My favorite Rolling Stones song, from the greatest year in pop culture history, 1966. One of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time, done justice by Doug! Thanks for featuring it.
Doug has had years of training that most of us don't have. I know Rick Beato and others have ear training courses if you're interested in developing this skill.
When you get to Gimme Shelter, play the original version from Let it Bleed. Nobody has ever come close to Merry Clayton’s “backup” on this song - and many have tried. Sympathy for the Devil You Can’t Always Get What You Want Let it Bleed Can’t You Hear Me Knocking Almost everything from the Mick Taylor years
Clayton's cover of Gimme Shelter - ie with her singing lead vocals - is arguably even better than the original. Keef is reported to have described it as 'definitive'.
"My first ROLLING STONES Reaction!" - as a longtime subscriber, Dr. Doug, let me just say... "It's about time!" or as Mick would sing, "Tiiiiime is on my side - yes, it is!"
The Pinnacle of the stones for me is satisfaction. It's one of the most straightforward identifiable rock and roll riffs ever. It's not their most complex piece by any stretch of the imagination, but it's about as universal a song that will ever be made.
I remember the day this came out.. my brother and I was freaking out.. I remember it so clearly.. Charlie’s little drum break. WOW.. Great song. I was 10
I was like 15, looking around in my first black light, psychedelia poster-filled room, and this song was playing., and we were smoking a joint. Obviously the moment stayed with me, lol.
I remember reading an article on the Stones in a music magazine many years ago where it said how The Rolling Stones introduced themselves as "the radical alternative to The Beatles." Nice reaction here, Doug. I always learn something about the songs I love and have listened to for years. Thanks!
In 1980, Frank Zappa did a two hour programme as a guest DJ on Radio One here in the UK. I listened to it live, and it introduced me to several new artists. He played some great tracks, including Paint It Black. He pointed out what he called the "Woom, woom" of the bass on there, which I hadn't really noticed. It seems that you didn't notice it either, but once you hear it, it becomes unmissable. Really good. You can now find a transcript of the Zappa programme online. I had to look it up to get the date. I don't know if there's a recording of the show. I'll have to check that out.
I've never been able to link appreciation of music to any analytic realization. And this song was a kind of wake up for me when experiencing it at a bar while on holiday in NZ and that wakening to there being depths in some "classic" music I had been aware of, but not really listened to. I still don't have the brain/ear to understand fully, but I really appreciate hearing these reactions from those with that type of brain.
I never thought much about The Rolling Stones until a co worker made a 90 minute mix tape solely consisting of RS A side B sides chronologically from the beginning. Kind of amazing.
I'd love to hear/see you analyze "Satisfaction." The section that acts like a chorus has lyrics that change like a verse. And the sections that act like a verse have chorus-like lyrics
one of my closest friends was a huge rolling stones fan. he passed away in 1997. after his memorial service i went home and put on one his rolling stones albums he gave me (he knew he had a terminal illness and gave me his record collection a couple of months before he died). the first song that came on was "as tears go by",and i sat and bawled my eyes out. to this day it's hard for me to listen to it,but i'd love to see your reaction...for rusty.
Good list to choose from. This song shows the influence of the Beatles Norwegian Wood - the first song to use a sitar. I love how this song just ROCKS. You really nailed what the song about.
I am very glad you have gotten around to reviewing the Rolling Stones. Thanx very much for choosing "Paint It Black", one of my fave Stones tracks. There is a really good cover version by Canadian band The Tea Party!
This takes me back!! When I was at college (Uni), Summer 1977 three of us sharing a student flat (apartment) in Leeds Yorkshire. We all had summer placements for our courses, so stayed in Leeds over the summer holidays. We spent many an enjoyable summer evening, drinking beers and playing Risk and the like, and listening to great music on my stereo. And then wandering across the road to the great Whitbread East Pennines pub after. Most played and memorable, by far, was a Stones compilation album. I will always think back to those great days, whenever I hear the Stones. And Doug's reaction tonight brought that all back again, and cheered me up immensely! Cheers, Doug!
One nondescript autumn day, on maybe my 187th listen to "Paint It Black," headphones on, I paid close attention to all the different pieces of the outro. I think there are like six separate rhythms all happening at once: the acoustic guitars have their little rhythm, the bass has its little rhythm, the castanets are doing their thing, Keith and Brian are humming their sardonic-sounding thing, Mick comes back in with his entirely separate lead vocal thing. But instead of being a mess, it's entrancing. The outro is my favorite part.
