The Rolling Stones - Singles: 1963-1965 - Abkco Records

05/03/04
Reviewed by - Matt Rowe


The Rolling Stones Singles 1963-1965

Released: May 4, 2004 Origination Year: 2004 Time: N/A Tracks: 33 Produced by: Andrew Loog Oldham Style: Studio/Live Format: CD Enhancement: Box Set Website:
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Rolling Stone Magazine squawked on this issue / reissue set from Abkco Records and The Rolling Stones giving it a 2-star award and complaining that we already have a wealth of Singles Collection for The Stones. The set in question is the first in a series of three collections that celebrate the singles issued by The Stones over the timeframe of 1963-1965. The set, Singles: 1963-1965 is a boxed set of 12 separate discs that are designed to replicate the exactness of the singles and EPs as released by The Stones. And, of course, we’ve seen these songs over and over again, in one package or another. If songs were just the case, then yes, Rolling Stone magazine would have been correct in their assessment of the set. However, this is a collection designed with the consummate fan in mind.

This limited run of singles is manufactured on CD as the original 45s would have appeared. With the original look and feel of the jacket sleeves and simulated grooves imposed on the face of the CDs, real fans and collectors can add this set to their already burgeoning collected works. Pricey? Yes. But this is a set that dyed in the wool fans will treasure. Here’s why:

Every single is replicated exactly as it was released back ‘in the day’ right down to the wording on the sleeve. In some instances, the sleeve was just a standard groove cover with the hole in the center and if that was the case, then that’s the way it shows up here, front and back. But in many instances, a picture sleeve covered the disc. The contained CD takes on an overall black appearance thus simulating vinyl including faux grooves imposed onto the surface.

There are 12 discs in all along with three photo cards inserted into the set to help lend more value to this collection as well as a detailed booklet of the singles, and other minutiae.

This set was never intended to be a replacement for a cheaper, more accessible singles package. And for the average Stones music lover, a cheaper set would be sufficient. This set was designed and promoted to be a collector’s issue that is unique and special and that is how this should be approached.

Avid Stones lover and collector? This, and the other two upcoming singles boxes are for you. It’s a nicely produced set that you can be happy to own and to show off. Me? I wish they would follow this up with all their singles that issued through the entirety of their career.

These tunes were remastered by Bob Ludwig so you know the sound is superb. Keith Richards raved over these remasters saying he heard stuff in them that couldn't be heard on the original. They aren't SACD issues but we didn't need that as we already have that. This set is pure collector nirvana. Buy it as such and treat it as such.

Next up: Singles: 1965-1967 and Singles: 1968-1971.

Track Listing:

Disc One:
Come On / I Want to be Loved

Disc Two:
I Wanna Be Your Man / Stoned

Disc Three (The Rolling Stones EP):
Bye Bye Johnny / Money / You Better Move On / Poison Ivy

Disc Four:
Not Fade Away / Little by Little

Disc Five:
It's All Over Now / Good Times, Bad Times

Disc Six (Five by Five EP):
If You Need Me / Empty Heart / 2120 South Michigan Avenue / Confessin' the Blues / Around and Around

Disc Seven:
Tell Me / I just Want to Make Love to You

Disc Eight:
Time Is On My Side / Congratulations

Disc Nine:
Little Red Rooster / Off the Hook

Disc Ten:
Heart of Stone / What a Shame

Disc Eleven:
The Last Time / Play With Fire

Disc Twelve (Got Live If You Want It EP):
We Want The Stones / Everybody Needs Somebody To Love / Pain in my Heart / Route 66 / I'm Moving On / I'm Alright.

The Rolling Stones:

Mick Jagger - Vocals
Keith Richards - Guitars
Brian Jones: Guitars
Bill Wyman - Bass
Charlie Watts - Drums