It is a question I have been asked a few times over the years, but I only now feel confident to answer. For me, it has to be Star Star (ok, Starfcuker). It has everything a stones song should have: the Chuck Berry riff, the attitude, some tongue-in-cheek lyrics, a great pace and a song that just sounds better every time I hear it. This does surprise a lot of non-Stones friends who of course have never heard of it. But, maybe that is the other enduring quality that makes the definitive Stones song...surprise.

The definitive studio song is Gimme Shelter (as a composition with great lyrics,
a great beginning, perfect sound and a perfect climax "Gimme,
gimme shelter!" )

The definitive live song is Midnight Rambler, there is all that space
for improvisation the band needs, incl. different tempi, rhythms, call-
and-response etc. As long they can play that one, they can go on tour.

Going Down Again..

I kind of disagree about the 'Chuck Berry Riff' being definitive for any of their songs. Why should their plagaristic ways be celebrated as their defining sound? Chuck Berry is Chuck Berry. If that be the Stones' 'definitave sound, than a) it negates so much of their much-more-creative stuff, abd b) they may as well just be a Chuck Berry cover band.

Jumping Jack Flash, for me, fits this though. It's their sound, no one else's. It's dark, brilliant, threatening and exciting all at the same time. I must say that no live version comes close to the original for that true feel of it.

[thepowergoats.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009-01-25 17:09 by jamesfdouglas.

impossible to pick! but james' and TooTough's choices seem pretty well defining what about the Stones are.

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Room1009
It is a question I have been asked a few times over the years, but I only now feel confident to answer. For me, it has to be Star Star (ok, Starfcuker). It has everything a stones song should have: the Chuck Berry riff, the attitude, some tongue-in-cheek lyrics, a great pace and a song that just sounds better every time I hear it. This does surprise a lot of non-Stones friends who of course have never heard of it. But, maybe that is the other enduring quality that makes the definitive Stones song...surprise.

My definitive song would probably be Gimme Shelter. It changes from time to time.

I agree with your comments re: Star Star. I've always thought that it could have been a hit with more "radio friendly" lyrics.

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Rufestone
Going Down Again..

There is no such title. Do you mean Coming Down Again or I'm Going Down?
Don't you think if it's your definitive Stones song you should at least know the correct title?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009-01-25 17:28 by midnrambler.

JJF is not my favourite song, but it is the definition of the Stones sound.

It's still and forever Tell Me .

2 1 2 0

Although I'm a little tired of it live and it needs a rest, I'd have to say Tumblin' Dice.

It has it all: great lyrics, open G tuning with Keef's superb lazy rhythm, and nice backing vocals to beat.

A bit of slide guitar too and it can't be beat!

the quinessential stones song? i vacillate between BS and TD...

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jamesfdouglas
I kind of disagree about the 'Chuck Berry Riff' being definitive for any of their songs. Why should their plagaristic ways be celebrated as their defining sound? Chuck Berry is Chuck Berry. If that be the Stones' 'definitave sound, than a) it negates so much of their much-more-creative stuff, abd b) they may as well just be a Chuck Berry cover band.

valid (yes, I validate among other functions here)

For the group I'd have to say Satisfaction.

For me Jumping Jack Flash

I go with Tootough's Midnight Rambler live

Under My Thumb

Sympathy For The Devil

It's all over now.

The one that got me hooked!

Been Stoned since 1964 and still am!

Jumping Jack Flash or Honky Tonk Women, because it is both directly related to the blues & soul of the roots, and has this take-it-one-step-further in terms of arrangements and lyrics. I also think the tone of Keith on the intro, and his shattered rhythm playing in the two couplets define his style perfectly.

This thread makes me reflect on how very tricky it is to capture or deliver this "Stones" sound; when an artists tried to deliver what they call their "Stonesy" song. And they are always miles off. take Elton John e.g. They do "Saturday Night's Alright" with those silly lyrics, and that loud distorted sus4 riffage. Stones come at the rock through the Blues and Country; small Amps, low volume. Wyman.

Gimme Shelter

Gimme Shelter MEZ

Memory Motel

its difficult to nominate a definitive stones song cos the stones dont have just the one sound.

different era,s brought change from what went before.

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wee bobby lennox
its difficult to nominate a definitive stones song cos the stones dont have just the one sound.

different era,s brought change from what went before.

nobody said this would be easy. you need to put the effort in just like the rest of us; no exceptions.

I think JJF is the perfected recipe for a Stones song...destructive guitar riff and snarling vocals.

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T&A

Quote
wee bobby lennox
its difficult to nominate a definitive stones song cos the stones dont have just the one sound.

different era,s brought change from what went before.

nobody said this would be easy. you need to put the effort in just like the rest of us; no exceptions.

Haha)) Ok, in that case "All Down The Line"

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Palace Revolution 2000

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T&A

Quote
wee bobby lennox
its difficult to nominate a definitive stones song cos the stones dont have just the one sound.

different era,s brought change from what went before.

nobody said this would be easy. you need to put the effort in just like the rest of us; no exceptions.

Haha)) Ok, in that case "All Down The Line"

a very solid entry. we thank ye.

Miss You, NOT

I've always liked Monkey Man

i think another way to think of this - and i think most of the entries here pass this test - what song(s) are so definitively "stonesy" that it's hard to imagine any other band/act coming up with them. berry-esque numbers like @#$%&, respectable, etc. really don't measure up on that basis. t. rex and a dozen other acts could have just as easily written those....

I was listenning to YCAGWYW from Sydney 73 and thinking "Theres no other band that sounds like this". They slow the song down, yet the guitars give a very hard edge to it still.

I wouldn't pick it as the definative stones song though



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009-01-26 00:18 by ryanpow.

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