In the late 1980s, as a precocious preteen, I was really into this TV show called Tour Of Duty, about the Vietnam war. It used this track for its theme song, and I fell in love with it back then. 50s and 60s rock was one of the first types of music I loved as a kid, other than Michael Jackson 😁
I'm very happy you're doing The Rolling Stones. Thank you. I always hear Beethoven's 9th symphony whenever I listen to this song. Alot of classical music has major influence on rock and psychedelic music
If you circle back to the Stones in the future, here are some recommendations that hi-light their musical range Moonlight Mile Time Waits for No One Can't You Hear Me Knocking Winter Let It Loose She's A Rainbow Back Street Girl Lady Jane
Paint it Black was the song that Rush chose to play (in part), as a nod to the Stones. The occasion was a benefit concert for Toronto in 2003. The city was recovering from SARS-COVID-1 at the time. The Stones were the headliners, along with AC/DC and Rush. There's a video out there. The Paint It Black homage is played as a prelude to The Spirit of Radio.
Alex and Geddy have both acknowledged the Stones as early influences, especially Alex. Neil had been less flattering at times, but he often praised Charlie Watts as one of his favorite drummers and once listed Watts’s solo jazz album as a personal favorite.
Dude, I would love to hear you make this song into a classical piano piece. That little bit you did on your keyboard was awesome and gave me a completely different way to look at the tune. Also, I first heard this song when I went to see Full Metal Jacket at the theater when it first came out. This song is the "roll credits" song and it is absolutely spot ON! The way that movie ends with this song churning through the credit roll.....shivers, shivers....If you have never seen that movie I would recommend it whole-heartedly. Fair warning, it is not for the faint of heart. Good video, man ✌
I remember I actually first heard this song via Avril Lavigne’s cover of this. Still resonate more with her version, but I do definitely appreciate the original too. Two excellent flavors of the song. Edit: spelling
I'm a big Cincinnati Reds fan and I loved the career of Joey Votto who played 1st base for 17 years. Early in his career his batter walk-up music was Paint It Black. Whenever I listened to the Reds on the radio and I heard Paint It Black in the background, I knew Votto was coming up.
Brian Jones actually started the band. In 1962 he placed an ad in a magazine called Jazz News. Ian Stewart(piano Player) answered the ad. He was the first to sign up. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards met Brian in The Ealing Club in 1962. Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts joined shortly after. The boys were brought together because of their love for American Blues and Rock N Roll artists. Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Little Walter, Jimmy Reed , Check Berry, Slim Harpo, Little Richard to name a few were some of their favorites. The first four Stones albums contain many Blues and Rock N Roll Classics by the previously mentioned artists. Carol, I'm a King Bee, I Just Wanna Make Love to You, Look What You've Done, Route 66, Little Red Rooster are some stand outs from the first four albums. The Stones cover of the Howling Wolf song "Little Red Rooster" is the only 12 bar blues ever to go to number one in England. A Record that still stands today. The Stones wanted that Blues sound so badly on their records so badly that they came to Americas in 1964 to record at Chess Studios in Chicago. Some of the greatest blues music has been recorded at Chess. "Confessin' The Blues, I Can't Be Satisfied, Time is on My Side, It's all over Now, Around and Around, Time is On my Side, Look What You've Done are a few stand outs . Brian Jones' Harmonica on Look What You've Done is amazing. His Slide Guitar on I Can't Be Satisfied was praised by Muddy Waters himself. Mick Jagger also plays the harmonica. However, Mick's playing is more the slow wailing Kind of sound. His harmonica can be heard on Little Red Rooster toward the end. This era of the band lasted from 1963 to the end of 1964. In 1965 the direction changed when Mick & Keith started writing their own songs. Satisfaction, the Last Time, Get Off My Cloud, Mothers Little Helper, 19th Nervous Breakdown, Heart of Stone, were hits for the boys back in late 64-65. Note: In about 1965 Ian Stewart was asked by management to step out of the limelight. He did not look like the rest of the band. He had short hair, dressed differently. He played on Stones records from 1963 to 1982. Ian died in 1985. Funny Note: Ian was a blues piano man through and through. When the Stones would experiment with psychedelic music and anything else that wasn't Blues Rock N Roll or Boogie Woogie influenced, he refused to play on the track. Also, the L:ed Zeppelin song "Boogie With Stu" has Ian Stewart playing piano with Led Zeppelin. Hence the title. To be continued, Charlie
I've been trying to figure out the best song of the Rolling Stones but I've been having a difficult time singling one out. Paint It Black is certainly one of the candidates.
A lot of Rolling Stones songs sound like "Well, they're not even trying..." No chorus? Or is it all a chorus? "She's So Cold" fits this description perfectly. And it was a huge hit. Same with "Emotional Rescue."
