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lovely!
Wow! The best review of the album I've ever seen! You nailed exactly the uniqueness and feel of AFTERMATH. I have had always problems in trying to get terms with the dilemma of this album: it sounds damn fresh, coherent and enjoyable as a whole but still at the same time it is very uneven, having, especially in B-side, lots of filler songs. I think you resolved that for me.
- Doxa
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 11:01 by Doxa.
Glad you liked it--the review, that is. A lot of people complain about the "filler" songs--they want every album track to be a number 1 hit/bona fide classic rock staple. But I like a lot of those "lesser" songs, they're often fun. One of my favorites from that period, one of the Aftermath sessions outtakes, is Ride On, Baby. It appears on the U.S. album Flowers. It's never played in concert, and you never hear it on the radio, but I play it all the time on CD. It's got this really catchy harpsichord riff (Brian, who also plays marimabs, autoharp, congas, and also electric [Rickenbacker] guitar, as well as backing vocals). Lyrically, it's very simple, one of Mick's (and Keith's) vengeful songs against a girl who's spurned them, along the lines of Stupid Girl, but it's got one of the most unique instrumental openings of any Stones song: After the opening harpsichord riff, there's a drum roll in the opening seconds (comes in at 0:05), but right along with that, Bill is doing a "bass roll" as well. Love this little tune, but if it had appeared on the Aftermath album I bet people would just dismiss it as filler too....
Yes, Back Street Girl and Please Go Home are on the British but not the American Between The Buttons. Mother Baby was a non-album single that was finally collected (in the U.S.) on Flowers, but was on the Brit version of Big Hits/High Tide/Green Grass. However, Mother Baby was recorded during the sessions for Buttons.
Around and Around is on the U.S. album 12X5, as the opening track. There are several Chess recordings on that record, which give it a full, heavy rocking sound overall, especially with It's All Over Now.
Ah, I see. I wasn't aware of that release. I've just looked it up. A version of Bye Bye Johnny, I see. And Poison Ivy as well. I might have to get a copy on CD....
I don't think "Stupid Girl" is very memorable, and it sounds filler in that context by surrounded such a A-class songs ("Mothers Little Helper", "Lady Jane", "Under My Thumb"), even though I admit it fits well the to run of the songs (thereby, a good filler
).
- Doxa
Partly it is a result of the Chess Sessions. All the albums which contain material from these sessions are high quality ones with the highlight "Out of Our Heads" (esp. the British version). Against the background of this blues-rooted stuff "Aftermath" marks the beginning of the pop years and a disappointing decline in the band career in my opinion. It would have been better if they had tried to compose own blues songs in the tradition of this great heritage. Therefore only some songs of "Aftermath" are worthy to appear on a Stones album like "Doncha Bother Me". In contrary the "Out of Time"-like material is horrible in my ears. One of my special wishes in respect of the Stones is an official Chess-only Album with all the outtakes ...
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 13:18 by RobertJohnson.
Well said. I think AFTERMATH, if any Stones album, is really an inspired album. One can feel the spirit of the times there; everything just exploding creativewise. I think they lost that momentum or reflective ability a bit in their upcoming two albums. Both BETWEEN THE BUTTONS and THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES are not so effortless like sounding products (even though, of course, are still reflecting the times as well, but not so convincingly, just out of inspiration).
I think one thing to consider is that AFTERMATH was still rather quickly done album. The sessions weren't much different than any of their earlier ones with which they just product songs to be placed whatever releases. The songs were done, cut and mixed quickly. If I have understood rightly, BETWEEN THE BUTTONS was the first album they had a certain 'cohesive' idea of album in their mind, and the sessions were done that goal in mind. And at the same time more effort and time were started to put into recording and as well to mixing and production over-all. This continued dramatically in SATANIC MAJESTIES and every album ever since.
