out” wasn’t the Alice Cooper Group’s first hit on the Billboard charts, it was the hit that made them a household name. The single, celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, is still an anthem for children worldwide and signals the start of summer vacation.
2. “I’m Eighteen” – ‘Love It To Death’ (1971)
ShareThis unforgettable track is the tune that brought Alice Cooper to American airwaves, garnered the attention of the mainstream masses, and proved that the group had what it takes to join the forces of hard rock. The song tackles the often confusing stage of life between adolescence and adulthood and remains a staple in Cooper’s live show.
1. “No More Mr. Nice Guy” – Billion Dollar Babies (1973)
ShareAnd lastly, coming in at the coveted number one spot is the Alice Cooper track that skyrocketed 1973’s 'Billion Dollar Babies' to #1 on the Billboard 100 chart. Cooper told Ultimate Classic Rock back in 2018 that the tune was 100% “autobiographical.” He says, “Everybody at that point didn’t know whether to love us or hate us. But I was definitely, with the general public, the worst person ever. I was the Antichrist.” Well, the Antichrist with the help of his bandmates penned one of hard rock’s most remarkable tracks that features doo-wop style background vocals, a sing-along chorus, and the dark satire that makes Alice Cooper… well… Alice Cooper.
Which Rolling Stones Song Is Their BEST?
Rolling Stones: Their 50 Best Songs Ranked
50. “Stop Breaking Down” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
Share“Stop Breaking Down” is one of two covers found on ‘Exile on Main St.’ (You’ll see the other one later in this list.) The Stones’ take on this Robert Johnson classic serves as a great reminder of the band’s blues roots. Mick Jagger is, once again, dynamite on harmonica and Mick Taylor’s slide work is “chef’s kiss,” as the kids say.
49. “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” – ‘It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll’ (1974)
ShareThis cover of the classic Temptations hit is loose, fun and infectious. It’s no wonder it was a top 20 hit for the Stones on the Billboard Hot 100.
48. “As Tears Go By” – ‘December’s Children (And Everybody’s)’ (1965)
ShareMick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote this tender track along with their manager Andrew Loog Oldham. While the song was originally recorded by Marianne Faithfull and released in June 1964, the Stones would record and release their own version in December 1965, which would become the band’s fifth top 10 single in the United States. “As Tears Go By” has been covered by a variety of other artists, including Nancy Sinatra and Avenged Sevenfold.
47. “Mother’s Little Helper” – ‘Aftermath’ (1966)
ShareEchoing the themes of “the problem that has no name” in Betty Friedan’s classic book ‘The Feminine Mystique,’ “Mother’s Little Helper” is the cautionary tale of the daily struggle of medicated housewives of the 1960s who weren’t satisfied with their lives. It’s a song that 50+ years later that still resonates, because sometimes, what a drag it is being a mom and a wife.
46. “You Got Me Rocking” – ‘Voodoo Lounge’ (1994)
ShareFrom the moment Charlie Watts’ drum fill kicks off “You Got Me Rocking,” it’s difficult to not simply rock the f--- out. It’s nothing fancy, but there has never been anything wrong with meat-and-potatoes rock and roll.
45. “I’m Free” – ‘December’s Children (And Everybody’s)’ (1965)
ShareThere is an overall timelessness about the Rolling Stones, but there are certainly a number of songs from their early releases that simply just feel like the ‘60s. “I’m Free” is definitely one of them. Perhaps you can attribute that to the tambourine. You just don’t hear a lot of tambourine anymore!
44. “Get Off of My Cloud” – ‘December’s Children (And Everybody’s)’ (1965)
ShareImagine writing an absolute classic like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and then being tasked with following it up. While the Stones were enjoying their success, the record company was looking at their collective watch and wondering what was next. What they got was “Get Off of My Cloud,” a tune that is perhaps the most polite kiss-off in rock history.
