Playlist: The Stones of Winter

There's something about this time of year, right around now, that gets to me. The New Year's new-car smell begins to wear off, and I start to realize there is a helluva lot of winter left. In my library there are a few songs that sound in the same daze that I am, and listening to them helps me through it. Of them, there are 4 standout Rolling Stones tunes that you might not recognize. I recommend putting these on your iPod and listening as you walk with the cold wind howling at you, against an early winter sunset:

"Winter" off of Goats Head Soup
The title fits because this song literally sounds like the grey of January. Mick sings:
"Its sure been a hard, hard winter/My feet been draggin' across the ground/
And I hope it's gonna be a long, hot summer/And a lotta love will be burnin' bright."
It's powerful, melancholy, yet ever-so-slightly uplifting; as if to acknowledge that Spring out there somewhere.

"Sway" off of Sticky Fingers
Jagger sings a tale of how all his friends have become victims of their drug-addled lifestyle, and he feels in the grips of the "demon life" as well. Not that you have to be around addicts to identify; it's about being in a rut or routine that you can't break out of. There's a certain angry optimism to this song however, that signals a change can happen, dammit.

"I Got The Blues" off of Sticky Fingers
You know what you're getting from the title, but don't confuse this for some whiny acoustic song. It has one of the best brass melodies of any Stones tune, and is an obvious tribute to Otis Redding and Stax. The haunting organ solo feels like the stinging cold wind on your walk home, and to me it is one of those sad songs that you want to hear when you're down. It's a quiet acceptance of the winter-depression.

"Moonlight Mile" off of Sticky Fingers
A perfect compliment to "I Got The Blues," it's another slow builder with Mick's soul-bearing vocals. An iconic guitar riff is the foundation of the entire melody, and every instrument and movement stems from it. More "wind" and "cold" symbolism appear, but this song ends with an orchestral ascension that cant help but make you feel hopeful that there is a sunny end to this season.