You know that old saying, “Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll”? When you hear that phrase, it transports you back to a richer, more diverse era in the history of rock n’ roll. The same can be said for the latest single from Austin, Texas based garage rockers The Stone MG’s. Sex and drugs have always been around with rock music from the onset- and sometimes, to even greater degrees than the music itself. The hallowed halls of the history of rock are littered with stories about excess and addiction. “I Need You”, the fantastic latest single from The Stone MG’s is a song about addiction- and without downplaying the grave seriousness of addiction- you might just get addicted to this rambunctious, straight up burner.
The unsuspecting pounding drum intro melts nicely into a wonderful rhythm section highlight. Followed shortly thereafter by slightly distorted vocals, the opening line slings its hooks right into you. The Stone MG’s excel at creating immediacy. The entire first verse builds ever so gradually with some echoey guitar work and handclaps setting the pace. “I Need You” really finds its groove from its swing. Background howls, vocals and chants seduce you. This carries throughout to greater and greater effect.
The song’s absolutely stunning chorus is an example of you build tension- and mood and take it to the pinnacle and then release. You might expect an explosive, up tempo chorus to follow the swag of the verse but instead of going the easy, predictable route, The Stone MG’s throw a curve and dial it back with start-stop rhythms. And more chants. And more perfectly placed, perfectly executed background vocals. The chorus sounds like a conversation within the narrator’s addiction-riddled mind. In a word, the chorus is perfection.
The Stone MG’s have really hit you in the gut with their music the way classic Rolling Stones albums of the 70’s do. The grooves are fun. They take chances. There’s a sense of chaos and anarchy in the arrangements and that is what makes them so much fun. And that sax solo! Talk about an unexpected treat! The Stone MG’s are master craftsmen at crafting a killer hook. A killer groove. And a killer video. Check Out their new video for “I Need You”!