I think that their run of albums, Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile On Main Street shows them in their prime. Throw in live album, Get your Ya Yas out to round out that era. There are other albums and songs that are awesome as well, but this was quite a streak.
I had just left school and was playing in my first band when I first heard the Stones. I bought their first album and played it to death. It was mainly covers of old R&B songs but as a young white English kid it was all new to me. It was a gateway into the blues. I managed to convince the rest of the band that this was the kind of stuff we should be playing.
One of the best parts of your reactions are after the song ends. Always eye opening and insightful how you break down (and recreate) songs, chords and musical ideas. There's a reason your a Dr. You can diagnose any song!
Yes, broadly true. The Beatles followed the same approach. The US labels however would often cannibalise the original UK releases to squeeze more product from the same amount of songs.
Brian Jones played the sitar and many other instruments. On this same album, check out Lady Jane and Under My Thumb. Brian plays the Dulcimer on Lady Jane and the marimbas on Under My Thumb. Bill Wyman (Bass Player) started the song Paint it Black by playing a Gypsy Type Beat while fooling around with the foot pedals on an organ while in the studio.
Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St - four essential albums in a row between 1968 and 1972. Lots of great songs before and after, including great albums (Aftermath, It's Only Rock'n Roll), but this phase was incredible. Many people thing the Stones are overrated, but it's not true.
Let's Not forget after those great Albums The Human Riff Keef, playing on some 'Barn Burner Albums such as Some girls & Tattoo You. ppl always listen to the hits on each LP try the whole Album?!! Keith & Ronnie speeding up, with quick Drumming by The late Great Charlie Watts!!!! Some real Barn Burner's there I promise.... 🎸🥁👍😂😂😛😛😛😛😛😛😛
Stones 68 through 74 is the greatest run of albums in rock history, IMO. What makes them so great is that they could've stopped in 1967 and still would've been included with the greats of all time.
I've always looked at this as a love song. Or maybe a falling out of love song. Death and loss loss in love have so much in common. Here's to loss and pain.
Brian Jones' sitar ...he took the band into this area with exotic instrumentation etc. during this era although not credited as the 'writer'. Jones founded and named the band, became more and more sidelined as the Jagger-Richards writing team took over...
Mourning, Grief, Sadness and if I'm really feeling that bad why should anyone else get to feel OK? Sad Song Great Track. So - Yes, you got it. Keep Reacting!
I'm looking forward to you checking out the Stones, Doug. For me, you really want to focus on the first dozen or so years. There's a couple of great albums in the late ''70's and early '80's, but their best material was from say 1964-1974.
While I was born in 58, and should have been aware of this song when it came out, not being a Stones fan, I really first noticed and appreciated it when it turned up in the TV series, ‘Tour of Duty’. It was REALLY contextual for that and built the feel of the story really well.
'Paint it Black' has always been associated with the Vietnam era in both film and TV it got used a lot, even Stanley Kubrick used it at the end of 'Full Metal Jacket'. 'Gimme Shelter' is my favourite Stones tune, but 'Hear me Knocking' is a stunner of a jam all plus 7 minutes of it.
Founding member Ian Stewart, who was kicked out of the band by their new manager because he did not look the part, and became their roadie and sometime keyboardist, called them his three chord wonders because their songs often contained so few chords. 😅 Jagger was a fantastic and creative lyricist, as you will discover.
😎👍 1966 and 1967 were easily the group's two most melodic years. From 1968 onward, their music became more blues-based and less pop-based. A song I think you'd really appreciate is "Let's Spend The Night Together" (1967), simply because of the way it manages to squeeze every drop that can possibly be squeezed out of the six diatonic chords.
Frank Zappa considered the Stones’ Between the Buttons (1967) (US Edition) as one of his ten favorite albums. He said he felt it was better than the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s.
The first Stones single I bought back in 1963 was of their cover of "Come On". At that time, the Stones under their leader at the time, Brian Jones, was the bad-boy band in contrast to the clean cut Beatles. I think my favourite single if theirs remains Paint It Black. Glad you're finally on board the Stones' charabanc. 😅
It took me some time, but I actually learned to love the early Stones music of the 60's. It could have had something to do with oldies (music teacher in basic school...) telling me I could only love/hate each of them... Heh, I gradually grew more into Prog and Heavy Metal, so I forgot about these old guys (heh, I was born in '67, so go figure...). Then I heard this very non-contemporary drum thing on my favorite rock radio channel, and I eventually just had to turn up the volume!! I think this is my all-time-favorite Stones track by now. And it's goth enough to still meet me in the late 80's... 😁
Brian Jones was a multi-instrumentalist who elevated the Rolling Stones sound in the mid to late 60s through Ruby Tuesday. Unfortunately, Jones had trouble with alcohol and drugs - had to leave the band and drowned in a pool accident. You'll enjoy Jones' creativity. Under My Thumb, Ruby Tuesday (Jones co-wrote despite controversy), and She's Like a Rainbow are particular favorites.
