The Genius of The Stones' Early Singles 

Thanks for having me, Justin! Great hang! I would like to note for listeners that I mistakenly referred to Ahmet Ertegun when I meant Prince Rupert Lowenstein 🤦🏻‍♂️

All the Stones albums from the 60's are indispensable but anthologies have their place. My entry point to the Stones were both Hot Rocks collections. To my 13 year old self the impact was staggering.The order of the tracks, the covers, photos inside and of course the music itself seemed capable of revealing the secrets of the Universe. Looking back, I feel I might have died without these collections.Maybe not literally but my life would have been very bland and my emotional pallet limited.Later "saviors" would come from Shakespeare to Eastern Philosophy but none surpassed the impact that the Stones had on my soul. I can't talk this way to my friends and hardly even my family.Thank you for these videos.

Thanks for the mention. 😁🙌🎶♥️

To me, the quality of the early recordings really makes up a lot of their charm. They sound like the old blues records!

Thanks to Hang Fire for this nice sharing 👌 very interesting info on the BEST BAND Of My Heart 💖 FOREVER and EVER 💥💫♾️

Hey, Justin and Scott. Thanks for focusing on this collection. It’s a treasure trove of mostly wonderful music tracing their development during this period ! Essential listening ! 👍

Blue turns to Grey is really good. My Girl excellent cover. Got to get away excellent.

Danke für dieses großartige, informative Interview...ich habe es mir interessiert angehört und hab oft geschmunzelt dabei... es hat sich für mich gelohnt, es mir jetzt in Ruhe anzuhören...nochmals vielen Dank....🎯💯 🎶🎼 🎵......

Really enjoyed the chat (never tire of hearing about The Rolling Stones), thanks guys!

Mick talking about brian is always tongue in cheek...

Wonderful Show:)

We Love You is so much better. Still a dream set opener or just played at all. Nothing like it.

Talking of 'Come On', check out The Chocolate Watchband's version from 1967. It out-Stones the Stones!

Check out the guitar weaving in Susie Q off of 12X5. That's early guitar weaving by Keith and Brian.

Hi Justin, I think this must be a generation thing, as I see the same thing from Beatles fans who don’t really appreciate Beatles albums until Revolver. I was born in 1961 and as a baby grew up listening to pop music in my crib. I love all the old 1950’s Rock n Rollers and I’ve been a Stones fan since I was 13 in 1974. In my opinion the first 3 mainly R&B covers albums (RS, 12x5, and RS No.2) are fantastic. Thanks to bands like the Stones, the Yardbirds, Pretty Things and the Animals , I got into listening to Muddy Water, Howlin Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson. I think the Stones did an excellent job of covering of these old R&B songs and I love the raw mono sound of the albums. I also think their debut single of Chuck Berry’s Come On was an excellent single. Can’t see was Mick would be embarrassed by that, I think he should be more embarrassed about his solo album She’s the Boss😁. I love all the Stones 60’s, 70’s and 80’s output. Although I must admit, I’m not quite as keen on the 90’s and beyond, but I keep buying their albums. This might be a generation thing for me too😀. I still love going to see them live though and can’t wait to see them this summer.

Nice vid Justin and Scott. It reminds me of the Stones fanclub days chatting with like minded figures. And if you're open to new ideas about the Stones you get to see and hear so much new light on the things they create. So thumbs up this vid!

Somebody should have called John out on his "We love you" crack.Nobody should be placed on such a high pedestal that they can't be questioned.

Yep, I got it in '89, the vinyl set when it came out, and saw the Steel Wheels concert in Los Angeles.

It's worth owning just for Stoned and Who's driving your plane.❤

Exactly! Best boxset ever.