43. “Anybody Seen My Baby?” – ‘Bridges to Babylon’ (1997)
ShareThere is a lot going on with “Anybody Seen My Baby?” related to its creation. It’s the only track from the Stones to feature sampling; in this case it was hip-hop artist Biz Markie’s “A One Two.” The song also famously features song credits for k.d. lang and Ben Mink for the chorus, because it resembled Lang’s 1992 track “Constant Craving.” Oh, and an early 20-something Angelina Jolie is the star subject in the song’s music video. You also can’t mention “Anybody Seen My Baby?” without tipping a cap to Jamie Muhoberac, whose bassline truly is the backbone of this haunting tune.
42. “Love Is Strong” – ‘Voodoo Lounge’ (1994)
Share“Love Is Strong” marked a couple of firsts for the Stones: It was the first single from ‘Voodoo Lounge,’ and, more importantly, it was the band’s first single without Bill Wyman, the first lineup change in the band since Ronnie Wood joined in 1975. Despite the changes, the Stones stuck to what they did best on the track: sexy, hooky, blues-based rock, which led to them taking home the very first Best Rock Album Grammy Award in 1995.
41. “All Down the Line” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
ShareFor pretty much any other band, “All Down the Line” would be a single, but it was instead released as a b-side to “Happy.” This could be due to the Stones’ messy legal battle with ABKCO’s Allen Klein who alleged the band wrote “All Down the Line” and four other ‘Exile’ tunes while still under contract with ABKCO. Legal issues aside, it’s an instant party of a track thanks to the trumpet and trombone work of Jim Price.
40. “Shattered” – ‘Some Girls’ (1978)
Share“Shattered” was a cheeky tribute to New York City that still rings true today. (“Pride and joy and greed and sex/That’s what makes that town the best.”) “Shattered” served as both the final single from ‘Some Girls’ and the final single of the ‘70s from the Rolling Stones. If the band thought the ‘60s were a wild ride, the ‘70s was a whole new level. Also, kudos for the heavy use of the word “Shadoobie.” Frankly, it’s just fun.
39. “Doom and Gloom” – ‘GRRR!’ (2012)
Share'GRRR!’ was the Rolling Stones compilation set released in honor of the band’s 50th anniversary. The set featured two new tracks, with the lead single being “Doom and Gloom.” The track is two things: 1. A total banger of a rock tune and 2. A reminder that even five decades later, the Stones were more than capable of writing songs that any band would dream of writing.
38. “She’s a Rainbow” – ‘Their Satanic Majesties Request’ (1967)
ShareLike the aforementioned “I’m Free,” “She’s a Rainbow” definitely feels like it’s from the ‘60s. Even if you just read the lyrics, you can feel the Summer of Love-ness of it all. (“She comes in colors everywhere/She combs her hair/She’s like a rainbow.”) “She’s a Rainbow” is so buoyant it could warm the cold heart of even the biggest badass. The strings on the song were also arranged by some session guy named John Paul Jones. He went on to have an okay career.
37. “Shake Your Hips” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
ShareThe second cover from ‘Exile,’ “Shake Your Hips” was originally recorded and released by Slim Harpo in 1966. It yet again serves as another example of the band’s love and respect for the blues. The minimalist production provides an interesting variance only three tracks into 'Exile,’ perhaps the Stones’ greatest masterpiece.
36. “Sweet Black Angel” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
ShareThe Rolling Stones are far from being known as a “political” band, but “Sweet Black Angel” is one of the few times the band made a political statement in their songs. The ‘Exile” track served as a tribute to renowned civil rights activist Angela Davis who, at the time the song was written, was incarcerated on erroneous kidnapping and murder charges of which she’d later be found not guilty.
35. “Star Star” – ‘Goats Head Soup’ (1973)
ShareWhenever someone writes the definitive history of “diss tracks,” there most certainly should be a section dedicated to “Star Star.” A cut at groupies (and perhaps also former Jagger beau Carly Simon), the track was originally called “Starf---er,” but Ahmet Ertegun, whose Atlantic Records distributed the Stones’ records back then, put a stop to that. Gee...don’t know why?
