First Listen - "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" by The Rolling Stones

[@jbellinger99]

Charlie Watts is sensational here.

[@sukie584]

This whole album. He’s incredible on SWAY.

[@sirslice7531]

Charlie is often subtly sensational!

[@WMalven]

In an interview, Mick Taylor said the jam at th end was totally impromptu. When they reached the end of the song, he said he just felt like playing more, so he just continued. Everybody else picked their instruments back up and joined in. A very cool spontaneous. moment in the studio that is preserved for ever.

[@scottlbroco]

The great Mick Taylor likes to exaggerate somewhat. They ALL just kept playing. You only have to listen to it to hear the transition is seamless.

[@EneriGiilaan]

@@scottlbroco Well - what I read from 'somewhere' is that they overdubbed the sax at the beginning of the instrumental part to make the transition smoother. How reliable that info is I can't tell.

[@scottlbroco]

@@EneriGiilaan Actually, that makes a great deal of sense. The song portion of the recording doesn't include any sax as far as I can hear, so it doesn't make sense that Bobby Keys was just hanging out in the studio with his saxophone ready and joined in when the song transitioned into an improvised jam. As you probably know, the Stones typically recorded their basic tracks live with all 5 Stones playing together. Occasionally, one or 2 of the Stones would be absent, but usually all 5 participated in recording their basic tracks, sometimes with another musician present on piano. If Keith thought an additional guitar or two was needed , they'd be overdubbed, along with overdubs of any instruments that Keith and Mick wanted to add, like keyboards, percussion and saxophone. The final stage was overdubbing the finished music with lead vocals and/or backing vocals. I think the sax and percussion was probably overdubbed later, but that doesn't change the fact that the improvised transition into a jam was an inspired performance.

[@EneriGiilaan]

@@scottlbroco I'm a long time Stones fan - Sticky Fingers together with Get Your Ya Ya's out were the first records I bought with my own money in 1971. That said - I was not aware of how they generally build their pieces. Based on your explanation it indeed makes perfect sense - thanks.

[@scottlbroco]

@@EneriGiilaan Wow, you and I are musical siblings! In 1971, the first albums I bought with my own money were Hot Rocks and Sticky Fingers, when I was 10 years old. Life changing music! There's a book called "The Rolling Stones - All the Songs" that's fascinating. It chronologically lists which musicians played nearly every instrument, whether the song was created by Keith & Mick or mostly Keith or mostly Mick; plus the meaning and inspiration for each song. For example, I learned that while Keith doesn't appear in the song "Moonlight Mile", he wrote the melody on guitar and called the tape he made "Japanese Noodlings". While Keith was unconscious for a couple of days after being awake for many nights, Mick wrote the song from Keith's melody. Mick plays a beautiful acoustic guitar on it, and the great Mick Taylor plays the 2 electric guitars on it. It's probably my favorite Stones ballad. I've read hundreds of books about the Stones, and countless articles. They're almost as fascinating as they are great. I'm glad I can use what I've learned to pass it on to someone like you that appreciates the Rolling Stones. Thank you!

[@lisarainbow9703]

"Moonlight Mile" from this album is fantastic..

[@yenlard6683]

No doubt 👍

[@vicprovost2561]

One of their very best songs and jams, they just have incredible interplay amongst the entire ensemble. Another great jam of theirs is Midnight Rambler, studio is a classic but live, it takes on a life of its own. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎶

[@jhamler1]

No doubt one of the grooviest riffs ever. That opening guitar lick and snare drop is so goddamned infectious the rest of the song simply CANNOT fail. They could've sung an advertisement for car insurance for the next five minutes, wouldn't matter.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Peak Rolling Stones.