Great video, really interesting listening to you and Scott discussing the early Stones. "The London Years" was a great compilation, but being older than you and Scott (I was 13 in 1971), I had already consumed lots of early Stones from "Hot Rocks" and "More Hot Rocks", along with other vinyl compilations way before "The London Years" came out. The beauty of "The London Years", of course, is that it grouped A and B sides together chronologically. I remember thinking when it came out, why didn't they release this compilation 15 years ealier? Be that as it may, what I see as the main thread from this period and through to this day are the integral contributions of Mick and Keith. You and Scott mentioned Charlie wasn't yet, in 1963-65, what Charlie would later be. Bill Wyman, for all the great bass lines he provided, was an interchangeable part in the 1963-65 period. Brian Jones, quite honestly, for that same time period, does not stand out beyond the odd, but outstanding solo like on "I Wanna Be Your Man" and some of his harmonica work during this time. You and Scott mention that Keith can easily be picked out in most of those early songs, and I agree, meaning that we were already experiencing the essence of the Stones: Mick with his voice, and Keith with his guitar technique. Everything else, in any period of the Stones, is built around this. I believe that Andrew Oldham recognized this very early on, and realized that these two were the band's present and future, the root of what they would become, and if they could incorporate good songwriting, there was no limit to what they could do. I've read several Andrew interviews where he was adamant about the importance of a good song. No matter how good anything else might be, without a song, you have nothing, at least nothing sustainable. As fans, we came to include Charlie and the others later on and throughout their history for their enormous contributions, including Brian with the exotic instruments that are critical to the success of the 1966-68 period, but nothing happens without Mick and Keith, and Andrew's early recognition of this. He knew Brian was not relaible. He noted that Mick and Keith came into the band together as friends, and they got along well, and each had a unique talent that could serve as a foundation for the band's sound. Andrew saw they had an ability, and a drive to push forward without getting bogged down by distractions, which is what happened to Brian, easily distracted, consumed with being a leader, but at a disadvantage in that Mick as the lead singer with his incredible onstage presence was impossible for Brian to compete with. So, given the special relationship that Mick and Keith enjoyed, as musicians and as friends, and then their blossoming songwriting abilities, Andrew soon had, in Jagger/Richards, his own Lennon/McCartney. History has proved him right. Today, without Charlie, we are back to the very essence of the original Rolling Stones sound: Mick and Keith, ever present and completely irreplaceable. It is obviously more complex and detailed than what I just wrote, but the unmistakable Mick and Keith partnership is the biggest take-away from the earliest recordings, even before they became a songwriting team, and it's the thread that still defines the Stones today, the forever Glimmer Twins. Keep up the great work Justin, so enjoyable to watch your videos, and this one with Scott was entertaining and very informative.

love the B Side Stoned riff!

Correction Justin. First Stones compilation album was, in fact, Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass), released in 1966, followed a year later by Flowers, with both Hot Rocks compilations being released much later.✌️

I downloaded my CD version of the London Years to my iPod. Listing on shuffle this morning "What a Shame" came up. What a treat. This collection is essential.

Excellent chat, fellows. Pushing me back to that collection. And, hey! I like Keys to Your Love!

Great podcast, guys.

It was with this compilation that I discovered the Stones! My first Stones album.

I think if you call yourself a Stones fan,you need to hear all the albums. I think it's important to hear the evolution of a great band that you love. Like I'll admit,the first time I heard Beggars Banquet as a teen, I wasn't sure what to make of it. I'd heard so much about the album. About how it's one of the greatest rock albums ever made and then I buy it and listen to it and it's not at all what I was expecting it to sound like. In my mind I thought I was gonna be hearing a really hard rocking album and it's mostly accustic and kinda more country based. I was taken aback. I kept playing it over an over though because I love The Rolling Stones and I'm wanting to figure out what kind of statement/expression they are trying to make with this album.on something like my sixth listen to Beggars Banquet it finally clicked and I just got it. I realized it was beautiful. Especially No Expectations. That song can bring a tear to your eye just because of how simple yet stunning it is. So I'd tell someone new to The Stones early years who's struggling to enjoy the music,do what I did. Be open minded and keep listening, it'll click sooner or later. One more thing ,I really enjoy Keys To Your Love 😅.

I know it’s not a real Stones song, but one of my favorite track on this album is Memo From Turner.