More reading required Doug. The lyrics and meaning touch on Vietnam vets, depression, PTSD, heroin (black tar) and global disappointment in failed institutions. So glad you’re coming to The Rolling Stones. I was late to the party as well. Your patreon supporters will have a hell of a party when you finally do Exile on Main Street.
I don't think we should overemphasise the influence of the Vietnam War for a song by an English band as early as 1966. The song was later connected with that war.
The first (allegedly) Jagger/Richards song by the Stones was "The Last Time". Well worth a listen. I say "allegedly" because former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman reckoned that years later he found an ancient shelac 78 called "This is The Last Tme", no credits to either writer or artist, which he thinks J and R clearly lifted the song from. In Wyman's words "How the hell that pair got hold of a copy beats me!
Dozens of great Stone's songs to listen to. Doug, today 54 years ago today, Jimi Hendrix passed away. You have already reacted twice to Jimi Hendrix. One of my personal favorite live songs is 'Machine Gun'. 'Machine Gun' is an antiwar song. There are more than a few live versions, as well as a studio version. Let me suggest the "Live at Berkeley, 2nd show" version. It is my favorite version of this song. Whether you do a reaction or not, you should listen to the song, which can be found on youtube.
My favorite Rolling Stones song, from the greatest year in pop culture history, 1966. One of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time, done justice by Doug! Thanks for featuring it.
Greatest Decade
@@Driecnk
The greatest decade if you consider a ten year span was 1965 - 1975
One of my favourites but I've always loved Under My Thumb
This song was an anthem for a GREAT MANY Marines when they were over in Vietnam.
I wish I could hear music like you do, being able to dissect all the chords and rhythms by ear, so cool
Same. I suck at it
Doug has had years of training that most of us don't have. I know Rick Beato and others have ear training courses if you're interested in developing this skill.
I'm sure if you put in as much time and practice as Doug then you could be just as good.
If you just study basic music theory, you'll see a big difference
When you get to Gimme Shelter, play the original version from Let it Bleed. Nobody has ever come close to Merry Clayton’s “backup” on this song - and many have tried.
Sympathy for the Devil
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Let it Bleed
Can’t You Hear Me Knocking
Almost everything from the Mick Taylor years
Find an Australian show called Rockwiz featuring Tim Rogers and VIKA BULL . VIKA nails it
Bookend Gimmie Shelter with 2000 Light Years From Home and you have an interesting reaction!
I agree with the original version !!!.
Clayton's cover of Gimme Shelter - ie with her singing lead vocals - is arguably even better than the original. Keef is reported to have described it as 'definitive'.
"My first ROLLING STONES Reaction!" - as a longtime subscriber, Dr. Doug, let me just say... "It's about time!" or as Mick would sing, "Tiiiiime is on my side - yes, it is!"
The Rolling Stones are like shower curtains.
You don't realize that you need them, until they're gone.
I love The Stones!
Keep Rocking!
You GOTTA do "Can you Hear Me Knocking"
Perhaps one of the greatest rock jams ever recorded.
It's "Can't"
@@MichaelMoore497 DARN IT!
You hit my favorite of all the Stones tunes. EPIC!!!
I'm throwing my vote for "Can't You Hear Me Knocking". IMHO, the pinacle of the Stones.
The Pinnacle of the stones for me is satisfaction. It's one of the most straightforward identifiable rock and roll riffs ever. It's not their most complex piece by any stretch of the imagination, but it's about as universal a song that will ever be made.
Great song! IMHO, the Mick Taylor years were the best.
@@Mister_Samsonite 💯
My Fmfavorite Stones tune.
favorite
I remember the day this came out.. my brother and I was freaking out.. I remember it so clearly.. Charlie’s little drum break. WOW.. Great song. I was 10
I was like 15, looking around in my first black light, psychedelia poster-filled room, and this song was playing., and we were smoking a joint. Obviously the moment stayed with me, lol.
I remember reading an article on the Stones in a music magazine many years ago where it said how The Rolling Stones introduced themselves as "the radical alternative to The Beatles." Nice reaction here, Doug. I always learn something about the songs I love and have listened to for years. Thanks!
