quoperative

On June 9th I posted a little tool to let people play with the separated tracks from Gimme Shelter. Since then I’ve observed that:

1. People like to play with this. Lots and lots of people. More than I ever thought would find it.
2. These separated tracks actually originated from the game Rock Band. So much for my claim that Bill Wyman dropped the master tapes off at my house.
3. The above point was brought to my attention by a very kind and courteous DMCA takedown notification letter.

The intertubes provided the separated tracks from one of the Stones’ most iconic songs (and recordings) of all time. I took those and built a little player that lets you turn each individual track on and off while you listen.  Don’t like Charlie’s drums? Turn them off. Want to hear only the lead guitar? Turn everything else off.  Want to hear Mick tell Keith to go f**k himself when he flubs a note? Sorry, that’s not on this recording… or any recording that I’m aware of.

But seriously, I love the little imperfections. Just goes to show how unimportant it is to deliver a 100% flawless performance.  The little mistakes give it life.

And around the 3:00 minute mark if you isolate the two vocal tracks you can hear Merry Clayton’s voice crack (twice)… that just gives me chills. Immediately after Mick cries “Whoo!”.  Damn right, Mick.

Courtesy of Mr. Pattison (who must enjoy searching for unusual MJ covers on YouTube) watch this video at 0:46 for a (handsome) dude walking into frame in the background.  THIS IS NOT ME.  I’m 99% certain of this.