Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images Mary J. Blige is in financial trouble once again…
IFLTS: 'Sweet Black Angel,' Rolling Stones
- Posted on Sep 17th 2008 2:00PM by Georgia Kral
'Sweet Black Angel,' Rolling StonesFrom 1972's 'Exile on Main St.'
This acoustic, country and blues-tinged track off the widely hailed 'Exile on Main St.,' is one of the best Rolling Stones songs of all time. At first listen, the tune seems a bit racist and derogatory to women, but the song was actually written in defense of political activist Angela Davis, who was accused of murder, kidnapping and conspiracy in 1970.
"She's a sweet black angel/Not a gun toting teacher/Not a Red lovin' school mom/Ain't someone gonna free her/ Free the sweet black slave/Free the sweet black slave," Mick Jagger sings.
Next to the song's subject, the high level of musicality cannot be ignored. The tune starts with a single guitar line, the scratch-scratch of ridged sticks against each other and the hollow sound of claves striking each other. Jagger's oddly pretty voice trickles in before closing with a wailing harmonica. It was a call to arms.
What song do you freakin' love? Write our next IFLTS. Send it to us at spinnereditor@aim.com
- Filed under: I Freakin' Love This Song
All the AOL Music info you want to know
Toby Keith Says His Hometown of Moore,…
The BootRick Diamond, Getty Images The F4 tornado that cut a path through Moore, Oklahoma…
Lisa Matassa Working to Put 'Long…
The BootFacebook Lisa Matassa says it's alright to call her a country newcomer, even…
Ray Manzarek, Legendary Keyboardist of…
NoisecreepGetty Images Ray Manzarek of the legendary rock band The Doors has died at the age…
Add a Comment
Ann Marie
amd52 I grew up with the stones and they are no 1 on my hit parade.... i had every album they released until my albums were stolen. these guys are big time. And now a new song will be released plunder my soul which did not mk cut on the exile on main street album... where can i find this song. stones rock are the best. their concerts are one of a kind, been there done that. any advice where i can find this song thanks
April 25 2010 at 8:08 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Dale
I have always liked that song. When I first heard it, I was attracted to the arrangement. Later, I got into the lyrics.
Thanks for the write up.
p.s.
mick looks alot like the late Don Knotts in the picture you have posted with the article..lol
2 Comments