Put Me In The Trash

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Put Me In The Trash" by Mick Jagger from his 1993 solo album Wandering Spirit, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, a gritty, boogie-infused rock number, showcases Jagger’s signature swagger and a raw edge, co-written with guitarist Jimmy Rip. According to a 1993 review by Steve Newton in The Georgia Straight, the song’s tough guitar riffs by Rip make it a standout for fans of Jagger’s boogie style, drawing comparisons to classic Rolling Stones energy. The lyrics, dripping with self-deprecating humor, tell the story of a man discarded by a lover, pleading for recognition with lines like “Yeah you put me in the trash / Yeah you gave me up for lost.” Interestingly, the song’s title has resonated beyond music, with internet superfans on platforms like Tumblr adopting the phrase “fandom trash” in the mid-2000s to describe their obsessive devotion, a phenomenon explored in a 2016 Splinter article by Lilian Min.

In a 1993 radio interview with In The Studio host Redbeard, Jagger shared that Wandering Spirit allowed him to explore creatively without the pressure of replicating The Rolling Stones’ sound, a freedom he felt after the band’s successful 1989 reunion with Steel Wheels. He described the recording process, guided by producer Rick Rubin, as relaxed yet focused, with crack studio musicians elevating tracks like “Put Me In The Trash.” Jagger’s decision to keep celebrity guests minimal—only featuring Lenny Kravitz on “Use Me” and Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers on three tracks—gave the album, and this song, a stripped-down authenticity. The song’s playful desperation and bluesy vibe also echo Jagger’s knack for blending humor with heartache, a trait Zoo Freaks might vibe with as they crank up the volume.

Mick Jagger, born Michael Philip Jagger on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England, began his musical journey in the early 1960s. A childhood friend of Keith Richards, Jagger reconnected with him in 1960 over a shared love of blues and R&B records. This led to jamming sessions with mutual friends, including Brian Jones, and the formation of The Rolling Stones in 1962. Jagger’s electrifying stage presence and distinctive voice quickly set him apart as the band’s frontman. Inspired by artists like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry, the Stones started as a blues cover band in London clubs before crafting original hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Jagger’s charisma and provocative lyrics helped the band become one of rock’s most influential acts, a legacy that informed his solo work like Wandering Spirit.

Fans can keep up with Jagger’s latest moves on his official website, where you’ll find music, merch, and tour updates. His Facebook page, with over 3.6 million followers, shares career highlights and personal moments. On Instagram, Jagger’s 2.5 million followers get a glimpse of his “normie” side, like his 2021 posts from The Rolling Stones’ No Filter tour, where he snapped selfies at dive bars and tourist spots, as noted in a Washington Post interview. His X account offers quick updates and witty commentary. For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with fellow fans, the It’s Only Rock’n Roll fan site and forum is a hub for Stones and Jagger enthusiasts, while the Mick Jagger Fans Facebook group brings together thousands sharing news and memories.