In 1980, Frank Zappa did a two hour programme as a guest DJ on Radio One here in the UK. I listened to it live, and it introduced me to several new artists. He played some great tracks, including Paint It Black. He pointed out what he called the "Woom, woom" of the bass on there, which I hadn't really noticed. It seems that you didn't notice it either, but once you hear it, it becomes unmissable. Really good.
You can now find a transcript of the Zappa programme online. I had to look it up to get the date. I don't know if there's a recording of the show. I'll have to check that out.
I've never been able to link appreciation of music to any analytic realization. And this song was a kind of wake up for me when experiencing it at a bar while on holiday in NZ and that wakening to there being depths in some "classic" music I had been aware of, but not really listened to. I still don't have the brain/ear to understand fully, but I really appreciate hearing these reactions from those with that type of brain.
One of the best song of Rolling Stones🤘
I never thought much about The Rolling Stones until a co worker made a 90 minute mix tape solely consisting of RS A side B sides chronologically from the beginning. Kind of amazing.
I'd love to hear/see you analyze "Satisfaction." The section that acts like a chorus has lyrics that change like a verse. And the sections that act like a verse have chorus-like lyrics
one of my closest friends was a huge rolling stones fan. he passed away in 1997. after his memorial service i went home and put on one his rolling stones albums he gave me (he knew he had a terminal illness and gave me his record collection a couple of months before he died). the first song that came on was "as tears go by",and i sat and bawled my eyes out. to this day it's hard for me to listen to it,but i'd love to see your reaction...for rusty.
Good list to choose from. This song shows the influence of the Beatles Norwegian Wood - the first song to use a sitar. I love how this song just ROCKS. You really nailed what the song about.
I really enjoyed this! You opened up so much of the song I never realized after hearing it my whole life!
Appreciate you breaking down the song structure for us amateurs. ❤
Great analysis of an absolute classic! One of the best song breakdowns I've seen on the internet.
Used as the theme tune to 80s Vietnam tv series Tour of duty. First time I heard it.
Also used at the end of Full Metal Jacket - so poignant!
That was the only reason I started watching that show!
I am very glad you have gotten around to reviewing the Rolling Stones. Thanx very much for choosing "Paint It Black", one of my fave Stones tracks.
There is a really good cover version by Canadian band The Tea Party!
This song is why I believe Charlie Watts is one of the greatest drummers ever. The pocket is perfect!
I appreciate how you broke that down
This takes me back!! When I was at college (Uni), Summer 1977 three of us sharing a student flat (apartment) in Leeds Yorkshire. We all had summer placements for our courses, so stayed in Leeds over the summer holidays. We spent many an enjoyable summer evening, drinking beers and playing Risk and the like, and listening to great music on my stereo. And then wandering across the road to the great Whitbread East Pennines pub after.
Most played and memorable, by far, was a Stones compilation album.
I will always think back to those great days, whenever I hear the Stones. And Doug's reaction tonight brought that all back again, and cheered me up immensely! Cheers, Doug!
Great memories live forever, thanks for sharing.
This song always felt ominous to me.
I’m a Stones fan but something about this song grabs me hard. It’s so eerie & evocative. I can listen to it over & over. Thanks!
One nondescript autumn day, on maybe my 187th listen to "Paint It Black," headphones on, I paid close attention to all the different pieces of the outro. I think there are like six separate rhythms all happening at once: the acoustic guitars have their little rhythm, the bass has its little rhythm, the castanets are doing their thing, Keith and Brian are humming their sardonic-sounding thing, Mick comes back in with his entirely separate lead vocal thing. But instead of being a mess, it's entrancing. The outro is my favorite part.
When Keith Richards strums the opening riff the stadium crowd goes wild. The lyrics are important. His love has died .
She’s A Rainbow is a good one..
To me it seems even darker due to the eventual embrace of everything being painted black.
"I want to see the sun blotted out of the sky."
In the late 1980s, as a precocious preteen, I was really into this TV show called Tour Of Duty, about the Vietnam war. It used this track for its theme song, and I fell in love with it back then. 50s and 60s rock was one of the first types of music I loved as a kid, other than Michael Jackson 😁
About time, Doug. The Stones are just plain great. So much to chew on since 1963...
I'm very happy you're doing The Rolling Stones. Thank you. I always hear Beethoven's 9th symphony whenever I listen to this song. Alot of classical music has major influence on rock and psychedelic music
If you circle back to the Stones in the future, here are some recommendations that hi-light their musical range
Moonlight Mile
Time Waits for No One
Can't You Hear Me Knocking
Winter
Let It Loose
She's A Rainbow
Back Street Girl
Lady Jane
Glad you mentioned She’s A Rainbow… Love it! …very underrated song, even back in the day, it wasn’t played much.
