In recently interviewing guitarist MICK MASHBIR on his new album Stungout On Strings, I threw in some last minute requests for Mick’s thoughts on the bonus tracks that make up the second disc of the Muscle Of Love deluxe version. It is well known that Mick played on both Billion Dollar Babies and MOL, as well as the accompanying tours. In my 2013 interview with Mick, he discussed this more in-depth, along with his first solo album, Keepin’ The Vibe Alive. So, below are some words from Mick on the Muscle Of Love alternates and demos from 2024.
Big Apple Dreamin’
My guitar is on the left and Mike’s is on the right. We shift roles between lead and rhythm guitar effortlessly. Its great to hear Bob Dolin’s parts so clearly.
Never Been Sold Before
Mike’s guitar is on the left I’m on the right. Mike plays great subtle variations and accents. Neal and Dennis really lock in during the outro with Dennis playing alot of bass runs.
Hard Hearted Alice
Acoustic guitars add feel to the verses. This track really shows off Bob Dolin’s keyboard skills
Crazy Little Child
How a bunch of hard rockers from the desert were able to capture a New Orleans Dixeland feel amazed me.
Working Up A Sweat
Dick Wagner steps in for the solo and kills it. No “Ricky and the Red Balloon” feel on that track!
Muscle Of Love
Mike is on the right and I’m on the left and center until the ride out when Mike moves to the center to solo through the outro. Classic Neal Smith drums.
Man With The Golden Gun
Bob’s Moog and B3 parts contributed a lot of the soundtrack feel to this track.
Teenage Lament
Rented acoustic guitars were delivered to the studio from S.I.R. and Michael’s acoustic part is featured on this track. Alice’s vocal delivery was subtle but really worked well in this context as a troubled teenager.
Woman Machine
This track had a very mechanical feel..as it should. The guitars provided the groove so Neal could play a lot more drum fills during the spoken word outro.
Outsider Rock 