redsox75's Full Review: Every Picture Tells a Story [Remaster] by Rod Stew...
Rod Stewart was starting to come into his own as a solo artist. After his stint with the Jeff Beck Group, he joined the Small Faces, who later became the Faces. A raucous rock band, one of the most popular of the period, Rod became the focal point. He never wanted to go solo, but his popularity as a front man was something the record companies wanted to capitalize on. They became known as Rod Stewart and the Faces before Rod finally departed for a solo career. In 1971, though, the Faces were still going strong, and Rod enlists their help on his most famous record, Every Picture Tells A Story.
Every Picture Tells A Story is acoustic based and kinetic. "Combed my hair in a thousand ways but I came out lookin the same." Along the lines of the Love the One You're With philosophy. We're rock stars, young and rich, and we are going to live it up. The other voice is provided by Maggie Bell, who was supposed to be the English Janis Joplin, but the records just would not sell. You can hear Rod start to come in early on one part, but they kept it in anyway. One of the few songs on here written by Rod, with help from Ronnie Wood. The title is basically a throw away. Great piano at the very end.
Seems Like A Long Time starts out with piano, which has a more prominent place on this track. This sounds very much like a Rolling Stones song from the same period. Echoed vocals don't work very well for me. An electric guitar provides a strong counterpoint with some scratchy chords and deft leads.
That's All Right is a rollicking take on the Elvis chestnut. The acoustic slide and piano along with the fat bass sound and strong drums provide an appropriate base for this great song. This one ends with an acoustic take on Amazing Grace. Quite moving palate cleanser at the end of one that makes you shake a tailfeather.
Tomorrow Is A Long Time throws some violin in the mix for good measure. Did not realize that this was a Dylan song, until I just read the liner notes for the first time in awhile. Strong presence of a steel guitar country sound. "Only if she were lyin' by me, would I rest in my bed again." If you are a Zeppelin fan, this one will remind you of the feel of "Down By the Seaside". A tender little country ditty to set the stage for the monster hit.
Maggie May is Rod's Stairway to Heaven. It begins with a classical guitar interlude. A driving, acoustic-based song, about a torrid love affair that did not quite end properly. "You stole my heart and that's what really hurts". He was only looking for a friend, and found much more than he bargained for. I'm sure it is a song he will have to play at every concert he does for the rest of his life. A chiming organ provides a tender touch. One of the few major rock hits to feature a mandolin prominently. At almost six minutes, it is a bit on the long side. Some of the solos could have been excised without much damage.
Mandolin Wind brings the jangly 12 string guitar to the forefront. Another tender love song in an acoustic vein. The mandolin is once again out front in the mix. This one builds to a strong climax, cracking the tender feel it had created. It is still a great love song, nevertheless.
(I Know) I'm Losing You is the highlight of the record for me. I had never heard of the song when I picked this one up years ago. Rod thanks the members of the band for the development of this Motown classic. "It's just not the same, oh honey, I'm losing you". Impassioned vocals on Rod's part drive the tune. The rhythm section hits the gas to bring it to a fever pitch. Makes you want to play the air drums, great work by Mick Waller. If this one doesn't get you going, you don't like music as much as you say you do.
Reason to Believe is a remarkable song. "If I listened long enough to you, I'd find a way to believe that it's all true". Despite all the bad things, he still wants to hang on to his love. "Someone like you, makes it hard, to live with somebody else". This one makes you want to snuggle up with your baby and tell her how much you love her. I could do without the high-pitched organ. Once again, primarily an acoustic song. A wonderful end to a great recording. Violin provides a bittersweet counterpoint.
I don't give five stars too easily, but I wish I could give this one more. I can acknowledge that this sounds a lot like the Stones at times. It is in the acoustic style that was in vogue in 1971, with groups like Crosby Stills and Nash bringing the acoustic guitar into rock. The songs are just wonderful testaments, wonderful love songs, sung with great emotion and power, by a vocalist starting to come into his own. Pick this one up for Maggie May. Enjoy the other seven tracks as buried treasure, easily discovered and quickly cherished.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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