From Exile to GP

Welcome to Spindl Sessions. Today, two records—and the unexpected decisions that shaped them.

Let's start with The Rolling Stones' album "Exile on Main St." In 1971, the Stones found themselves as tax exiles in the South of France, recording in the basement of Keith Richards' rented villa, Nellcôte. Without a professional studio nearby, they made do with a mobile recording setup. It was there, amidst the sunlit chaos and a rotating cast of musicians, that the song 'Happy' came to life during a spontaneous jam session with Richards, Bobby Keys, and Jimmy Miller. The song, with its raw baritone sax, captures the very spirit of those carefree, rebellious sessions.

The album was initially met with mixed reviews but ultimately topped charts in six countries, including the US and UK, and was recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time. When you play 'Happy,' listen for that saxophone—it’s a slice of the Stones' French sojourn captured on vinyl.

Now, let's shift to Gram Parsons and his 1973 debut solo album, "GP." Parsons, having spent time with the Stones at Nellcôte, carried a piece of that experience into his own work. Though faced with the blow of losing Merle Haggard as his producer, Parsons rallied Elvis Presley’s band and the relatively unknown Emmylou Harris to craft his album.

The sessions were tumultuous, marred by Parsons' struggles with substances, yet they birthed something remarkable. The song 'That's All It Took,' a duet with Harris, intertwines country and R&B, showcasing Parsons' vision and Harris's emerging talent. Despite its lack of commercial success at the time, "GP" has since been recognized as a haunting testament to Parsons’ talent and influence.

When you listen to 'That's All It Took,' pay attention to Harris's harmonies, a poignant blend that hints at what could have been and what was yet to come.

This has been Spindl Sessions. Keep it spinning.