This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Some folks want to be Mick. Some want to be Keith. Back in my drumming days, I used to want to be Charlie. But now that I think about it, I’d really like to be Ronnie Wood.
Think about it: Every few years he makes a new album with The Rolling Stones, globe-trots around the world on a private jet, and then comes back home towing a barge full of money. Not bad for a guy whose own creative output generally averages about a song a year and an album every decade. Not For Beginners, the guitarist’s latest soundalike disc, is only his second studio effort in 20 years. And I use the term effort loosely — as always, Woody’s recording strategy seems to consist of ringing up old mates like Bob Dylan (there’s a conversation I’d love to hear), downing a few pints and then lazily jamming away on a few Stonesy groove-rockers, some Faces-style acoustic ballads and chestnuts like Rock N’ Roll Star. Frankly, I bet Ron probably spent more time painting the cover picture than he did recording. Which is just as it should be — after all, you wouldn’t want him to miss his nap, would you?