[@scottlbroco]

"Can't You Hear Me Knocking" was supposed to end after the last chorus, but they all just kept playing. What you hear was improvised on the spot. Typically, the Stones play live in the studio with all of them responding to each other, and later overdub final vocals and additional instruments as needed. Syed, I love your reactions to the Rolling Stones, who to me, are the undisputed World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band EVER. They showed tremendous growth over their looong career and absorbed American roots music of the blues, soul, r&b, country, jazz and reggae into their identity. While the Beatles began a revolution of rock creativity, the Stones' attitude made them truly the first punk band, the prototype garage band that inspired kids to think "I can do that!". The late, great saxophonist Bobby Keys was born on exactly the same day and year as his best friend, Keith Richards. He's most famous for his extensive work with the Stones, but he also worked with John, George and Ringo in their solo careers and many other artists. Many consider him the best rock sax player ever. Mick Jagger is recognized as the greatest front man ever, and while he doesn't have as good a voice as John or Paul, and can't sing as well as Robert Plant or Bono, he's remarkably versatile and can deliver a raunchy rock and roll song like no one else. When the Stones renegotiated their first record contract, their label asked "which one writes the songs?" Their manager, Andrew Oldham pointed to Keith Richards. Whenever they got stuck on a song in the studio, they'd ask Keith to wander off for an hour to come up with something. Sometimes he had a solution, sometimes he'd come up with something new. Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Mick Taylor and Ron Wood have all said that Keith's the band leader and Mick is the one who manages all the business decisions, unless it's something Keith vetoes. The Stones' tours were front page news in every town they played, and from 1972 to 2007, nearly every Stones tour broke the highest grossing tour record. No one's ever played to so many fans worldwide. The World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band indeed.

[@chitownlee]

Bobby Keys on Sax. This was only supposed to be a 3min song but all the musicians just started jamming and this was the result.

[@romanrodriquez3816]

more stones more stones more stones more stones more stones more stones more stones more stones more stones more stones more stones more stones

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Keep going, many great ones.😅

[@robertasirgutz8800]

Charlie's shuffle is amazing.

[@doriwiljt]

One of my favorite of theirs. Album and song Bobby Keys on sax 👌🏻

[@jbellinger99]

You should do a full album listen to "Exile on Main Street". It is their best album, - they played like the devil was on their tail. Pioneering Alt country here, and driving rock and roll to its unnatural conclusions. It is an Epic work and nearly the end of the Stones as a STUDIO force. They became a great live band, but never surpassed this record in the studio. It is not a SINGLES record - charting only a couple of songs. But as an album listen, in is damn near unbeatable. Many have tried.

[@sigischmidt367]

No, it is STICKY FINGERS, too many fillers on exile, wls be a great one record

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@sigischmidt367 and Let it Bleed, that whole 68 to 72 era was amazing for the Stones and most everyone else too.

[@jbellinger99]

@@sigischmidt367 NO FILLER on Exile. They never sounded more energized. True, It is not a compilation of hit songs - it is a rock and roll masterpiece. It is the stuff legends are made of - a record that solidifies forever the legacy of a band at their peak. No one was ready for it - it pushed every barrier, and broke a number of them.

[@dynjarren8355]

Exile is so overrated. It sounds like a basement underground recording which it was. Sticky Fingers and Let it Bleed are far superior with actual hits! Exile only has Tumbling Dice. But you get it, man! You get the artistry. Some say the second part is a Santana like jam. I’m so pleased you understand it all and appear to like what you are hearing. On point Musical and Lyrical analysis from you. I actually gain new insights from you! Excellent!

[@ArmandoMPR]

@@dynjarren8355 Exile isn’t overrated at all. Rocks Off, Rip This Joint, Tumbling Dice, Sweet Virginia, Torn and Frayed, Sweet Black Angel, Loving Cup, Happy, Ventilator Blues, Let It Loose, All Down Line, and Shine a Light are all unimpeachable 5/5 songs. That’s 12 out of the 18 tracks. And some of the other tracks I left off I also consider 5/5, but the ones I mentioned are undeniable. All great for slightly different reasons.

[@ls1959]

The Stones often get criticized for not being the greatest musicians. What isn't great about this song? From beginning to end the musicianship on this song is top notch and can match anything in rock music history. Amazing song off an amazing album. Sticky Fingers is my favorite album of all time. Greatness from beginning to end that never gets old.

