Look What You've Done

December's Children (And Everybody's)
Side 1, Track 4
"Look What You've Done" (McKinley Morganfield) – 2:16



Another Muddy Waters tune. Brian Jones's harmonica is even more annoying than usual. This recording dates back to 1964, when the Stones first entered Chess Studios in Chicago – it was the same session that yielded "It's All Over Now". It is curious to me how the band could not get a good-sounding blues harmonica track at Chess Studios of all places.

I Can't Be Satisfied

The Rolling Stones No.2
Side 2, Track 3
"I Can't Be Satisfied" (McKinley Morganfield) – 3:26

A note-for-not duplicate of Muddy Waters' original. Compare the two versions:






Now, tell me: was there anything to be gained by recording this song? Did the Stones add anything, either to the song or to the world in general?

So, not only did the Rolling Stones take their name from Muddy Waters, not only did they take one of his best songs from him, but they also used that song as the basis for their biggest hit.[*]

[* Okay, a stretch. I can't be satisfied? I can't get no satisfaction? Big difference.]



Image courtesy of Micah Lopez.

I Just Want to Make Love to You

England’s Newest Hitmakers

Side 1, Track 3

"I Just Want to Make Love to You" (Willie Dixon) – 2:17

Another blues classic – I think this one was already a standard by the time the Stones got to it. The original Muddy Waters version was slow and insistent with an air of menace running through it. At this point in his career, Mick can't really do menace – so the band double-times the tempo and turns the song into a Bo Diddley-style sexual come-on, complete with maracas. More excellent rhythm/lead guitar work from Keith.

Yet another lame harmonica part – I get the feeling that's not the last time I'll have to say those words. This one suffers further in comparison to Little Walter's sublime performance on the original. Man, that guy could really play.