34. “Rip This Joint” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
ShareA rockabilly jam that featured Jagger spitting lyrics at breakneck speed, “Rip This Joint” is a wild tale about drugs and traveling across the southern United States as a foreigner. The songs features shoutouts to various cities from Tampa to Santa Fe as well as name dropping “The Butter Queen,” the nickname for famous groupie Barbara Cope. If you don’t know why Cope was called “The Butter Queen,” Google it yourself, but you might want to use the “Incognito” tab and probably don’t do it while you’re in the office.
33. “Torn and Frayed” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
Share“Torn and Frayed” paints the picture of a journeyman guitarist traveling from town to town but it easily could be a metaphor for how any band could feel during a long, grueling tour. The tune leans into the Stones’ country influences, which is appropriate considering Gram Parsons famously visited the Villa Nellcôte mansion while the band recorded ‘Exile’ in its basement.
32. “Loving Cup” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
ShareThe Rolling Stones will forever be that “bad boy” alternative to The Beatles, but even bad boys can be really sweet and romantic as evident from “Loving Cup.” Many of us would openly swoon if someone said they’d “love to spill the beans with you till dawn.” Also, this track wouldn’t be the same without Nicky Hopkins on piano, who is both the heart and backbone of the song.
31. “Sweet Virginia” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
ShareThe Stones have more than a little love affair with country music (and various references to drugs.) “Sweet Virginia” sees both of those interests collide along with Mick Jagger’s harmonica and the late Bobby Keys’ brilliant saxophone. Get used to seeing more of these elements later in the list.
30. “Salt of the Earth” – ‘Beggars Banquet’ (1968)
ShareA tender ode to the working class, “Salt of the Earth” closes out ‘Beggars Banquet’ on a poignant note. The song took on increased poignancy when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards performed it at “The Concert For New York City,” the all-star benefit show at Madison Square Garden in honor of NYC’s police and fire fighters following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
29. “Live with Me” – ‘Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert’ (1970)
ShareThat undeniable bass line! By the way, that was Keith Richards, not Bill Wyman, playing bass on this song. The track notably is the first song the Stones recorded with new guitarist Mick Taylor, who replaced a fired Brian Jones, and the first song to feature Bobby Keys on saxophone. The chemistry between the guitars of Richards and Taylor was just incredible, bordering on telepathic.
28. “Angie” – ‘Goats Head Soup’ (1973)
ShareSome of the most devastating love songs are about love that just wasn’t meant to be even though two people really put in the effort. Many people often experience this at some point in life, and once that experience is in the rearview, a song like “Angie” just hits differently. Crossroads are hard to deal with, but this beautiful ballad, written primarily by Keith Richards, offers a lot of comfort. After all, “They can’t say we never tried.”
27. “Bitch” – ‘Sticky Fingers’ (1971)
ShareIf you make a playlist of awesome rock songs with killer brass sections and “Bitch” isn’t on there, that playlist is simply incomplete. Credit is due to Bobby Keys and Jim Price, both of whom should show up mutiple times on any such list. If you take away their saxophone and trumpet tracks from “Bitch,” the song just isn’t the same. The Rolling Stones are one of the greatest bands of all time for many reasons, but one of those was how they surrounded themselves with the right cast of musicians on the studio. Keef, once again, shines and is the reason why the song’s original tempo increased.
26. “Sway” – ‘Sticky Fingers’ (1971)
Share“Did you ever wake up to find/A day that broke up your mind?/Destroyed your notion of circular time?” If you presented those lyrics to someone who isn’t familiar with the Rolling Stones, they might think it was the opening verse of a song written during lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. “Sway” is primarily the work of Mick Jagger and Mick Taylor, even though the song is credited to Jagger/Richards. Taylor’s guitar work is the perfect partner to Jagger’s, at times, dramatic vocals, and “Sway” marks the first time Jagger lent his own guitar work to a track.
25. “Rocks Off” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
ShareThe first of 18 tracks on ‘Exile,’ “Rock Off” is an incredibly dark and filthy song to set the tone for a truly epic double album. To put it bluntly: The song is about a drug addict (like with a heroin problem) who’s having problems performing sexually because of said drug problems. Despite the grizzly subject matter, the song’s organized chaos – from the overlapping vocals in the chorus to the distorted bridge – adds up to a type of magic that, really, only the Rolling Stones could create.