She's a Rainbow!
I've always loved bass "woofs" at the end.
Paint it Black was the song that Rush chose to play (in part), as a nod to the Stones. The occasion was a benefit concert for Toronto in 2003. The city was recovering from SARS-COVID-1 at the time. The Stones were the headliners, along with AC/DC and Rush.
There's a video out there. The Paint It Black homage is played as a prelude to The Spirit of Radio.
Alex and Geddy have both acknowledged the Stones as early influences, especially Alex. Neil had been less flattering at times, but he often praised Charlie Watts as one of his favorite drummers and once listed Watts’s solo jazz album as a personal favorite.
Ironically this is the first song in my Rolling Stones journey about 40 years ago. I listened to this on vinyl record with my dad as a kid.
Dude, I would love to hear you make this song into a classical piano piece. That little bit you did on your keyboard was awesome and gave me a completely different way to look at the tune. Also, I first heard this song when I went to see Full Metal Jacket at the theater when it first came out. This song is the "roll credits" song and it is absolutely spot ON! The way that movie ends with this song churning through the credit roll.....shivers, shivers....If you have never seen that movie I would recommend it whole-heartedly. Fair warning, it is not for the faint of heart. Good video, man ✌
Check out the Westworld soundtrack for a terrific orchestral arrangement.
Just got finished playing this on my guitar my phone was listening!
All musicians totally rock in their parts on this song. I remember seeing them do this on Ed Sullivan show wondering what was Brian Jones playing
It is also on on Through the Past Darkly which oddly had an octagon shaped record cover I bought when it came out
I remember I actually first heard this song via Avril Lavigne’s cover of this. Still resonate more with her version, but I do definitely appreciate the original too. Two excellent flavors of the song.
Edit: spelling
I have sense memories of hearing Paint it Black while in the back seat of my grandma's Rambler.
Paint it Black is my alarm theme that I wake to every morning. Love that intro.
Wyman playing some mean bass slides near the end of this song needs to be pointed out.
Can`t You Hear Me Knocking
I voted for this one!!! Good pick. I'm 70 so I know the early Stones best to about '80. Then I moved on but the early songs are excellent.
I'm a big Cincinnati Reds fan and I loved the career of Joey Votto who played 1st base for 17 years. Early in his career his batter walk-up music was Paint It Black. Whenever I listened to the Reds on the radio and I heard Paint It Black in the background, I knew Votto was coming up.
Why was that his song?
Brian Jones actually started the band. In 1962 he placed an ad in a magazine called Jazz News. Ian Stewart(piano Player) answered the ad. He was the first to sign up. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards met Brian in The Ealing Club in 1962. Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts joined shortly after. The boys were brought together because of their love for American Blues and Rock N Roll artists. Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Little Walter, Jimmy Reed , Check Berry, Slim Harpo, Little Richard to name a few were some of their favorites. The first four Stones albums contain many Blues and Rock N Roll Classics by the previously mentioned artists. Carol, I'm a King Bee, I Just Wanna Make Love to You, Look What You've Done, Route 66, Little Red Rooster are some stand outs from the first four albums. The Stones cover of the Howling Wolf song "Little Red Rooster" is the only 12 bar blues ever to go to number one in England. A Record that still stands today. The Stones wanted that Blues sound so badly on their records so badly that they came to Americas in 1964 to record at Chess Studios in Chicago. Some of the greatest blues music has been recorded at Chess. "Confessin' The Blues, I Can't Be Satisfied, Time is on My Side, It's all over Now, Around and Around, Time is On my Side, Look What You've Done are a few stand outs . Brian Jones' Harmonica on Look What You've Done is amazing. His Slide Guitar on I Can't Be Satisfied was praised by Muddy Waters himself. Mick Jagger also plays the harmonica. However, Mick's playing is more the slow wailing Kind of sound. His harmonica can be heard on Little Red Rooster toward the end. This era of the band lasted from 1963 to the end of 1964. In 1965 the direction changed when Mick & Keith started writing their own songs. Satisfaction, the Last Time, Get Off My Cloud, Mothers Little Helper, 19th Nervous Breakdown, Heart of Stone, were hits for the boys back in late 64-65.
Note: In about 1965 Ian Stewart was asked by management to step out of the limelight. He did not look like the rest of the band. He had short hair, dressed differently. He played on Stones records from 1963 to 1982. Ian died in 1985. Funny Note: Ian was a blues piano man through and through. When the Stones would experiment with psychedelic music and anything else that wasn't Blues Rock N Roll or Boogie Woogie influenced, he refused to play on the track.
