A Word About One of The Stones' Signature Songs

 

The Rolling Stones were one of the leaders of the British Invasion in the 60s, and one of the longest-lasting ones beyond that. In 1973, they issued their 11th British LP, Goat's Head Soup (13th in the US). One of their most memorable tracks closes the first side of the LP.

Angie

Before anything, let me just personally say that this is the song that actually turned me on to The Rolling Stones many years ago. The song is notorious for a melancholic repeating chord progression of Am-E-D-G-C throughout the verses, which I think really set the tone given that the theme is that of a lost love or romance.

Pictured below are two regular Stones session musicians from the era, Nicky Hopkins who contributed the piano throughout the song, and Nicky Harrison, responsible for string arrangements on the album.
Hopkins in 1973 Nicky Hopkins sessions

Hopkins has also played with John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band.

It's not about a particular Angie

Richards, who is the main one responsible for writing the song, has stated that the song is not about any particular Angie. Some popular speculations included David Bowie's then wife, Angela, actress Angie Dickinson, and even Keith Richards' newborn daughter, Danilton Angela. However, Richards has explained that he wrote the song before his daughter was born and before he even knew the name and gender.

Another interesting thing to note is that Jagger's guided vocal track was recorded before the final vocal - hence explaining the rnadom vocal bursts heard throughout the song. It sometimes even makes me think it's live when I hear it on the radio :-). 

Speaking of live, the Stones have made the song a regular part of setlists since their 1982 European tour. Unfortunately, last year when I saw them, they did not perform it.

An astounding success

The track hit the top spot in five countires - including the US and Canada, and was top 10 in seven others including the UK. It was also a top 20 hit in Finland!

By 1974, Angie peaked in the top 20 (#19) in Australia, and was a top 10 hit in Canada, Switzerland, and The Netherlands.

Reissue of Goat's Head Soup

Goat's Head Soup, being one of the Stones' top albums, will be reissued on September 4, 2020 in expanded form. This will feature never before issued tracks including a track written in collaboration with Jimmy Page.


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