I have a theory that some of AFTERMATH's airy and inspired easy-going atmosphere is still due to the old habits of recording: quickly and productively; not too much energy was wasted on 'thinking', or 'trying to make everything perfect'. Nothing was 'over-worked'. They just did anything just from the pulse of pure inspiration, and that was it; that will do - and especially Brian Jones shined in those hectic sessions (not known for his stamina). I think both BETWEEN THE BUTTONS and (especially) THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES suffer a bit of this new luxury of having more time and space to 'think', and use the fruits of the new recording technology. It took until BEGGARS BANQUET they found the balance again, and how to use the studio possibilities in creating 'perfect' records.
- Doxa
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 13:17 by Doxa.
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Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
desertblues68
()
Date: September 29, 2013 22:36
Listening to Aftermath on a Sunday night, it is dark outside and getting colder. Every single time I listen to this album I astonished by its sophistication due to Brian's musicianship and to Mick and Keith musical awakening and mastering of clever and witty lyrics. Mick and Keith were only 22 23 years old at time. But what I love mostly about this album is the presence of the vigour of youth, when you are in your early twentiesyou experience a feeling of fearlessness, you believe you can change the world and feel energised just by being alive. This is reflected in Aftermath.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Deluxtone
()
Date: September 29, 2013 23:02
I felt it was about them having to learn to write neat pop songs - which they soon grew out of!
Personally I preferred the livelier, gutsier (less restrained) stuff from about the same time - 19th NB, Mother Baby, Please Go Home, PIB ......
But not complaining that they took the big and bold step to self-pen an album.
No Sir.
Personally I preferred the livelier, gutsier (less restrained) stuff from about the same time - 19th NB, Mother Baby, Please Go Home, PIB ......
But not complaining that they took the big and bold step to self-pen an album.
No Sir.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Big Al
()
Date: September 29, 2013 23:05
Nice post. Although I must confess to being slightly disappointed by both U.K. and U.S. editions. Certainly, Aftermath possess some genuine highlights - Under My Thumb in particular - but I find too much of the songwriting to be weak and generic and in my opinion, some of the instrumentation and production to be poor, too. Credit to Jagger and Richards for managing to compile and LP of all-original compositions, but I cannot comparing this release to Revolver, which is, undoubtedly, superior in every respect. Tracks that let the U.K. Aftermath down are, in my opinion, What To Do, Going Home (OK, for the first few minutes) an overlong Out Of Time, It's Not Easy, Take It Or Leave It... goodness, there early are some unmemorable numbers on this release. I prefer Between The Buttons.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
SilverBlanket
()
Date: September 30, 2013 00:33
Still my favourite stones album.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
NoCode0680
()
Date: September 30, 2013 00:43
I've never enjoyed it as a front to back album, either the UK or US version, but like Big Al, I feel it has highlights. Some of my favorite songs from the period actually, but also a lot of the stuff on there feels like filler to me. And the highlights are spread out across the album, so it never really "gets going" to me. It's start and stop, a skip-around album.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Rockman
()
Date: September 30, 2013 00:44
UK all the way ....
ROCKMAN
ROCKMAN
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Aquamarine
()
Date: September 30, 2013 00:47
Aftermath (UK version) and then Between the Buttons were when I began to wonder if the Stones were still my favorite band--veering off toward pop and just generally seizing my imagination less. Then the strange year of 1967 and their Satanic Majesties . .
I'll never forget, in 1968, seeing the late-night TV show when they did Jumping Jack Flash (wearing all that make-up), and I literally thought "Oh my God, they're back."
I'll never forget, in 1968, seeing the late-night TV show when they did Jumping Jack Flash (wearing all that make-up), and I literally thought "Oh my God, they're back."
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
stonehearted
()
Date: September 30, 2013 00:56
It's a unique album, in that they never recorded another one exactly like it, in terms of atmospheric balancing between light and shade. Because of this, even the lesser songs work because they help to reinforce the overall mood and sound. I wouldn't compare it to albums by other bands, but instead to other albums by The Stones.
Whereas their previous albums are a steady rock and blues outpouring of volume and tempo, and their later albums can be heavily layered and predominantly loud, Aftermath is more baroque in its frequent interplay between soft and heavy, with I Am Waiting being a prime example. Hence, there a lot of spaces in the music, and this quality lends itself overall to more engaging atmosphere and dynamics. Those fuzz tones gave the guitars a leaner, more laid-back sound (Flight 505) than would ever be heard from the band again, before the fatter distortion sounds of Between The Buttons would lead to their heavier "modern" guitar sound that would be a staple forever on.
