A Classic Set You Probably Don't Need

Back in the days of records, the first three "albums" I ever bought for myself were SURREALISTIC PILLOW by the Jefferson Airplane and AFTERMATH and BIG HITS (HIGH TIDE AND GREEN GRASS) by the Stones. Looking back, that was a great purchase. All are classics and are loaded with absolute killer songs. On BIG HITS, "It's All Over Now" and "The Last Time" were the tunes that first made me a Stones fan, and "Satisfaction" is considered by many to be the greatest single rock song of all time. At a time when the Beatles usually occupied the top spot on the "charts", Satisfaction" was a monster hit and dominated radio airplay for months during the spring and summer of 1965. With the recent purchase of this CD, I now have all three of the albums from my first purchase on disc.



BIG HITS was the first of many collections of Stones "greatest hits". It was the definitive collection when I first got it, but because it's their earliest greatest hits release, many of the cuts on this disc are relatively unpolished and some are now less well-known than later material. Nevertheless, these are still great songs and, on it's own, this disc is still very much worth owning. The problem is that, if you're a real fan, you have these songs on other discs, so this one is a bit superfluous. Conversely, if you're just a casual listener, there are now several Stones "hits" collections that are bigger and more complete.



I don't want to downplay this disc. It's still a great set and there are people out there that will want to own it, but most will simply want to look elsewhere for Stones collections, and that's why I've only given it 4 stars. It's a 5 star body of material, but it's utility has been outmoded by subsequent releases. Still, if it fills a need for you, or a gap in your music library, go for it. It remains a superb body of work and the sound quality on this disc is quite good.

Classic early Rolling Stones!

What more needs to be said? After attending many Rolling Stones concerts, I still have great respect for the early recordings. Yes, they were "raw" in the early days, but very talented as well. Many of the songs have achieved "cult status", such as "Satisfaction" and "The Last Time". Many of these tracks can be accredited to the late Brian Jones, a very significant part of the group's early success. Satisfaction continues to be rated as one of the greatest (number ONE in many polls) rock classics of all time. Any Rolling Stones collection is not complete without this classic CD.

Pure energy

My first Stones album and probably my favorite. I love the nice bluesy beats and guitar slang. This is the Stones at an early stage of their creativity. The songs are raw and they aren't lovey-dovey. These are self-loathing, to the point, in your face songs with a kick to the ribs. I tell you, when I hear these songs as I play them load I feel as if Mick is spitting the lyrics in my face while Brian, Keith, Charlie, and Bill are playing their instruments into my ear like way street bullies breathe heavily down your neck to intimidate you.



This was sent out in 1965 so this is probably the Stones last attempt to create an image of hardcore street toughs. Afterward the guys got much more effeminate and happygoing with songs like Ruby Tuesday and She's a Rainbow. Then came their effort to show the world that they were mature, creative musicians with their own talents. Songs like Street Fighting Man and Sympathy for the Devil revealed their energy. Sadly, their street tough outlook had gone for good. By 1968 they now smiled for the camera, wore pink scarfs and silk shirts, smoked exotic drugs, and had long girlish hair(before their hair was long but it could have been considered manly in a way. But by the beginning of '69 they hair was truly girlish.).



If you want raw on the streets beer drinking young holligans check out this album. The force of the music will rearrange your senses and make you feel like a man who eats charcoal for breakfast.