[@Sergio54321]

Can’t You Hear Me Knocking and Sympathy for the Devil are my two favorite Stones songs. Thanks for reacting to it!

[@bryanmiller6110]

Sticky Fingers is an Album meant to be heard as a whole

[@alienlifeform7490]

I read that the second act was completely free, unrehearsed. This was a bunch of guys jamming. It's incredible. Thank you!!

[@joescott8877]

The second chorus here is one of the few rock songs that is always threatening--and once in a while following through--to bring me to tears, or at least very misty-eyed! Goosebumps for sure. With the rain-gentle piano coming in and the plaintive lyrics of "Hear me singin', soft and low," etc... Oh, my mercy! And yet, as you correctly pointed out--the utter filthiness of that(those) riffs! And THEN the sax and all the rest?! Are you kidding me?? Sublime nastiness.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

I’d forgotten that great jazz-fusion Part 2..it’s been a looong time since I’ve heard it. It’s such a great track! Great reaction.

[@tonywtyt]

This is one of the finest, grungiest, favs of the Stones, then it leaves the main riffs and head off into a cool jam.

[@allanbluzdude]

Thank you for reacting to my favorite Stones song! This song is not played live that often, I’ve seen them play this 4 times including in 2013 when Mick Taylor guest on this song. Absolutely brilliant!

[@kikovazquez7277]

I've heard a couple of live performances from the early to middle years of Ron Wood being Taylor's successor. Wood surprisingly killed Taylor's solos in the extended jam. I do agree with the faction of Stones fans who are committed to Taylor being the band's best lead guitarist, but my impression of Ron Wood was turned up considerably when I heard him do very hot improvisational takes on "Knocking".

[@clab5864]

My fav. RS song. Like a fine wine, it ages beautifully!!

[@MarkChappell1]

This is a jam by some of the best jammers ever.

[@827dusty]

One of my very favorites by The Stones.

[@franchk8372]

Wow, loving this ... hadn't heard it for sooo long that I'd forgotten how good it is.

[@keithr-xj7zx]

This came out when I was in high school. Not only is this my favorite Stones song but also one of my all time favorites. Man the music was amazing in the 70 's..

[@davidgagne3569]

LOVE THIS SONG!!! The last section was totally impromptu. In an interview Keith said he thought the song was over but the other guys just kept going. So he picked up his guitar and joined in. LOL. Note - Mick Taylor's lead is next level. Easily one of the best leads I've ever heard. Slippery smooth wet and frigging wild. Top 3 all time lead.

[@bobmessier5215]

My Stones fave.

[@davidcapito6957]

I always took this song as from the viewpoint of an addict. The drugs were always the one knocking at the windows, howling down your dirty street etc. liked your reactions on the stones, keep it up.

[@briantimmons3075]

"Bitch" is another great jam on this LP

[@TylerD288]

One of my favorite Stone's songs. So glad you loved it, Syed. I hope you keep going with your channel, it's one of the best.

[@hollywoodpotato5289]

Have you done Midnight Rambler yet? That has to be their darkest most spooky ass songs. I’d recommend the studio version first, if you haven’t heard it before.

[@hannahhoney7906]

He should definitely react to Midnight Rambler and I agree start with the album version. Great song and from the POV of the stalker, much more Richard Ramierez

[@nickjohnson1445]

Definition of a banger tune right there, man

[@ArmandoMPR]

Keith Richards proving once again that he doesn’t have to be a virtuoso to write a better riff than anyone else. And what about good ol’ Charlie? Playing absolutely brilliant stuff without hogging the spotlight, always doing it in service to the song. Consider “Moonlight Mile” for your next Stones reaction. It’s a ballad, and, in my opinion, it’s the most beautiful music they ever recorded. Whenever I’m really listening to it I start to get teary-eyed because of its beauty.

