Roll Away the Stones?

We used to love them, but it's all over now--or should be, with the passing of their heart beat and back beat, the dapper drummer, Charlie Watts.

Seems like just the other day—and it was—that I posted a tribute, with songs/videos, following the death of Don Everly. And that followed the passing of Nanci Griffith and Tom T. Hall. Tough to be a Boomer legend or fan of Boomer legends these days (I better get used to it). So, today, a few highlights for Charlie Watts, with apt focus on, you know, his drumming, on classic tracks. As the movie title had it—Charlie was our darling. Among the dozens of quotes hailing Charlie, this one from Lenny Kravitz said it well in the fewest syllables: "There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself.” So below: a few grooves. Enjoy, then share or subscribe (it’s still free).

Memory Models

Among his greatest work, on “Street Fighting Man,” here in all its glory on the left channel.

Isolated drums on “Gimme Shelter.” It’s just a rim shot away.

Isolated video on Chas on “Monkey Man,” live.

Isolated again for “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” It and he never showed their age.

Then there’s Charlie meets Bo Diddley—and one more isolated, “All Down the Line.”