Much is said about comparing The Beatles with The Rolling Stones, even hinting at a certain rivalry between the two bands. “Yesterday”, during a very interesting conversation, we concluded that comparing The Beatles to The Stones is like comparing apples to oranges. While one focused on creating the foundations for Pop, the other aimed to design a rebellious sound, both rooted in Rock.
The reality of this matter (at least in the beginning) is that The Beatles themselves propelled The Stones to fame, especially George Harrison, who persuaded Decca Records to sign them… and that’s exactly what happened. It is even said that The Beatles frequented the ‘Crawdaddy Club’ in Richmond, London, to watch The Stones, where they gained a significant fan base.
In 1964, The Rolling Stones debuted with their eponymous album, featuring 12 songs, of which only one is original, ‘Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)’, composed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
What can we listen to?
We can hear a sound inspired by R&B and, of course, Rock & Roll. Practically, it is a cover album. However, The Rolling Stones refreshed all these songs and added that touch of rebellion that the generation needed to break conventional music and societal stereotypes.
Mick Jagger’s voice became the band’s hallmark from this album. Despite not possessing vocal virtuosity, he proposed something entirely different that would serve as a strong foundation for Rock in general, with a message of ‘You don’t have to be perfect to be in a band’. This influence, especially for Punk, was tremendous, as can be heard on albums like “Never Mind The Bollocks” (1977) by Sex Pistols.
The album was recorded in an express manner, in just 5 days! Consequently, it’s not perfect, which gives it a nostalgic sound and provides context regarding the technology of the time. Speaking of production, it contributes to the album sounding “heavy” for its era, maintaining the distortion peaks that are sometimes heard in the vocals.
Additional instruments on the album...
It’s not just about Keith Richards‘ and Brian Jones‘ guitars, Bill Wyman‘s bass, and Charlie Watts‘ drums. Mick Jagger himself played the harmonica, and we can even hear a completely instrumental track, “Now I’ve Got A Witness”, where Ian Stewart played the organ. Stewart was part of the band but unofficially, as the band’s manager did not see him fit as a permanent member due to his marketing conception.
Certainly, the blues is present in songs like “I’m a King Bee”… a white version of the genre that began to hint at something more, a revolution that would soon scare the conservatives and liberate the rebels through art. Yes, we are talking about the official birth of Rock, with an audience that would gradually demand more.
And yes, dancing in Rock has always been, in one way or another, essential, the need to move the body and release that beautiful energy caused by our dopamine… The Rolling Stones add variety to the album with tracks like “Carol” or “Can I Get a Witness”, songs designed for fast and uncomplicated Rock N’ Roll dancing, with a very good display of guitars between Richards and Jones.
A recording of over 58 years
It’s impressive how, after so many years, we have the opportunity to listen to such an important part of music history. This album is entirely groundbreaking; it represents the desire of five individuals to leave a mark on the world, to do things differently, and at the same time, serve. They set an example, as their song “You Can Make It If You Try” says… that nobody can limit you. You can do anything you want as long as you manifest it and work on it.
Nostalgia, history, and a lot of Rock…
What do you think of this album? Leave us your comments!