Also, the L:ed Zeppelin song "Boogie With Stu" has Ian Stewart playing piano with Led Zeppelin. Hence the title.
To be continued,
Charlie
Excellent! Paint It Black is in my top 10 songs of all time. I perform it with great passion.
I've been trying to figure out the best song of the Rolling Stones but I've been having a difficult time singling one out. Paint It Black is certainly one of the candidates.
A lot of Rolling Stones songs sound like "Well, they're not even trying..." No chorus? Or is it all a chorus? "She's So Cold" fits this description perfectly. And it was a huge hit. Same with "Emotional Rescue."
I think that their run of albums, Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile On Main Street shows them in their prime. Throw in live album, Get your Ya Yas out to round out that era. There are other albums and songs that are awesome as well, but this was quite a streak.
Mick Jagger's then girlfriend was sick and in a coma. Not expected to survive.
This song was written about that.
The woman recovered.
Do all five on your list Doug, that’s a good start.
I believe it's part of the "Raga Rock" style. Robbie Shankar.
I love the Byrds' "9 Miles High" as well.
Gimme Shelter, She's a Rainbow, Sweet Virginia, Moonlight Mile, Can't you hear me knocking, You Can't Always Get What You Want (original version only)
I had just left school and was playing in my first band when I first heard the Stones. I bought their first album and played it to death. It was mainly covers of old R&B songs but as a young white English kid it was all new to me. It was a gateway into the blues. I managed to convince the rest of the band that this was the kind of stuff we should be playing.
George Harrison's promotion of Ravi Shankar's sitar playing, and The Beatles trip to India, was very influential at the time.
True that, though I think The Beatles India trip was in1967, a year after this song.
The inclusion of Indian music in the film Help!, didn’t hurt, either
One of the best parts of your reactions are after the song ends. Always eye opening and insightful how you break down (and recreate) songs, chords and musical ideas. There's a reason your a Dr. You can diagnose any song!
I *think* that the "rule of thumb" in the UK was to not include a single on the album. I could be wrong!
I think that was generally true.
Yes, broadly true. The Beatles followed the same approach. The US labels however would often cannibalise the original UK releases to squeeze more product from the same amount of songs.
This song has been No.1 on the Amish Buckboard 100 since 1966!
This song is really cool and fun to play, whatever the instrument! It’s fast, nervous but with balance, very interesting to me.
Brian Jones played the sitar and many other instruments. On this same album, check out Lady Jane and Under My Thumb. Brian plays the Dulcimer on Lady Jane and the marimbas on Under My Thumb.
Bill Wyman (Bass Player) started the song Paint it Black by playing a Gypsy Type Beat while fooling around with the foot pedals on an organ while in the studio.
Gotta do sympathy for the devil, if you want to get chills from mick's lyrics.
Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St - four essential albums in a row between 1968 and 1972. Lots of great songs before and after, including great albums (Aftermath, It's Only Rock'n Roll), but this phase was incredible. Many people thing the Stones are overrated, but it's not true.
Most people who say the Stones are overrated have barely listened to their music or do not know much about them.
Let's Not forget after those great Albums The Human Riff Keef, playing on some 'Barn Burner Albums such as Some girls & Tattoo You. ppl always listen to the hits on each LP try the whole Album?!! Keith & Ronnie speeding up, with quick Drumming by The late Great Charlie Watts!!!! Some real Barn Burner's there I promise.... 🎸🥁👍😂😂😛😛😛😛😛😛😛
'Love in Vain' from "Stripped" (1995) is worthy of a listen.
I wish I had an ear like yours, Doug!
The only R. S. song that I really enjoy 👍
Add Mother's Little Helper, then I'd agree.
I guess firstly sitar was in Norwegian Wood in '65.
Stones 68 through 74 is the greatest run of albums in rock history, IMO. What makes them so great is that they could've stopped in 1967 and still would've been included with the greats of all time.
My 2 most favorite Rolling Stones songs are Sympathy for the Devil & Shattered.
I've always looked at this as a love song. Or maybe a falling out of love song. Death and loss loss in love have so much in common. Here's to loss and pain.
Brian Jones' sitar ...he took the band into this area with exotic instrumentation etc. during this era although not credited as the 'writer'. Jones founded and named the band, became more and more sidelined as the Jagger-Richards writing team took over...
Mourning, Grief, Sadness and if I'm really feeling that bad why should anyone else get to feel OK?
Sad Song Great Track. So - Yes, you got it. Keep Reacting!
I'm looking forward to you checking out the Stones, Doug. For me, you really want to focus on the first dozen or so years. There's a couple of great albums in the late ''70's and early '80's, but their best material was from say 1964-1974.