Clocking at 53 minutes and 25 seconds, it's also quite a long album for its time--one more track and it would have had to have been a double album.
Whereas their previous albums are a steady rock and blues outpouring of volume and tempo, and their later albums can be heavily layered and predominantly loud, Aftermath is more baroque in its frequent interplay between soft and heavy, with I Am Waiting being a prime example. Hence, there a lot of spaces in the music, and this quality lends itself overall to more engaging atmosphere and dynamics. Those fuzz tones gave the guitars a leaner, more laid-back sound (Flight 505) than would ever be heard from the band again, before the fatter distortion sounds of Between The Buttons would lead to their heavier "modern" guitar sound that would be a staple forever on.
Clocking at 53 minutes and 25 seconds, it's also quite a long album for its time--one more track and it would have had to have been a double album.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Big Al
()
Date: September 30, 2013 01:13
Maybe it's just me, but I would much rather listen to the U.K. debut or England's Newest Hitmakers than Aftermath. Actually, add The Rolling Stopnes No.2, Rolling Stones, Now!...
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Aquamarine
()
Date: September 30, 2013 01:40
I never know what these albums are, what with the name changes, changes in track listings, but if you mean their first two UK album releases, then me too.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Big Al
()
Date: September 30, 2013 01:50
Quote
Aquamarine
I never know what these albums are, what with the name changes, changes in track listings, but if you mean their first two UK album releases, then me too.[/quo
Oh, I absolutely mean the first two U.K. LP's: The Rolling Stones and The Rolling Stones No.2 I'm not to convinced by the latter, but the debut is definitely preferable to Aftermath. For me, anyway.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Aquamarine
()
Date: September 30, 2013 02:01
I love both those albums to pieces, especially the first one. That's why I got discouraged when they started moving away from the blues, though I could understand why.
That's why I got discouraged when they started moving away from the blues, though I could understand why.Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
treaclefingers
()
Date: September 30, 2013 02:39
Quote
Aquamarine
Aftermath (UK version) and then Between the Buttons were when I began to wonder if the Stones were still my favorite band--veering off toward pop and just generally seizing my imagination less. Then the strange year of 1967 and their Satanic Majesties . .
I'll never forget, in 1968, seeing the late-night TV show when they did Jumping Jack Flash (wearing all that make-up), and I literally thought "Oh my God, they're back."
lovely!
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Doxa
()
Date: September 30, 2013 11:00
Quote
stonehearted
It's a unique album, in that they never recorded another one exactly like it, in terms of atmospheric balancing between light and shade. Because of this, even the lesser songs work because they help to reinforce the overall mood and sound. I wouldn't compare it to albums by other bands, but instead to other albums by The Stones.
Whereas their previous albums are a steady rock and blues outpouring of volume and tempo, and their later albums can be heavily layered and predominantly loud, Aftermath is more baroque in its frequent interplay between soft and heavy, with I Am Waiting being a prime example. Hence, there a lot of spaces in the music, and this quality lends itself overall to more engaging atmosphere and dynamics. Those fuzz tones gave the guitars a leaner, more laid-back sound (Flight 505) than would ever be heard from the band again, before the fatter distortion sounds of Between The Buttons would lead to their heavier "modern" guitar sound that would be a staple forever on.
Clocking at 53 minutes and 25 seconds, it's also quite a long album for its time--one more track and it would have had to have been a double album.
Wow! The best review of the album I've ever seen! You nailed exactly the uniqueness and feel of AFTERMATH. I have had always problems in trying to get terms with the dilemma of this album: it sounds damn fresh, coherent and enjoyable as a whole but still at the same time it is very uneven, having, especially in B-side, lots of filler songs. I think you resolved that for me.
