06/20/2026
Beggars Banquet & Sticky Fingers
Released in 1968, Beggars Banquet marked a massive turning point for The Rolling Stones as they stripped away the psychedelic experimentation of their previous work and dug their heels straight back into raw, unadulterated blues and roots rock. Produced by Jimmy Miller, the album is famously acoustic-driven but carries an incredibly heavy, menacing undercurrent. It feels like a gritty, late-night jam session playing out in a smoky room, anchored by iconic, rhythm-heavy tracks like âSympathy for the Devilâ and the politically charged âStreet Fighting Man.â
This was also the last album to feature Brian Jones as a primary contributor before his death, and his haunting slide guitar work on âNo Expectationsâ stands out as one of his finest final moments. The record established the classic, swaggering Stones sound that would define their next decadeâdirty, dangerous, and deeply rooted in delta blues and country.
Following up in 1971, Sticky Fingers is widely considered the absolute peak of the Stonesâ golden era and their first release on their own Rolling Stones Records label. This album is dark, decadent, and completely steeped in the seedier side of early-70s rock and roll, famously packaged in the Andy Warhol-designed sleeve with a working zipper. From the iconic, driving opening riff of âBrown Sugarâ to the gorgeous, strung-out melancholy of âWild Horses,â the record is a masterclass in songwriting and studio production.
What really sets Sticky Fingers apart is the introduction of Mick Taylor as a full-time member, bringing a fluid, melodic lead guitar style that perfectly countered Keith Richardsâ sharp, rhythmic chopping. The sprawling, Latin-tinged instrumental jam at the end of âCanât You Hear Me Knockingâ and the heavy, saturated groove of âSwayâ showcase a band operating at the absolute height of their musical chemistry, creating a swaggering, blues-drenched masterpiece.
The Sound track to Guitars West Friday Night! Weâre doing life like itâs a movie out here in beautiful Southern California everyday.
