Re: 1964-1966 were the best stones !
Posted by:
Edward Twining
()
Date: June 18, 2006 18:14
The Stones were at their most prolific with their singles in the 1964-66 era although i think 1965-67 is probably even more applicable. Their singles at this point were both more prolific (averaging three singles a year) and a higher quality (aside from maybe the three singles released 68-71) than in any other period of their career. Their reputation was founded on songs like 'Satisfaction' and 'Get Off Of My Cloud'and those in addition to 'Nineteen Nervous Breakdown', 'Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby' contain a level of raw energy and abandonment which is lacking somewhat in the more sophisticated and cleaner produced 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' and 'Brown Sugar'. These later songs are certainly not inferior but there's something to be said for the Stones sound when they sounded as though at any moment they were dangerously careering out of control.
However consistency where albums are concerned has never been the Stones strong point apart from the Beggar's- Exile era. Even a great album like 'Aftermath'despite its diverse sound is rather uneven where the quality of the songs are concerned.
The Stones were undoubtedly more diverse in the earlier era though and'Paint It Black', 'Lady Jane', Yesterday's Paper's', 'Under My Thumb'etc. adds a significant richness and range to their legacy.
I think if your taste (like JumpinKentFlash i suspect) is for more sophisticated Blues-Rock the Beggar's to Exile period will always hold the most appeal but for music with a little more colour and diversity (although by no means as consistent) the earlier period will also hold a special place at least in my heart.