Robert Christgau wrote that the Faces box set revealed “why old-timers think Rod Stewart had something to sell out.”
But think about it: most talented artists have at best one or two good records before their good ideas dry up. Meanwhile they’ve gotten used to expensive houses, food, cars, travel, drugs, high-maintenance model girlfriends, etc. Playing to the peanut gallery then becomes the only option as far as a music career, and even that’s not always available to artists in decline. Of course, we’re talking about massive egos here, so it’s probably not even a conscious choice. Rod probably thought “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” was as good as anything he ever did.
Yeah, he’s mostly known for his 50’s butterscotch Tele, which he named Micawber (he’s a Dickens fan), but he’s used a Gibson ES 335 often as well. Back in the day he also used various Les Pauls (standard and Jr.), one of those clear-bodied Dan Armstrong Ampegs, and a Flying V (at least at the ’69 Hyde Park show). He reportedly owns around 1000 guitars. No idea what he’s using most nowadays.
Despite the clear warning, I just had to watch.
At least the music’s pretty good.
Rarely has a singer had as full and unique a talent as Rod Stewart;
rarely has anyone betrayed his talent so completely.
– Greil Marcus
Robert Christgau wrote that the Faces box set revealed “why old-timers think Rod Stewart had something to sell out.”
But think about it: most talented artists have at best one or two good records before their good ideas dry up. Meanwhile they’ve gotten used to expensive houses, food, cars, travel, drugs, high-maintenance model girlfriends, etc. Playing to the peanut gallery then becomes the only option as far as a music career, and even that’s not always available to artists in decline. Of course, we’re talking about massive egos here, so it’s probably not even a conscious choice. Rod probably thought “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” was as good as anything he ever did.
Needs more scarves.
How ’bout Keef rockin’ that Les Paul Junior? Isn’t he traditionally a Telecaster man?
Yeah, he’s mostly known for his 50’s butterscotch Tele, which he named Micawber (he’s a Dickens fan), but he’s used a Gibson ES 335 often as well. Back in the day he also used various Les Pauls (standard and Jr.), one of those clear-bodied Dan Armstrong Ampegs, and a Flying V (at least at the ’69 Hyde Park show). He reportedly owns around 1000 guitars. No idea what he’s using most nowadays.