24. “Ruby Tuesday” – ‘Between the Buttons’ (1967)
ShareWant a surefire way to help a song go to number one? Make it the flip side of a single that radio is too afraid to play! “Ruby Tuesday” was released as a double A-side with “Let’s Spend the Night Together” as the lead single. Since “Ruby Tuesday” was the less-randy of the two tracks, many stations were more comfortable playing the sweet ballad, whose lyrics were penned by Keith Richards. The song would go on to be the Stones’ fourth number one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
23. “Let’s Spend the Night Together” – ‘Between the Buttons’ (1967)
ShareHindsight is a funny thing. A song like “Let’s Spend the Night Together” is practically puritanical by the standards of the 2020s. Alas, it was nothing short of scandalous when it was first released in 1967 and would infamously be changed to “Let’s Spend Some Time Together” when the Stones performed it on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show.’ (Seeing Mick Jagger dramatically roll his eyes when singing the altered lyric is still funny, though.) However, good for Mick for making the evening a two-way street, if you know what I mean. (“I’ll satisfy your every need (your every need)/And now I know you will satisfy me.”)
22. “Paint It Black” – ‘Aftermath’ (1966)
ShareThe Stones have many songs about love lost, but none of them are as dark as the appropriately titled "Paint It Black." Besides the general bleak nature of the song, Brian Jones' sitar playing is clearly one of the track's standout aspects. The track would go on to be the Stones' third song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
21. “Dead Flowers” – ‘Sticky Fingers’ (1971)
ShareCountry and drugs return in full force on “Dead Flowers,” a brooding, bitter tune that is also remarkably catchy. Those elements shouldn’t work this well, but they just do on “Dead Flowers.” It goes without saying, but “And I won’t forget to put roses on your grave” still remains one of the most subtly brutal burns in the Stones catalog.
20. “Shine a Light” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
Share“Shine a Light” is as heartbreaking as it is grand. The song serves as a tribute to late guitarist Brian Jones, and while released on ‘Exile’ in 1972, Mick Jagger had started writing the song back in 1968 when Jones was still in the band, but his drug use was becoming an increasing problem. From top to bottom, the lyrics are gripping and touching and resonate with anyone who has lost a loved one at a young age, especially from substance issues.
19. “Moonlight Mile” – ‘Sticky Fingers’ (1971)
ShareThe idea that life on the road is glamorous is painfully put in place on “Moonlight Mile,” the moving closing track to ‘Sticky Fingers.’ (The Rolling Stones sure had a knack for ending an album on an emotional note, didn’t they?) Sure, performing before fans is amazing, but that time between shows traveling town to town is often lonely and cold. (“The sound of strangers sending nothing to my mind/Just another mad, mad day on the road.”) Guitarist Mick Taylor, pianist Jim Price and Paul Buckmaster’s string arrangement put the song’s emotional weight on their back and really carried this track home.
18. “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” – ‘Sticky Fingers’ (1971)
ShareIf there’s one lesson to be learned from “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” it’s to always keep the tape rolling because you never know what you could capture. The song’s iconic instrumental jam at the end wasn’t even planned; the Stones and their incredible cast of session musicians didn’t even realize that they were being recorded until after the fact. Saxophonist Bobby Keys had many great moments on Rolling Stones tracks, but his work on “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” could easily be his finest moment of them all.
17. “Waiting on a Friend” – ‘Tattoo You’ (1981)
ShareNot all love songs are about romantic love, and “Waiting On A Friend” might be the greatest example of that. The second single off 1981’s ‘Tattoo You,’ the lyrics for “Waiting On A Friend” were penned by Mick Jagger about the friendships within the Stones: “Don’t need a whore, don’t need no booze. Don’t need a virgin priest, but I need someone I can cry to. I need someone to protect.” If you’re lucky, you’ve got a friend that fits these lyrics, and you know full well that that friendship is one of the greatest loves of your life.
