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jahisnotdead
My Stones confession is that I've been relying on the old Singles Collection box set and the hits collections to suffice for most everything prior to "Their Satanic Majesties Request" so, this is my first time evaluating these early albums as individual works. I'm going to try to review all of the studio work, just for fun. So, here we go!
I'm rating these albums based on how many tracks I would add to my personal Rolling Stones playlist, versus how many I would leave off.
The Rolling Stones - My rating: 4 out of 10
There are some keepers on this debut album, but also a fair amount of uninspired filler. Still, it's the Rolling Stones, baby! Or is it the Rolling Stones Babies? Either way, this is where it all started.
1. Route 66 - It's okay, not overwhelmingly incredible, a little sloppy. I wouldn't consider it an essential track.
2. I Just Want To Make Love To You - Another boogie. Great sound on the guitars and vocals are fierce. The Stones do a better job at making this one their own than they did Route 66.
3. Honest I Do - This one is not for me. Everything sounds off-kilter and awkward.
4. Mona - A rewrite of "Bo Diddley". Nothing special for me.
5. Now I've Got A Witness (Like Uncle Gene And Uncle Phil) - Instrumental blues boogie. Feels like filler.
6. Little By Little - This one has a nice little swagger to it. I don't know if it's absolutely essential, but just enough attitude to add to a Stones mix.
7. I'm A King Bee - Pretty good, even though I would ultimately give it a pass. I like the sound of the guitars. The song is a blues classic, but it's not really very inspired, songwriting-wise.
8. Carol - Covering Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones come alive. Lively beat, fiery guitars, and sharp vocals.
9. Tell Me (You're Coming Back) - Excellent debut for the Jagger/Richards songwriting team. This is a sophisticated tune with passion and ambition. The production is a little rough, but the song is still a winner.
10. Can I Get A Witness - I think this one is very cool. Jumpin' beat, and awesome singing by Mick. You can tell everyone is bringing some love to this performance.
11. You Can Make It If You Try - The magic found in tracks like Can I Get A Witness, seems to be missing here. Sounds very uninspired. I would skip this one.
12. Walking The Dog - I've never really been a fan of this song, and I don't think the Stones really bring anything special to this particular version. I actually find it a bit annoying.
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Keepers: I Just Want To Make Love To You, Little By Little, Carol, Tell Me, Can I Get A Witness
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liddas
Fantastic album.
I prefer the US version though - could be only because that's the version I've listened for years before even knowing that there was a UK version, but Fade Away / 66 / love to you ... THAT's IT, that's the Stones!
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Redhotcarpet
Great thread DP! The Album cover is easily one of the best ever by any band. I mean talk about introducing yourself. No name, just a dark shadowy yet warm photo of some angelic thugs. Playing adult music. UK version rules of course. This album can only get started with the power riff machine that is Keith. Route 66 is the name of the song. But that's not important. You might was well call it Attack no 1. Some of Keiths best guitar work ever. Im not joking. It's his showcase. Brian has his numbers. Keith his. Mick shares some. Bill all of them. What a great bass player. Charlie on most of them at least.