THEY TOLD ME YOU MISSED SCHOOL TODAY

ROD STEWART - The Mercury Years Covers

This is my list of his ten best “covers” from his solo stint on the Mercury label. He would go on to record countless covers over the years, but none approach the sincerity and vocal delivery you’ll find on these early selections. I was there when each one came out and these have stood the test of time and ended up on countless mix tapes and discs of my own. All were recorded between 1969 and 1974. Over thirty years ago, or a lifetime ago depending on your perspective. All are presented in alphabetical order to keep it simple. And remember, I said my favorites, not necessarily the best.

Country Comforts
(Elton John-Bernie Taupin)

This recording proceeded Sir Elton’s into the marketplace by a few months. Rod adds and "s" to "comfort" that Elton doesn't use. He also drops the final verse, and there is an obvious lyric change in nearly every line for some reason. None of them change what‘s happening, but are evident nonetheless. This autumnal tale is offered in a affecting reading that can be found in most of his early ballad covers. He tackles this narrative of a young man fondly returning to the farm of his youth through new eyes like he means it. (Gasoline Alley)

Dirty Old Town
(Ewan MacColl)

This one has been done many times and will be done many more times. What drives this one is the restrained reading and his behind the music styled vocals. The music track nearly dominates the mix, but when Rod ventures out from behind the speakers he commands attention. No doubt Rod grew up hearing this song as a folk ballad. This sentiment of getting out of the town you grew up in has played itself out in countless songs over the centuries. This is easily one of the best. I would bet anything that John D. Loudermilk‘s “Tobacco Road” was based on him hearing this song at some point. (The Rod Stewart Album)

Handbags & Gladrags

(Mike D’Abo)

D’Abo was the vocalist for the late sixties incarnation of Manfred Mann when he wrote this. (He was also the co-writer of the Foundations international hit “Build Me Up Buttercup” ) Stewart, I’m guessing heard this from the Chris Farlowe recording a year or so earlier. This is one of Stewart’s most enduring vocals. Only his Dylan covers carry more weight. The vocal is so fragile at times that you wonder whether he’s up to finishing the song. For added effect D’Abo sits in on piano and nearly steals the show with his economical accompaniment. Gotta give drummer Mickey Waller some on this one too. (The Rod Stewart Album)

It’s All Over Now
(Bobby & Shirley Womack)

Although it didn’t feature all of them, this was the first indication of what the Faces would sound like with Rod and Ron at the helm. It offers the booze soaked delivery that would be their trademark and the loose performance of the group behind him sounds like they‘ll keep playing until someone says “that‘s enough.“ This was a time when artists were still free to make records that they liked also. No focus groups telling them to shorten it or to tune some of those instruments, etc.. (Gasoline Alley)

Mama, You’ve Been On My Mind

(Bob Dylan)

During his Mercury years nothing brought out the best in Roderick David Stewart like a Dylan cover. This take on an unreleased song is covered about as well as any Dylan song there is. He never rests or coasts on the lyric and sings every word to proper effect. The heartbreaking lyric tinged with a sliver of acceptance is one of Dylan’s best. Knowing a great song when he heard one he immediately re-wrote it as “You Wear It Well” for side two of the album. The use of violin and pedal steel serve to illustrate the importance the entire band placed on this recording. They nailed it. Any number of covers over the years have put more money in Dylan’s pocket, I doubt very many put as big a smile on his face. (Never A Dull Moment)

Mine For Me
(Paul & Linda McCartney)

Written especially for Rod by Paul, and apparently Linda, this cover offers one of Paul’s better “giveaways.” It fits what Rod was capable of doing vocally and represents an adult sentiment instead of the leering, wink-wink fodder from some of his own material. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that) He uses his voice as an extra instrument on this one. It works. (Smiler)

My Way Of Giving
(Steve Marriott & Ronnie Lane)

This was a good idea whoever’s idea it was. Covering a song from the Small Faces with Rod standing in for Marriott works quite well. The chorus really jumps out and you may find yourself singing along during the initial listen. I wonder if Rod ever thinks back to how easy it once was when you just had fun with the music and didn’t rely on watered down material and lame producers. (Gasoline Alley)

Only A Hobo

(Bob Dylan)

Even Dylan couldn’t have imagined the vocal possibilities of this song. This is Rod at his acoustic, poignant and understated best. The tragic lyric is brought to life in vivid detail. On paper this one reads like a short story that Steinbeck might have written. In the hands of Rod it becomes an indictment on a side of life that we hope we only encounter in songs and movies. The character in the song is a direct descendent of any number of nameless drifters from the songs of Jimmie Rodgers. (Gasoline Alley)

Seems Like A Long Time
(Ted Anderson)

Although I know the writer of this song I’ve never asked him how Rod got a hold of it. All I can figure is that he may have heard the Brewer & Shipley version, or maybe a publishing demo from Ted’s publisher. At the time the song had the Vietnam war as its default backdrop. Listening to it today you can imagine what is going through my mind. Rod takes the bare, but powerful lyric and gives the listener plenty to think about while listening and afterwards. If you find yourself repeating the chorus the next time you read the paper or watch the news you’re not alone. (Every Picture Tells A Story)

Street Fighting Man
(Mick Jagger-Keith Richards)

Give Rod props for taking this iconic song on so close to the Stones original. He even had the nerve to open his first solo album with it. That choice announced to the music loving public that he would make his mark by interpreting the works of others and supplement the albums with his own songs that he felt could stand along side them. As is the case with some of the others on this list his band really helps him realize his vision. At their best the recordings sound as though they were a group assembled in the alley behind your flat to perform for anyone passing by. That is a compliment because making it sound spontaneous is never easy. The charging acoustic guitars and uneven mix only add to the charm of the finished product. (The Rod Stewart Album)