Thank you, Justin and Scott! Interesting stuff. A few points... I seriously can't understand how anyone can find the Decca albums "tough to wade through" - having said that, I personally can say the same thing about pretty much every album from 'Exile' onwards! Each to their own of course. 'Come On' was a FAR superior debut than the lack-lustre 'Love Me Do' by The Beatles. No discussion neeeded. I believe that 'Tell Me (You're Coming Back)' was just recorded as a demo. I'm also pretty sure that it was the first released record to feature Keith on "harmonies" - prior to that, it was ALWAYS Brian and Bill who did backing vocals. Until they started writing songs, Keith was just the guitar player - albeit a brilliant one. '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' was written just 18 months after Mick & Keith started writing songs! How DID they advance that quickly? As for the chord sequence, while I'm not sure he did exactly the same thing, Buddy Holly really was a pioneer of using 3 or 4 chords in an unexpected order. Good shout out for Don Everly too. The Crickets / The Everlys may be too "Pop" for some, but they were just as much musical pioneers as Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. 'We Love You' is the OPPOSITE of 'All You Need Is Love'. Along with TSMR, it was a reaction AGAINST 'SGT. Pepper' rather than an imitation. John Lennon got it so wrong. It doesn't matter that lyrics don't always work without the music. 'Be-Bop-A-Lula' and 'Tutti Frutti' have diabolical lyrics - but they're also brilliant, timeless records. Now, how about a feature on the 'Got Live If You Want It!' album? ; )

Hey Justin! Thank you so much for this chat with Scott, really enjoyed it! It was good to hear someone who spoke truth about Brian. Yes, he was a brilliant, creative, innovative musician...but it's also good to note that he could be a volatile, abusive person, especially with women. And God only knows what happened to him in his youth/what he lacked in his upbringing which contributed to his erratic behaviour. By contrast, Mick was brought up in a stable, middle-class environment, and Keith was surrounded by love and support, so it makes sense that they had a certain stability which Brian lacked. I remember Charlie saying in a documentary that he felt hard drugs were not at all good for Brian....not good for any of us, but particularly for an emotionally fragile individual like Brian. In any case, such a tragedy that he passed at only 27 years old. About I Wanna Be Your Man: I've often thought that this may be one the earliest punk songs, the way the Stones delivered it. It's so bloody cocky! Anyway, thank you Justin & Scott for this great chat on the London Years! I too can hold myself back from diving in due to the sometimes poor production value etc. This chat has given me cause to jump back into those early years! Thanks chaps! Love and best from Toronto! ♥🎵🎶

My Favourite Album of the Early Days,I liked listened whit Honk and Listen the entire History,in one Shot

Its all over now is a really fun song to do at karaoke!

We hope ... You love ... They too ...

Make no mistake, Mick Taylor years were great for albums and live performances. But in terms of songs, the Brian Jones years were superior. The sure variety, depth and creativity of the songs is incredible. I love the Mick Taylor and Ron Wood years, but those years have a largely one dimensional sound. With Jones, they took chances and the breadth of the sound is inventive

The Satisfaction Maestro Fuzztone pedal was used on 19th Nervous Breakdown I believe

Keith used a setup on the '89 tour that I've used ever since. Marshalls for dirty and either Fender or the Mesas for clean. It was the first time I'd heard of using two amps live. The only time I've heard of Keith using a Marshall stack too. I do miss the Boogie sound. I think he was using Mesa stacks on the '81 tour? Not much info but I prefer him using either the Ampegs or Mesas or a combo of both like '75 and '78 for sure.

Hello fellow Stone fans ❤️ anyone else here old enough to remember when these songs were first released? 😂😄

11:40 The reason Forty Licks happens when it does isn't entirely because Allan Klein made it happen (Stones were too lazy) Most of the legal issues since the 1970 split between the two had either been resolved or taken as far as they could go and both sides realized to continue to be stubborn in the market place when they both had a mutually beneficial opportunity was silly. So they came together and put this complete package together to capitalize on the CD era (which was still going strong) going Platinum or Gold (in some cases multiple times) in over 20 markets and the emerging iTunes market that had started a couple years before. Nothing more then that.

Sympathetic can mean dont step on whats good, and to enhance it with a counterpoint to compliment it. Thsts bill wymsn. Im an oboist. Guitar too.

And the best MT song on his solo record was Leather Jacket which was written with Keef.

