"I think that this is a very easy album to overlook because its weaknesses appear so obvious: most of Taylor's songs are good, not great, and his voice is, at best, thin, and, at worst, a liability. What Taylor is good at, however, is playing guitar. His solos are models of economy, sophistication and tension. For sheer beauty, the two instrumental pieces which close the album represent the very best of the kind of fusion where rock incorporates jazz, rather than the other way around. I only wish he had continued in that direction rather than concentrate on blues exclusively, which seems to be what he has done since this release. Of all the classic guitarists that came out of the British pop scene, he remains the most underrated, the most subtle, and the most elusive. This album, even with its faults, wears better than any of, say, Jeff Beck's works, from the same period. And I like Beck a lot. Taylor, though, you can get lost in for years."
Mick Taylor
11/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought the vinyl in 1979 and wore it out. The cassete copy I made eventually died. Now I have this on CD. Mick Taylor proves once and for all he was the most talented musician the Stones ever had. Too bad Keith Richards' petty jealousy didn't allow Mick Taylor to stay with this bad. It is evident Goats Head Soup and It's Only Rock and Roll, particulary the cut Time Waits for No One (during the recording of which Mick set down his guitar and walked out of the studio) were Mick Taylor inspired works. Back in those days , however, Jagger and Richards slapped their names on everything the band did so Taylor never got the credit he deserved.From the opening anthem Leather Jacket(a song no doubt aimed at Mick Jagger)all the way trough the final cut, Taylor showcases his talents, playing virtually every instrument on the CD. For something refreshing and a throw back to real music by a truly talented musician, this is a must buy!"
HOT POOP!
Connie Lingus | Sacramento, CA | 12/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When Mick Taylor left the Rolling Stones he took their heart and soul with him. Nothing they've done without him rocks as hard as Broken Hands and the country blues of Alabama contains some incredible slide guitar that would have fit perfectly on Exile On Main Street. Gorgeous playing throughout this wonderful album."
Dated, but excellent
Greekfreak | Pusan Korea (South) | 03/23/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A friend of mine from back home sent me this album for the purpose of showcasing what he believes is musical brilliance, and generally an underrated artist. Upon leaving the Stones (for a myriad of reasons, none of which are particularly important), it wouldn't have taken a genius to figure out that Mick had some blues of his own, some great songs of his own to simply kick out (as well as kick back). So he played the crap out of it, and what we're left with is a great Stones album without the Stones."Leather Jacket", "Baby, I Want You", and "Broken Hands" are killer tunes just WAITING to be given the Stones treatment, and if Mick's musicianship lacks a peer, his lyrics and vocal delivery are found wanting. He's a capable enough singer, but the abundance of instrumentals backs me up on this fact.The production of the album dates it a little, but since the songs are so good, you can't let that ruin your appreciation of it."
One of my all time favorite albumns
David Kinny | Louisville, Ky | 06/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is truly an excelent albumn. Mick Taylor songwriting, guitar playing and vocals are all superb. Mick Taylor is one of the most expressive guitar players I have heard. I've owned a tape of this for the last 20 years, and every so often, I get it out and listen to it. I always enjoy it. The music has such depth. Particularly the instrumental songs (3 of 8 on the albumn). Spanish/A minor is a masterpiece of mixing guitars, piano, and synthisizers with changing themes and varying intensities. Leather Jacket and Broken Hands are excellent rock and roll songs. My cassette tape gave out on me a few weeks ago, and I bought a CD of this through Amazom.com. It sounds even better on CD."