Mick Taylor -S/T [1979] - Used LP

Some dated elements but there's also a charm and timelessness that runs through much of Taylor's first solo album (did he do any others?).  His guitar playing is often at the center, sometimes recalling Jeff Beck's solo albums but without as much melt-facing cranking and excess.  While the album has some variety, he seems to have sought out a plan to create some cohesiveness to the set, seems to keep the instrumentals resonating with the rest, with the cuts that are more song-based.  While fans may like that he stretches out the two-part final cut, for me both parts are too long, especially "Spanish."  I guess if anybody can stretch things out, it's Taylor, but...  Fortunately, he keeps a rein on the other cuts.  I guess it's a little hard for me to judge this because I have not listened to this in decades and I'm freaking out a bit.  This is the copy I bought at Boogie Records back in 1979, and it was so much more reflective than anything else I was listening to at the time (I don't think I had any idea who he was: I just liked the sad feeling of the Hipgnosis sleeve) and it reminds me of just how horribly sad I was in 1979.  I thought I was having a good time, but this reminds me that mostly I was just headed into a dark place that I barely crawled out of.  Anyway, sorry...this is a dated but sort of interesting and enjoyable album. -- winch