A Realist
Very happy to see you begin looking at my favorite band. Will be interested to hear your take and enjoy the journey !
While I was born in 58, and should have been aware of this song when it came out, not being a Stones fan, I really first noticed and appreciated it when it turned up in the TV series, ‘Tour of Duty’. It was REALLY contextual for that and built the feel of the story really well.
'Paint it Black' has always been associated with the Vietnam era in both film and TV it got used a lot, even Stanley Kubrick used it at the end of 'Full Metal Jacket'.
'Gimme Shelter' is my favourite Stones tune, but 'Hear me Knocking' is a stunner of a jam all plus 7 minutes of it.
A great song expressing loss and mourning. I recommend the music video.
Founding member Ian Stewart, who was kicked out of the band by their new manager because he did not look the part, and became their roadie and sometime keyboardist, called them his three chord wonders because their songs often contained so few chords. 😅 Jagger was a fantastic and creative lyricist, as you will discover.
No rock music reaction video channels are serious without coverage of the Rolling Stones. Keep On!
I would have thought of the A-flat major segment as a chorus.
😎👍 1966 and 1967 were easily the group's two most melodic years. From 1968 onward, their music became more blues-based and less pop-based. A song I think you'd really appreciate is "Let's Spend The Night Together" (1967), simply because of the way it manages to squeeze every drop that can possibly be squeezed out of the six diatonic chords.
Frank Zappa considered the Stones’ Between the Buttons (1967) (US Edition) as one of his ten favorite albums. He said he felt it was better than the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s.
Also, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys considered Between the Buttons as one of his favorite albums.
The first Stones single I bought back in 1963 was of their cover of "Come On". At that time, the Stones under their leader at the time, Brian Jones, was the bad-boy band in contrast to the clean cut Beatles. I think my favourite single if theirs remains Paint It Black. Glad you're finally on board the Stones' charabanc. 😅
My favorite Rolling Stones songs are this one plus Gimme Shelter and Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.
I think the one you want is “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking”.
That's what rock music is about,, nothing too pretentious, but incredibly effective. I love this song.
It took me some time, but I actually learned to love the early Stones music of the 60's. It could have had something to do with oldies (music teacher in basic school...) telling me I could only love/hate each of them... Heh, I gradually grew more into Prog and Heavy Metal, so I forgot about these old guys (heh, I was born in '67, so go figure...). Then I heard this very non-contemporary drum thing on my favorite rock radio channel, and I eventually just had to turn up the volume!! I think this is my all-time-favorite Stones track by now. And it's goth enough to still meet me in the late 80's... 😁
Brian Jones was a multi-instrumentalist who elevated the Rolling Stones sound in the mid to late 60s through Ruby Tuesday. Unfortunately, Jones had trouble with alcohol and drugs - had to leave the band and drowned in a pool accident. You'll enjoy Jones' creativity. Under My Thumb, Ruby Tuesday (Jones co-wrote despite controversy), and She's Like a Rainbow are particular favorites.
More reading required Doug. The lyrics and meaning touch on Vietnam vets, depression, PTSD, heroin (black tar) and global disappointment in failed institutions. So glad you’re coming to The Rolling Stones. I was late to the party as well. Your patreon supporters will have a hell of a party when you finally do Exile on Main Street.
I don't think we should overemphasise the influence of the Vietnam War for a song by an English band as early as 1966. The song was later connected with that war.
Wow, it's the first time I see a english speaking musician name the notes IN LATIN (Do, Re, Mi) and not in English (C, D, E).. i'm surprised! 😄👌🏻
The other hint it is a funeral is the "red door". Church doors (Catholic, Anglican and others) are often black.
Twisted Metal Black is what I imagine every time this comes on.
There was a local group in my town that covered this song brilliantly. The key is commitment.
The first (allegedly) Jagger/Richards song by the Stones was "The Last Time". Well worth a listen. I say "allegedly" because former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman reckoned that years later he found an ancient shelac 78 called "This is The Last Tme", no credits to either writer or artist, which he thinks J and R clearly lifted the song from. In Wyman's words "How the hell that pair got hold of a copy beats me!
First ... #1. Hit written by ...
Dozens of great Stone's songs to listen to. Doug, today 54 years ago today, Jimi Hendrix passed away. You have already reacted twice to Jimi Hendrix. One of my personal favorite live songs is 'Machine Gun'. 'Machine Gun' is an antiwar song. There are more than a few live versions, as well as a studio version. Let me suggest the "Live at Berkeley, 2nd show" version. It is my favorite version of this song. Whether you do a reaction or not, you should listen to the song, which can be found on youtube.
The Stones are the masters of layering instrumentation