Rolling Stones - England’s Newest Hit Makers (1964/2002) [SACD]

The albums primitive sound and lack of self-penned originals are indeed the major reasons why so many today will undoubtedly give it a wide berth, yet for those nostalgically looking back or those appreciative of what went before and are interested in the bands evolution, then this debut release will please.
The Rolling Stones is the debut album by The Rolling Stones, released by Decca Records in UK on 16 April 1964. The USA edition of the LP—with a slightly different track list—came out on London Records on 30 May 1964, under the title England’s Newest Hit Makers. Recorded at Regent Sound Studios in London over the course of 5 days in January & February 1964, The Rolling Stones was produced by then-managers Andrew Loog Oldham & Eric Easton. The USA version has the track “Not Fade Away” (the a-side of the band’s 3rd UK single) replacing “Mona (I Need You Baby)”. The majority of the tracks reflect the band’s love for authentic R&B material. Mick Jagger & Keith Richards were very much fledging songwriters during early 1964, contributing only one original composition to the album: “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)”.

The album is basically eleven blues and RnB numbers and one early Jagger-Richards attempt (the poppy and altogether unsatisfying `Tell Me (you’re coming back)’. Amongst the highlights is the opening track `Not Fade Away’ (their first UK top ten single) which is a rougher and more aggressive stab at the Buddy Holly original and Chuck Berry’s `Carol’. The latter being a rip-roaring homage thanks to Mr Richards electrifying guitar fills. Keith was very much the master copyist before finding his own feet over the next couple of years. The slow `Honest I Do’ and `Can I Get A Witness’ (covered also by Marvin Gaye) are two favourites of mine also.