16. “Miss You” – ‘Some Girls’ (1978)
ShareSome could argue that the Rolling Stones – one of the greatest rock bands of all time – are the keepers of one of the best disco songs of all time, too. Unlike Mick Jagger walking in Central Park and singing after dark, that thought isn't crazy. It might be the hookiest hook Mick and Keith ever wrote, truth be told.
15. “Happy” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
ShareThe most successful song from the Stones where Keith Richards sang lead vocals, “Happy” happened, according to Keef, “because I was for one time early for a [recording] session.” It’s a good thing Richards was early that one time: “Happy” has become a significant part of the Stones’ setlist and has been played live by the band over 500 times, per Setlist.fm. On top of his vocals and guitar work, Richards pulled triple duty by playing bass, too.
14. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – ‘Let It Bleed’ (1969)
ShareDespite how Dick and Berry from ‘High Fidelity’ feel about this song’s association with ‘The Big Chill,’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” has remained one of the Rolling Stones’ biggest showstoppers for 50 years and for good reason. The ethereal sounds of the London Bach Choir provided a unique juxtaposition to the Rolling Stones closing out not only this album but the ‘60s themselves, a decade that brought both profound change and pain. The ‘70s were on the horizon, and while so much was uncertain, one thing that wasn’t was how somehow, we’d all figure out how to get what we need.
13. “Beast of Burden” – ‘Some Girls’ (1978)
ShareLet’s just cut to the chase: “Beast of Burden” is sexy as hell. It’s the perfect combination of lust, romance and general coolness, which is one of many ways to simply describe the Rolling Stones as a band. It’s a casual groove but it’s in no way sloppy. It truly is rough enough, tough enough, rich enough and in love enough.
12. “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” – ‘It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll’ (1974)
ShareIf the rock genre had some sort of keynote address, “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” would likely be it, or at least be a firm contender. It has attitude for days, great guitars and a killer rhythm track. What more could you really want? Someone to stick a pen in their heart and spill it all over a stage?! People don’t choose rock and roll; it chooses them. This track understands that. And they like it. (Yes, they do!)
11. “Wild Horses” – ‘Sticky Fingers’ (1971)
ShareThe Rolling Stones have plenty of ballads in their quiver, but “Wild Horses” is the band’s best that hits your heart’s bullseye every single time. How could it not? “No sweeping exits or offstage lines/Could make me feel bitter or treat you unkind.” You’d have to be a damn cyborg not to feel that!
10. “Tumbling Dice” – ‘Exile on Main St.’ (1972)
ShareThe lead/most commercially successful single from ‘Exile,’ “Tumbling Dice” is easily the coolest song that relies on gambling and love as metaphors. Mick Taylor is on bass here, with Mick Jagger picking up rhythm duties. (Keef, of course, is on lead.) Charlie Watts’s drumming is minimalist perfection. The track is put over the top thanks to the sublime backing vocals of Clydie King, Venetta Fields and Sherlie Matthews.
9. “Midnight Rambler” – ‘Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert’ (1970)
ShareEasily one of the best straight-forward blues tracks written by Jagger and Richards, “Midnight Rambler” opens up side two of 'Let It Bleed’ and serves as another example of Jagger being incredibly underrated on the harmonica. While the studio version is outstanding, the live version on ‘Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!” is pure blues jam heaven.
8. “Brown Sugar” – ‘Sticky Fingers’ (1971)
ShareLet’s get this out of the way: There’s no way in hell lyrics like this would fly today. It’s something Mick Jagger recognized in an interview with ‘Rolling Stone’ published in 1995 where he said, “God knows what I'm on about on that song. It's such a mishmash. All the nasty subjects in one go... I never would write that song now.” Lyrical content aside, the track would become the Stones’ sixth number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks in large part to its incredible groove. No wonder it’s the song the band has played the second-most times in concert, which leads perfectly into...
7. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” – ‘Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2)’ (1968)
ShareThe song the Rolling Stones have played the most live is “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” (Per Setlist.fm, they’ve played this absolute gem more than 1,100 times.) The track marked a welcome return to form following the very of-the-era ‘Their Satanic Majesties Request.’ Not to say a band isn’t allowed to experiment with their sound, but blues-based Rolling Stones will always be superior to anything else they do. And if you’re looking for any further evidence, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” has been covered by a bunch of other artists from Tina Turner to Aretha Franklin to Peter Frampton.
6. “Honky Tonk Women” – ‘Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2)’ (1969)
ShareGod...bless...cowbell and producer Jimmy Miller’s playing of the instrument that kicks off this classic tune. While we’re at it, bless the women that maybe inspired this song, too. (Particularly the one that blew Mick Jagger’s nose and then his mind. That’s both thoughtful and...let’s just say thorough.) While the song was born from more country influences as evident from “Country Honk” featured on ‘Let It Bleed,’ “Honky Tonk Women” is just leaps and bounds better and a testament of what can happen when you simply play around with a song idea.
5. “Street Fighting Man” – ‘Beggars Banquet’ (1968)
ShareInspired by various anti-war demonstrations that occurred around the world in 1968, “Street Fighting Man” is the Rolling Stones at their most visceral. Despite being about protests in the ‘60s, its message and attitude still apply to countless movements that have played out in streets the world over in the decades since its release. There is a timelessness to many Rolling Stones songs, but “Street Fighting Man” might be the most universal track in their entire catalog. Props to Brian Jones for his sitar and tamboura work, which truly adds a unique layer and texture to an already potent track.
4. “Start Me Up” – ‘Tattoo You’ (1981)
ShareOne second. That’s all you need to pick out “Start Me Up”; by 0:01, you know exactly what you’re listening to. It’s one of the band’s most radio-friendly tunes in their entire catalog, perhaps the most radio-friendly. This fact is incredibly ironic considering they inexplicably snuck the lyric “You make a dead man cum” past censors. Or at least that lyric wasn’t considered the scandal that “Let’s Spend The Night Together” was 14 years prior. Regardless, what an iconic riff from Keith Richards!
3. “Sympathy for the Devil” – ‘Beggars Banquet’ (1968)
Share“Sympathy for the Devil” and its storytelling of tragic moments in history from the perspective of the devil never really gets enough credit for how clever it is. The Stones were criticized for their behavior and the content of their lyrics from pretty much the jump, but instead of complaining about their critics, they decided to hold a mirror at them instead. Sure, the song is playful in that very British wink-and-a-nod sort of way about Satan, but the way it turns the tables on a hypnotic wave of “woo woos” is nothing short of brilliant.
2. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – ‘Out of Our Heads’ (1965)
Share“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is about as legendary as the story of how Keith Richards wrote the song’s classic riff while still half-asleep. The preferred music of younger generations may have changed over time, but the frustrations are still pretty much the same. (Older generations are out of touch, everyone keeps telling me what to do, I can’t get laid, etc.) If you could pick just one thing “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” did really well – which is admittedly an incredibly daunting task - it was establish an angst anthem blueprint for future younger artists to follow. Sure, there has been some evolution over the decades, but you can almost always find the root of those works in “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”
1. “Gimme Shelter” – ‘Let It Bleed’ (1969)
ShareMany things add up to “Gimme Shelter” being the greatest Rolling Stones song ever. For starters, it’s one of the greatest opening tracks ever and kicks off ‘Let It Bleed’ in dramatic fashion. It also features the most iconic rock vocal solo ever thanks to Merry Clayton’s fervent delivery. (Her voice breaking when she belts out the final line of “Rape, Murder” will forever send chills up and down spines.) Perhaps most importantly is that “Gimme Shelter” is somehow over 50 years later more relevant and poignant now than it was when first released. In an age when multiple mass shootings happen nearly every single week in the United States, a line like “It’s just a shot away” cuts remarkably deep, and it’s difficult not to think of it with every piece of breaking news or memorial hashtag. “Gimme Shelter” is a desperate plea for peace in the face of seemingly non-stop violence. Maybe one day, we’ll find the love the song speaks of as it comes to a close.
She threw his phone in the toilet…