- Doxa
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 11:01 by Doxa.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
stonehearted
()
Date: September 30, 2013 11:18
Quote
DoxaQuote
stonehearted
It's a unique album, in that they never recorded another one exactly like it, in terms of atmospheric balancing between light and shade. Because of this, even the lesser songs work because they help to reinforce the overall mood and sound. I wouldn't compare it to albums by other bands, but instead to other albums by The Stones.
Whereas their previous albums are a steady rock and blues outpouring of volume and tempo, and their later albums can be heavily layered and predominantly loud, Aftermath is more baroque in its frequent interplay between soft and heavy, with I Am Waiting being a prime example. Hence, there a lot of spaces in the music, and this quality lends itself overall to more engaging atmosphere and dynamics. Those fuzz tones gave the guitars a leaner, more laid-back sound (Flight 505) than would ever be heard from the band again, before the fatter distortion sounds of Between The Buttons would lead to their heavier "modern" guitar sound that would be a staple forever on.
Clocking at 53 minutes and 25 seconds, it's also quite a long album for its time--one more track and it would have had to have been a double album.
Wow! The best review of the album I've ever seen! You nailed exactly the uniqueness and feel of AFTERMATH. I have had always problems in trying to get terms with the dilemma of this album: it sounds damn fresh, coherent and enjoyable as a whole but still at the same time it is very uneven, having, especially in B-side, lots of filler songs. I think you resolved that for me.
- Doxa
Glad you liked it--the review, that is. A lot of people complain about the "filler" songs--they want every album track to be a number 1 hit/bona fide classic rock staple. But I like a lot of those "lesser" songs, they're often fun. One of my favorites from that period, one of the Aftermath sessions outtakes, is Ride On, Baby. It appears on the U.S. album Flowers. It's never played in concert, and you never hear it on the radio, but I play it all the time on CD. It's got this really catchy harpsichord riff (Brian, who also plays marimabs, autoharp, congas, and also electric [Rickenbacker] guitar, as well as backing vocals). Lyrically, it's very simple, one of Mick's (and Keith's) vengeful songs against a girl who's spurned them, along the lines of Stupid Girl, but it's got one of the most unique instrumental openings of any Stones song: After the opening harpsichord riff, there's a drum roll in the opening seconds (comes in at 0:05), but right along with that, Bill is doing a "bass roll" as well. Love this little tune, but if it had appeared on the Aftermath album I bet people would just dismiss it as filler too....
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Deluxtone
()
Date: September 30, 2013 11:39
Ride On Baby is great - too great for Aftermath!
Infact I prefer Flowers (also released in Germany/Europe?) to Aft'math.
My Girl is also a very good version.
Sitting on a Fence. Like Ride On Baby that's also FAR better than a lot of stuff on A'math. Please Go home is also on Flowers. I guess that it can't be on Ameraican Bet the Buts? Does that have Mother Baby?
For the sixties middle period I think I prefer the American trilogy of A'math (with Paint It Black - some raunch), Flowers anf B the Buttons.
After which all UK and US album releases would be the same.
(For early sixties releases I'd go for the UK versions - but Around and Around is good - German? - e=with its primary emphasis on the Chess recordings).
Infact I prefer Flowers (also released in Germany/Europe?) to Aft'math.
My Girl is also a very good version.
Sitting on a Fence. Like Ride On Baby that's also FAR better than a lot of stuff on A'math. Please Go home is also on Flowers. I guess that it can't be on Ameraican Bet the Buts? Does that have Mother Baby?
For the sixties middle period I think I prefer the American trilogy of A'math (with Paint It Black - some raunch), Flowers anf B the Buttons.
After which all UK and US album releases would be the same.
(For early sixties releases I'd go for the UK versions - but Around and Around is good - German? - e=with its primary emphasis on the Chess recordings).
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
DandelionPowderman
()
Date: September 30, 2013 11:40
I don't hear much filler songs on it. Even What To Do and Think have their place on it.
A remarkably strong album that still stands tall among the Stones' best releases, imo.
Out Of Time and It's Not Easy are not fillers!
A remarkably strong album that still stands tall among the Stones' best releases, imo.
Out Of Time and It's Not Easy are not fillers!
