Ron Wood x 2

First published February 2010

I’ve Got My Own Album To Do (CD) Ron Wood

Live From Kilburn (DVD + CD) The First Barbarians

Both these releases were recorded in 1974 at a time when Ronnie Wood was noted for his music rather than his private life. IGMOATD is  a cocktail comprising equal measures of the Faces and the Stones that tastes fresher than either parent band could manage at the time. A core group of Wood, Ian McLagan, Keith Richard, Andy Newmark and Willie Weeks is supplemented by guests including Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart. Crucially the arrangements are tight and the songwriting mostly excellent. The two Jagger/Richard co-writes ‘Sure The One You Need’ and ‘Act Together’ would have enlivened ‘It’s Only Rock’n’Roll’ whilst Woods’ ‘Cancel Everything’, ‘Take A Look At The Guy’ and (especially) opener ‘I Can Feel The Fire’ are of the same high standard. No remastering or out-takes and decked one star for not reproducng the original vinyl sleeve inner wherein Ronnie demonstrated his graphic skills.

The Original Barbarians release documents the July 14 gig at the Kilburn Gaumont where the IGMOTD crowd played most of the tracks from the album. The DVD lurches from black and white to colour and back again and is best regarded as a good quality bootleg. Although everyone is clearly well-refreshed the performances are sharp and to-the-point, with the highlight being the trio of numbers where Rod Stewart ponces on to add his vocals and undeniable stage-presence. The CD offers excellent sound and the additional track ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’, subsequently recorded by Wood on his second, slightly dull solo album ‘Now Look’ (also re-released by Rhino).

Together this duo offers a masterclass in pre-punk Brit rock’n’roll. Slightly ramshackle but enormously likeable – you’ll wish were there.