[@rikurodriguesneto6043]

yeah moonlight mile is great

[@richardfweeler2939]

Yeah you hit that right on the Button... Keef..is a riff master doesn't like too much interrupting his groove ...unless it adds to it ....early Stones stuff has very little lead guitar

[@lathedauphinot6820]

Bobby Keys, born on the same day as Keith Richards and his best friend, but from Lubbock, Texas and as a kid watched Buddy Holly practice in his garage, was a member of Delaney and Bonnie and Friends a year before and joined in on a jam called “Pigmy” that they played live. The tape was still rolling on “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” when Keys started playing the “Pigmy” changes, Mick Taylor picked it up brilliantly, Charlie Watts was playing of course and they had the exact right people at this session: Rocky the conga player who played on “Sympathy”, the brilliant pianist Nicky Hopkins, Billy Preston on organ, and produced Jimmy Miller, who played drums on “Happy” and percussion parts here & there for years. The first-take crew… Try “Monkey Man” from ‘Let It Bleed’. Thanks!

[@benhinds2971]

Glad you did this. Great example of Stones musical capabilities.

[@mathstar4176]

Bring back the Love man, somebody revved up the hate and blew out the candle. But with you young Soul Cats reviewing the British Invasion artists, the Beautiful people will return. Be warned, Satan don't like this !!!!

[@harlanginsberg7269]

Saying they did it in one take doesn't explain it, As Keith Richards explained " The jam at the end wasn't inspired by Carlos Santana. We didn't even know they were still taping. We thought we'd finished. We were just rambling and we kept the tape going. I figured we'd just fade off.It was only when we heard the playback that we realised, Oh they kept it going,

[@dctbass]

The improvised coda is just another level of brilliance. Incredible, and elevates this song into the stratosphere.

[@ramonalfaro3252]

this is what great music is all about! Just a bunch of talented friends tearing it up.

[@chrisbanks5925]

Superb.

[@glenntrueman8209]

great great track from my fave Stones album.

[@cindyburke-hynes9492]

The start of the song is about the craving and the instrumental sounds like the deal is going down...great reaction

[@glenndespres5317]

Your are correct, Sir! This is dirty, filthy perfection!

[@damonhines8187]

This album continued the dominance of my rock'n'roll heart by the Stones. An absolute triumph, a masterful statement, a summation of a place in time, a ZAP!⚡️from the zeitgeist. Just fucking love it. ❤😊

[@FloridaRocks]

Oh yeah!! I love this song!!

[@barbarjinx3802]

Best things the stones ever did was a jam session they didn’t realize was being recorded.

[@tomroome4118]

Syed, man, Opus, YES! Perfect description!

[@jbstonesfan]

Dig your channel cuz’ you dig the Stones . Nothing better.

[@ronjm945]

R.I.P. Charlie Watts…

[@stevebengel1346]

The amazing thing is that the entire song recorded live in 1 take 🤯

[@marklerner8963]

Incredibly layered and textured. There are sonic clusters where various instruments come together fabulously. Dense, yet light on its feet

[@olibertosoto5470]

These guys are undeniably pure rock - even the sax! Great obsevation 👍🏼

[@thecliffdweller1212]

You had it right: It's about a junkie in remission who is relapsing and stalking his dealer while he is going through withdrawal. "I've been kicking. Help me please." Part One is scoring and Part Two is fixing up and hitting it, the euphoria of the narcotic rush

[@dmCurator]

It makes you sit up and take notice. Superb stuff.

[@mythicsin3083]

Bought this album the day it came out.

[@Jimx629]

Brilliant track. Saw them do this live in 1972 during their Exile on Main Street tour. Wow.

[@jasonremy1627]

My favorite track on my favorite album. Good choice!

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

I agree--utterly fantastic record. Certainly in my top ten RS records. Thanks, Syed.

[@alphajava761]

You have to listen to Sticky Fingers. Dead Flowers and Sister Morphine are my two favorite songs. Whole album is amazing.

[@yenlard6683]

Yes…he needs to hit those up 🔥

[@pcard10]

The Mick Taylor years were by far the best Stones for me!