6:17 - Find a copy of I Wanna Be Your Man London Records 45 LON 9641, it sounds extremely strong, punchy and I'd say sharp

30:30 Re- Mick Taylor (or Brian for that matter) is unfair. Scott is looking at Mick and Keith and comparing them with being "prolific" and Mick Taylor not being prolific and then saying he wasn't a song writer. (didn't write with the Stones or afterwards, not many hits in there, etc) Don't mistake people defending/championing Mick Taylor or Brian for that matter as taking away from Mick and Keith. There is plenty of folks in and around the band who have said that both Brian and Mick Taylor contributed to song writing, arrangements, riffs, melody construction, etc which was worthy of song writing credit. But Mick and Keith (and andrew) were very assertive in sustaining the Jagger Richards ownership. By his own words, Scott states that Brian wasn't on his game and if this is the case, surely it is easy to assert such control regardless of what you contribute to various songs. We also know that Keith Richards didn't play on a number of songs and that it was Mick Taylor who worked with Jagger, with Jagger even promising co credit. But then when it came out, none was given. Tough to assert yourself as the new guy who is 6 years younger then mick and keith. Word is this was a contributing factor to Taylor ultimately leaving. My point, neith Taylor or Jones may have been as prolific, but you cannot and should not say with a straight face that neither had any talent for song writing because that is just elevating Jagger and Richards unnecessarily at the total expense of Taylor and Jones. Especially when you see they have done the same thing with Woodie.

19:20. My take on John dismissing the Stones like he did is as follows. 1- Let’s face it, John was right in the same comment when he said the Stones never had the power of the Beatles. That’s just a fact. I’m a die hard Stones fan, but the Beatles impact is far superior. 2- I think by this time (71) John is frustrated by the Beatles break up and seeing other bands like the Stones fill the void. Make no mistake, the Stones were on a roll with their singles, albums and live shows and they were getting lots of attention and being viewed as the bad boys of rock n roll and that had to have hurt John. So he lashed out like he did. John was likely feeling no pain after a few drinks either. It’s nothing more then that. Same kinda thing Keith does all the time.

Well... With all due respect...this seems implausible to me. I cannot believe what I have heard, nor can I disagree more with what you have said about the first period... Nor with your 'picturesque' way of perceiving and appreciating music. It's like you've never heard anything before the 70s. Oh my God... The first album is perhaps the most important, not only for the Stones, but for the history of Pop. And if it seems to you that the Stones of the 60s are 'another band'... the only thing I can think of is... to say that you guys might have to start all over again from scratch. PS: Don't Get Angry With Me.

My first compilation box set purchase. No regrets. Even though the set kinda has to cheat towards the end due to ownership issues.

I always liked the Beatles but Love the stones, seems to me like Lennon was a bit of an ahole most of the time and a bit bitter …but there was also a friendship between him and Mick ..

You are right. Andrew Oldham had no experience in a recording studio and as a producer. Oldham was a unique producer in a way where he was not a musician, whereas most producers are musicians. Most of what Oldham did was by ear.

27:24 this guy doesn’t answer the question “do you think Brian gets the credit he deserves for his work with the Stones?” Instead he does what everyone does, he shifts to speculating on a future that didn’t happen and his personal weaknesses. I’m a Brian fan and no doubt a lot of us can get silly at times, but I try to focus on his contributions to the music that was made. Too often, chaps like these over look this important element by shifting to things like he never wrote music, totally ignoring the music he played and helped elevate and no doubt arrange. This guy is no different then the folks he attacks.

I do t agree with Scott’s point about Keith writing the chord progression for the Last Time. Everything I have read is that besides Brian playing it, Brian wrote it as well. And there is no denying of its influence later on satisfaction, which is recorded a few months earlier

I agree. Dylan should not have won Nobel Prize in Literature. Lyrics are part of the music and mostly don't workin isolation. No one considers opera lyrics literary separated from the music.

I wish Scorsese would do a mini series bio-pic on Netflix or something. Surprised no one has put together a respectable movie. I always felt Brian was a tad overrated. Jack Nitzsche was underrated.

Thr first 7 mins of this analysis is so bad I had to unsub........ridiculous