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The Rolling Stones
Singles 1965-1967
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During the period of 1965-1967, The Rolling Stones produced many memorable songs like "Ruby Tuesday", "She's a Rainbow", "Let's Spend the Night Together", "19th Nervous Breakdown", and other great tunes. The band that many refer to as the greatest Rock and Roll Band was just getting their stride in place as shown by yet another upcoming Singles Box and a Stones 'best of'' coming from Virgin. The Rolling Stones had the perfect mix.
This set covers the range of the albums from December's Children through Their Satanic Majesties Request, 7 albums in all. That's quite prolific for a band. It was a pleasant thing to hear "Stupid Girl", a tune that I haven't heard in many years. The last time I heard this was as covered by Ellen Foley, Meatloaf's female sidekick. Hers was quite spirited in contrast to Jagger's delivery of the song. Disc 10's "She's a Rainbow" b/w "2000 Light Years From Home" begins to show the evolution of the Stones sound, which will be showcased in their next, and final, Singles set.
This second set in a series of three Box issues from Abkco Records contain 11 discs in the same form as the previous box, Singles 1963-1965. Each CD is housed in the exact sleeve artwork as they were originally issued. There is a 28 page booklet that is full of photos, cover art, memorabilia, and is also complete with a description of all the singles found on this set.
It is important to note that this is not a set designed for the casual fan. It would be difficult to appreciate given its outlay, 11 separate discs that contain 2, 3 or 4 songs only. Rather, this set, the one preceding it, and the upcoming Singles 1968-1971 (which represents an evolving Stones sound), was expressly created for the collector. Each disc is replicated to simulate the look and feel of a 45 rpm single (see below) with the CD actually coloured black and the face of the disc layered to produce actual grooves. Each disc is inserted into a high quality, heavy stock cardboard sleeve with original art. Rolling Stone Magazine made the mistake in reviewing the last set by calling it another 'best of' in an already crowded batch of Greatest Hits. They effectively lost sight of the collector who may have wanted such a set and who understood exactly what they were getting.
The set is rounded out by a 2-sided poster; one side of the band and the other side of a youthful Jagger. Completing the set are a collection of 3 cards, each representing a year in this set. It's all housed in a quality, glossy, and sturdy 5" by 5" box.
To my ears, the sound, as remastered by Bob Ludwig of Gateway Mastering, is quite good. I don't profess to be a great discerner of the right sound, but I know what sounds good to me. If it's superb sound that you want, go for the SACD issues. Nevertheless, the sound quality here adds to the collectibility of this set.
Remember, this set, and the others, were never meant to replace or supersede any of The Stones Greatest Hits issues, of which there are many. Instead, this is an unusual collectible that will sit beautifully on your Stones shelf, ready for show and tell.
Next up: Singles 1968-1971.
