The Joy of Sax: Miss You, The Rolling Stones

originally published: 1/15/13

This funky little number was the second track behind the inspiration of the term, “Unexpected Sax.” The Rolling Stones are many things, but few would argue that they are a band much more likely to throw a string section or harmonica into a song than a Saxophone. There’s nothing wrong with this; they’re highly influenced by the blues tradition of rock ‘n’ roll and if that’s what keeps them ticking and touring, well then godspeed, I say.

It’s that dyed-in-the-wool, old-fashioned rock tradition that makes the walk-on Saxophone solo in this song all the more surprising. Just when you thought the ‘Stones had played out all their moves on the dance floor, along comes This Saxophone Solo. It saunters in unannounced and walks across the song like a nudist at a disco. Does The Sax care what all these other uptight squares in the club think about it’s junk? Pfft, nope. It’s just passing through, making things a little more interesting for everyone else and maybe getting an appreciative glance from the person you’ve been dancing with all night.

Better watch out; The Unexpected Sax is on the prowl.