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Doxa
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:00
Yeah, I have also wondered why on earth left "Sittin' On A Fence" and "Ride On, Baby" out of AFTERMATH. I think both of them are better than some of the tracks there, especially concerning the 14-song piece UK version ("What to Do", "Think", "Stupid Girl", "Take It Or Leave It" comes to mind).
But that said, I agree with Stonehearted that there is a particular charm in 'lesser' tracks well, and I think that is very true of AFTERMATH. Each song has a 'point', and they are charmingly experimential in little nuances, etc. The songs might not always be winners but Jagger/Richard are really in the height of their bravity and ambition. With no hesitation they would try things they have never tried earlier and would ever try again. That attitude alone makes AFTERMATH special. I think they never again be so naturally experimental and sound so fresh and eager as they do in those AFTERMATH sessions. Brian's career highlight as well.
- Doxa
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 12:04 by Doxa.
But that said, I agree with Stonehearted that there is a particular charm in 'lesser' tracks well, and I think that is very true of AFTERMATH. Each song has a 'point', and they are charmingly experimential in little nuances, etc. The songs might not always be winners but Jagger/Richard are really in the height of their bravity and ambition. With no hesitation they would try things they have never tried earlier and would ever try again. That attitude alone makes AFTERMATH special. I think they never again be so naturally experimental and sound so fresh and eager as they do in those AFTERMATH sessions. Brian's career highlight as well.
- Doxa
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 12:04 by Doxa.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Deluxtone
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:01
What to Do and Think are the weak tracks and are on both US and UK versions.
I'm not just saying this in response to your post but had just checked out and compared the UK and US track listings.
Another one I don't care for on either is Stupid Girl. Stupid Song. "Look at his stupid song"!
Going Home IS boring after about 3 minutes - but the idea was good - and fairly 'break-through' - so hats off to them for that - going boldly to new territories. Hence very worthy for inclusion.
I would not make the same argument for long version of Sing This All Together however! But it's part of their history now .........
I'm not just saying this in response to your post but had just checked out and compared the UK and US track listings.
Another one I don't care for on either is Stupid Girl. Stupid Song. "Look at his stupid song"!
Going Home IS boring after about 3 minutes - but the idea was good - and fairly 'break-through' - so hats off to them for that - going boldly to new territories. Hence very worthy for inclusion.
I would not make the same argument for long version of Sing This All Together however! But it's part of their history now .........
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
stonehearted
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:03
Quote
Deluxtone
Ride On Baby is great - too great for Aftermath!
Infact I prefer Flowers (also released in Germany/Europe?) to Aft'math.
My Girl is also a very good version.
Sitting on a Fence. Like Ride On Baby that's also FAR better than a lot of stuff on A'math. Please Go home is also on Flowers. I guess that it can't be on Ameraican Bet the Buts? Does that have Mother Baby?
For the sixties middle period I think I prefer the American trilogy of A'math (with Paint It Black - some raunch), Flowers anf B the Buttons.
After which all UK and US album releases would be the same.
(For early sixties releases I'd go for the UK versions - but Around and Around is good - German? - e=with its primary emphasis on the Chess recordings).
Yes, Back Street Girl and Please Go Home are on the British but not the American Between The Buttons. Mother Baby was a non-album single that was finally collected (in the U.S.) on Flowers, but was on the Brit version of Big Hits/High Tide/Green Grass. However, Mother Baby was recorded during the sessions for Buttons.
Around and Around is on the U.S. album 12X5, as the opening track. There are several Chess recordings on that record, which give it a full, heavy rocking sound overall, especially with It's All Over Now.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Doxa
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:09
Deluxtone obviously means the 1964 album AROUND AND AROUND - a mid-European collection of British singles and EPs. A wonderful album, and for many people in that market an "original" album.
- Doxa
- Doxa
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
DandelionPowderman
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:18
Quote
Doxa
Yeah, I have also wondered why on earth left "Sittin' On A Fence" and "Ride On, Baby" out of AFTERMATH. I think both of them are better than some of the tracks there, especially concerning the 14-song piece UK version ("What to Do", "Think", "Stupid Girl", "Take It Or Leave It" comes to mind).
