Crate Digger’s Gold: Ronnie Wood – Now Look

I first discovered Ronnie Wood on his 1979 classic Gimme Some Neck.  I fell in love with his Dylan cover “Seven Days.”  I then proceeded to learn this guy had some amazing rock and roll pedigree.  At the time he was a relatively new member of the Rolling Stones (officially declared a member in 1976).  I started to research his background and he showed up playing bass in the early Jeff Beck Group, Rod Stewart era Faces and helped launch Rod Stewart’s solo career playing on his early albums and co-writing the classic Rod Stewart songs “Gasoline Alley” and “Every Picture Tells a Story.”

What I love about Ronnie Wood is his virtuoso sloppy style – everything sounds drunken and tossed off – but it is done so tastefully you can’t help but love it.  Bands like The Replacements based their whole careers on Wood’s delicious mess. An added bonus is Wood’s Dylanesque rasp.

Some how over the years I have never listened to Now Look.  This is Wood’s second solo album.  I recently bought a nice vinyl copy at the RockNRoll Music Sale.  What makes this album special is that is a collaboration with soul music genius Bobby Womack.  Womack helps Wood master his bleary eyed soul. A highlight is Wood’s cover of the Ann Peebles  “I Can’t Stand The Rain.”

If you are a fan of the sloppier side of the Stones, the era when Rod Stewart was the greatest rock singer on the planet (early 70s) and soulful rock then I highly recommend this release.  You should be able to find a decent copy well under $5.