[@frankjurgensen9550]

Ich finde auch die Sachen nach Taylor gut. Die Nummer war durch und ronnie hat was neues mitgebracht. Klar, die Klassiker Alben sind generell schwer zu toppen. Respekt vor den stones. Auf jedem auch noch so schwachem Album sind geile Nummern

[@clifton8929]

Amazingly, this track is over seven minutes long, beginning with a Keith Richards killer guitar riff intro. The main song lasts for about two minutes and 43 seconds. After that, it transforms into an extended improvisational jam. The entire track was captured in one take, with the jam being a happy accident; the band had assumed the tape machine had been stopped. It was Mick Taylor's first time with the Stones after the death of Brian Jones, and Keith said "Taylor was just improvising and sounded like an Angel" and just let it go. Music is Magic.

[@kikovazquez7277]

This is my all time favorite Stones track on my favorite Stones album. For me, it's in the running for my favorite banging rock classic period. Side One is for me the rockingest vinyl ever laid down with some very tasty slices of other genres mixed in . Every song is what you describe as an "opus" except the last song, "You Got to Move", which though an enjoyable piece of pure Mississippi Delta blues, sounds like a throwaway track after you've been worn to the bone by the power of "Brown Sugar", "Sway", "Wild Horses" and then the crushing climax of "Can't You Hear Me Knocking". The opening rock sequence belongs to Keith Richards playing the most irresistibly filthy riff I know with all the other pieces fitting in perfectly --If this was the only song Keith ever wrote and played, he'd still be the God of Riffs. Then the jazz/r&b jam - that belonged to Bobby Keys' sax and Mick Taylor's lead guitar. Per Richard's sensational and beautifully written autobiography, he and Keys were the best of buddies during this greatest phase of the Rolling Stone's career. Keys played on many tracks on the Stones records of that time, and was always, or usually a featured sideman for their tours. He was likely the most in demand freelance Rock saxophonist of the time and heavily in demand to record and tour with many great artists, so I don't know for sure if the Stones had him along at all times. I know you'll get 200 comments explaining how that whole instrumental jam came about so I can shut my mouth right now with a big thank you for a terrific reaction to my favorite song.

[@robertovaccari7078]

To put it in plain words, it is so fucking rock and roll

[@ziggymarlowe5654]

Stones at their best, music for your head.

[@umpdaddy1]

I love a lot of Stones songs but I think this piece of music is as good as music gets. If I had to recommend a first listen of the Stones to a newbie it would be this one. There''s a lot of legend around this song that's worth checking out.

[@elisaabolafia9542]

Do tell❗ What kind of legends ...I'm intrigued.

[@umpdaddy1]

@@elisaabolafia9542 Wikipedia can do a much better job than I.

[@jamminme]

Thank you Syed. Great reaction. Love, the fucking Rolling Stones!

[@anthonyblakely399]

This song is one of my favorite songs from The Rolling Stones. And they did put some Gospel flavor in the song.......and hard bluesy Heavy Metal!!!!! It's about a Werewolf or some man who thinks he is a Werewolf on drug ...Cocaine which make him change into this Beast!!! Now I think it's about the Cocaine like a Werewolf taken you down like you are it's Prey. Excellent Reaction!!!

[@bobtedeman5975]

One of my favorite intros of all time

[@artromano2419]

Great outro too!!

[@hannahhoney7906]

Keith does the best intro’s ❤

[@robertmessing6846]

The Stones at their peak in my humble opinion.

[@gregpusczek4473]

Absolutely brilliant

[@keeponrollin7922]

This whole album is spectacular

[@theknitter5643]

A true masterpiece.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Another song (I know you'd love) with a great solo by Mick Taylor is "Time Waits For No One."

[@antonballard2212]

Killer song and reaction!!! Your the best

[@BlueSky...]

A magic take that was never captured live with such splendor.

[@frankjurgensen9550]

Stimmt

[@andrewbrennan7291]

On first hearing, this is a brilliant song that just gets better and better over time.

[@edh3709]

That riff always brings me back to the movie Casino. Great song and great scene.