But that said, I agree with Stonehearted that there is a particular charm in 'lesser' tracks well, and I think that is very true of AFTERMATH. Each song has a 'point', and they are charmingly experimential in little nuances, etc. The songs might not always be winners but Jagger/Richard are really in the height of their bravity and ambition. With no hesitation they would try things they have never tried earlier and would ever try again. That attitude alone makes AFTERMATH special. I think they never again be so naturally experimental and sound so fresh and eager as they do in those AFTERMATH sessions. Brian's career highlight as well.
- Doxa
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
1962
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:18
Aftermath UK Edition - Rolling Stones classic essential masterpiece!
Beautiful 60's music.
Beautiful 60's music.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
stonehearted
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:20
Quote
Doxa
Deluxtone obviously means the 1964 album AROUND AND AROUND - a mid-European collection of British singles and EPs. A wonderful album, and for many people in that market an "original" album.
- Doxa
Ah, I see. I wasn't aware of that release. I've just looked it up. A version of Bye Bye Johnny, I see. And Poison Ivy as well. I might have to get a copy on CD....
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Doxa
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:26
The German-based AROUND AND AROUND looked like this:
And sounded like this:
A
1. Around And Around
2. Good Times, Bad Times
3. It's All Over Now
4. Empty Heart
5. Confessin' The Blues
6. Not Fade Away
B
1. Bye Bye Johnny
2 You Better Move On
3 I Wanna Be Your Man
4. 2120 South Michigan Avenue
5. If You Need Me
6. Poison Ivy
Like said, it wa put together from UK singles and EP's. Actually it was a handy addition to the normal UK albums, since none of the tracks included any song in THE ROLLING STONES or THE ROLLING STONES NO. 2. I suppose for that reason the album was re-issued rather regularly at least all the way to the 80's (and the early EP's were not so easy to find around that time any longer).
- Doxa
And sounded like this:
A
1. Around And Around
2. Good Times, Bad Times
3. It's All Over Now
4. Empty Heart
5. Confessin' The Blues
6. Not Fade Away
B
1. Bye Bye Johnny
2 You Better Move On
3 I Wanna Be Your Man
4. 2120 South Michigan Avenue
5. If You Need Me
6. Poison Ivy
Like said, it wa put together from UK singles and EP's. Actually it was a handy addition to the normal UK albums, since none of the tracks included any song in THE ROLLING STONES or THE ROLLING STONES NO. 2. I suppose for that reason the album was re-issued rather regularly at least all the way to the 80's (and the early EP's were not so easy to find around that time any longer).
- Doxa
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Silver Dagger
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:37
Aftermath is an incredible album and marks the departure point where they could write thematic songs to completely shape the sound, feel and tone of an album.
Aftermath has a great Britishness about it, it's the sound of pre-psychedelic London and the flowering of the younger generation who could now be as irreverent as they wished because quite simple time was on their side. They had the ideas, the looks and also the money. A great time to be alive.
Aftermath has a great Britishness about it, it's the sound of pre-psychedelic London and the flowering of the younger generation who could now be as irreverent as they wished because quite simple time was on their side. They had the ideas, the looks and also the money. A great time to be alive.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Doxa
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:43
Quote
DandelionPowdermanQuote
Doxa
Yeah, I have also wondered why on earth left "Sittin' On A Fence" and "Ride On, Baby" out of AFTERMATH. I think both of them are better than some of the tracks there, especially concerning the 14-song piece UK version ("What to Do", "Think", "Stupid Girl", "Take It Or Leave It" comes to mind).
But that said, I agree with Stonehearted that there is a particular charm in 'lesser' tracks well, and I think that is very true of AFTERMATH. Each song has a 'point', and they are charmingly experimential in little nuances, etc. The songs might not always be winners but Jagger/Richard are really in the height of their bravity and ambition. With no hesitation they would try things they have never tried earlier and would ever try again. That attitude alone makes AFTERMATH special. I think they never again be so naturally experimental and sound so fresh and eager as they do in those AFTERMATH sessions. Brian's career highlight as well.
