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Rolling Stones unreleased: Armpit Blues
Armpit Blues is pure Rolling Stones fun from the Some Girls sessions. The harmonica teases, Ian Stewart’s piano dances, and that gritty electric guitar wails like it owns the place. Each instrument gets its moment to shine, giving the track a raw, authentic blues vibe. Recorded in France in early ’78, it never made the album, but it’s a peek into the Stones jamming, experimenting, and just having a blast in the studio.
Written by: Jagger/Richard Recorded: EMI-Pathé Marconi Studios, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Jan. 5-March 2 1978 (Some Girls sessions)
From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012: A blues track as the title suggests with a sweet sounding harmonica, Ian Stewart’s inimitable piano and an authentic electric lead guitar all taking it in turn to go solo.
During the Some Girls sessions in early 1978 the Rolling Stones recorded a little-known blues track that never made it onto the album: Armpit Blues. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song captures the raw, playful energy of the band experimenting in the studio.
What makes it special is the way each instrument gets its moment in the spotlight: a sweet, wandering harmonica opens the track, Ian Stewart’s piano adds that unmistakable Stones touch, and a gritty electric lead guitar takes over for a solo that could melt the listener’s brain. It’s a classic blues jam at heart, yet distinctly Rolling Stones, giving fans a peek into the creative fun happening behind the scenes in Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
Instrumental Magic and Studio Vibes
Armpit Blues thrives on the interplay between the instruments. The harmonica isn’t just a garnish; it drives the melody with a light, teasing touch. Stewart’s piano dances around it, providing harmonic depth while leaving room for the electric guitar to wail and shine. Each instrument seems to take its turn telling a story, layering a warmth and authenticity that makes you wonder why it remained unreleased for so long. This track reflects a period when the Stones were pushing boundaries, exploring traditional blues while infusing it with their signature swagger.
The recording sessions themselves, spanning January to March 1978 at EMI-Pathé Marconi Studios, were a hotbed of creativity. Jagger and Richards were in top form, bouncing ideas off each other while the rest of the band filled the space with dynamic, improvisational energy. Though Armpit Bluesdidn’t make the album, it stands as a fascinating snapshot of the Rolling Stones’ studio life, a hidden treasure waiting for fans who want to experience the band’s raw, unfiltered blues experiments.
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