[@alpetrocelli4465]

One of their best.✌️❤️🎶

[@dmCurator]

I definitely hear 'em knocking 👂

[@doug4036]

Charlie's jazz chops really shine in this one

[@gregkerr725]

Loved that Stones period. I was a High School Senior and adored this album. Get yer ya yas out is also a fantastic album. They had a different sound during the 5 or so years Mick Taylor was playing guitar after Brian Jones died. I mean during that time they released Let it Bleed, Exile on Main Street, It's only Rock and Roll and maybe a couple others.

[@keef7224]

Nice catch on that sax solo. Yes, Bobby Keys plays some bends and licks that are straight out of Lead Guitar 101.

[@markhodge7]

If your body doesn't start moving to The Stones, you're dead. No coroner needed.

[@willchristopher1899]

The interplay between Mick Taylor and Bobby Keys in the latter half is simply sensational.

[@razorsharpe3371]

Don’t think there is any reactor than gets the Stones more than you do. The ultimate professionals.

[@douglasg.9271]

My favorite stones tune. Such a jam.

[@fpopee]

Cant you hear me knocking showcases the stones raw AUTHENTIC musicianship. They were THAT GOOD.

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

World's best rock n' roll band 😊.

[@neilstegall2090]

My best friend and I had this as a theme song. We did a lot of exciting door knocks back in the day.

[@cherylwoodward]

This is my favorite RS song on my my favorite RS album. You’re right that this was their peak era and most agree it coincided with Mick Taylor being a part of the band. The solo section of this song is one of the best ever with Keith keeping the riff going while the sax and Mick’s guitar trade spaces. Billy Preston is also on keys and I love Charlie’s drumming here. Absolute fire.

[@1966niall]

Very nicely done sir 👍

[@scottgelb2650]

This has always been one of my favorite Stones songs, certainly my favorite on Sticky Fingers.

[@brettschacht4183]

My favorite Stones tune!

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

Bobby Keys, RIP. Yes. Such a great blending of instruments. And as you noted, the lyrics are actually pretty deep!! Great reaction and analysis. As we say here in Texas; Y'all be safe. (Y'all can refer to one person or many people)

[@GreggOliverBass]

Maybe the best tune they ever did, imho... I've seen them twice, both times they did this and it is just ...more than i can describe. Mick Taylor played the signature guitar lick on the record, and i never saw them play with him, but it lacked for nothing...

[@ohfour-seven6228]

Once upon a time there was a band called Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett (married) gathered a group of top studio musicians and cut some pretty amazing albums. Bonnie was supposed to sing the duet on Gimme Shelter but blew out her voice in rehearsals and Merry Clayton came in to save the day. Bobby Keys was part of their ensemble. I had a chance to see him live numerous times with Joe Cocker and the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour, with Leon Russell, with the Stones on their Exile tour. He's phenomenal and along with Jim Price on trumpet played on numerous Stones' albums. Delaney and Bonnie are pretty much undiscovered today but among their Friends and bandmates were Leon Russell, Rita Coolidge, The Dominos from Derek and the Dominos, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Duane Allman. If you'd like to hear some D&B, check out They Call It Rock and Roll, Soul Shake, Lay Down My Burden, Dirty Old Man, Things Get Better (live version with Eric Clapton), When the Battle is Over, and Love Me A Little Bit Longer/I Can't Take It Much Longer. Delaney and Bonnie and Friends are must-hears!

[@gtplumbing2004]

This was Mick Taylor's greatest moment with the Stones.

[@BlueSky...]

I agree

[@DandyLion662a]

Agree, but honorable mention to Time Waits For No One.

[@robertelee63]

This was simply Keith's best riff ever He was the undisputed king of guitar riffs, followed closely by Malcolm Young. Then you get Mick Taylor's guitar solo in the second half with the sax. So past great.

[@jvblhc]

I have "best songs" in my head all the time. "A Day in the Life" for the Beatles, "Like A Rolling Stone" for Dylan, "Bridge over Troubled Waters" for Simon and Garfunkel" and so on. "Can't You Here Me Knocking" is the Stones greatest song in my opinion.

[@NickTubeless]

Great track