- Doxa
I don't think "Stupid Girl" is very memorable, and it sounds filler in that context by surrounded such a A-class songs ("Mothers Little Helper", "Lady Jane", "Under My Thumb"), even though I admit it fits well the to run of the songs (thereby, a good filler
).- Doxa
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
RobertJohnson
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:48
Quote
Doxa
The German-based AROUND AND AROUND looked like this:
And sounded like this:
A
1. Around And Around
2. Good Times, Bad Times
3. It's All Over Now
4. Empty Heart
5. Confessin' The Blues
6. Not Fade Away
B
1. Bye Bye Johnny
2 You Better Move On
3 I Wanna Be Your Man
4. 2120 South Michigan Avenue
5. If You Need Me
6. Poison Ivy
Like said, it wa put together from UK singles and EP's. Actually it was a handy addition to the normal UK albums, since none of the tracks included any song in THE ROLLING STONES or THE ROLLING STONES NO. 2. I suppose for that reason the album was re-issued rather regularly at least all the way to the 80's (and the early EP's were not so easy to find around that time any longer).
- Doxa
Partly it is a result of the Chess Sessions. All the albums which contain material from these sessions are high quality ones with the highlight "Out of Our Heads" (esp. the British version). Against the background of this blues-rooted stuff "Aftermath" marks the beginning of the pop years and a disappointing decline in the band career in my opinion. It would have been better if they had tried to compose own blues songs in the tradition of this great heritage. Therefore only some songs of "Aftermath" are worthy to appear on a Stones album like "Doncha Bother Me". In contrary the "Out of Time"-like material is horrible in my ears. One of my special wishes in respect of the Stones is an official Chess-only Album with all the outtakes ...
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 13:18 by RobertJohnson.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
stonehearted
()
Date: September 30, 2013 12:56
Well, at last. I knew some who held this opinion were out there. But it's good to hear from someone who thinks the "Vegas era" actually began in 1966 as opposed to 1989.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 12:56 by stonehearted.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 12:56 by stonehearted.
Re: Listening to Aftermath UK Edition
Posted by:
Doxa
()
Date: September 30, 2013 13:10
Quote
Silver Dagger
Aftermath is an incredible album and marks the departure point where they could write thematic songs to completely shape the sound, feel and tone of an album.
Aftermath has a great Britishness about it, it's the sound of pre-psychedelic London and the flowering of the younger generation who could now be as irreverent as they wished because quite simple time was on their side. They had the ideas, the looks and also the money. A great time to be alive.
Well said. I think AFTERMATH, if any Stones album, is really an inspired album. One can feel the spirit of the times there; everything just exploding creativewise. I think they lost that momentum or reflective ability a bit in their upcoming two albums. Both BETWEEN THE BUTTONS and THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES are not so effortless like sounding products (even though, of course, are still reflecting the times as well, but not so convincingly, just out of inspiration).
I think one thing to consider is that AFTERMATH was still rather quickly done album. The sessions weren't much different than any of their earlier ones with which they just product songs to be placed whatever releases. The songs were done, cut and mixed quickly. If I have understood rightly, BETWEEN THE BUTTONS was the first album they had a certain 'cohesive' idea of album in their mind, and the sessions were done that goal in mind. And at the same time more effort and time were started to put into recording and as well to mixing and production over-all. This continued dramatically in SATANIC MAJESTIES and every album ever since.
I have a theory that some of AFTERMATH's airy and inspired easy-going atmosphere is still due to the old habits of recording: quickly and productively; not too much energy was wasted on 'thinking', or 'trying to make everything perfect'. Nothing was 'over-worked'. They just did anything just from the pulse of pure inspiration, and that was it; that will do - and especially Brian Jones shined in those hectic sessions (not known for his stamina). I think both BETWEEN THE BUTTONS and (especially) THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES suffer a bit of this new luxury of having more time and space to 'think', and use the fruits of the new recording technology. It took until BEGGARS BANQUET they found the balance again, and how to use the studio possibilities in creating 'perfect' records.
- Doxa
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013-09-30 13:17 by Doxa.
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