I’ve been listening to all the Beach Boys albums recently and came to the realization (with a little help from your method) that they also surprisingly have 7 distinct eras: The Surfin Wave (1961-1964) Brian’s In Charge (1964-1967) Back to Basics (1967-1969) The Band Sails On (1970-1973) Return of the Oldies & the Genius (1974-1977) Bad Timin’ (1978-1985) America’s Band (1989-present)
I'll go along with that. Though I'd consider squeezing Goats Head into the big four. And there's a few UK/US variations in the first era, but I'll leave that to the pendants.
So glad I came across your channel. I am a huge Stones fan and agree with a lot of what you said. I am a bit of a contrarian though. While I love Exile, I favor Sticky Fingers, Beggar's Banquet and Some Girls. Don't worry... Exile is next! Loved that you picked Black N Blue. I think it is underrated. I would have probably gone with Goat's Head Soup as my pick, but I am not going to argue. I also like that you film in various locations. It's a nice touch. Looking forward to more.
I've also just come across the channel recently, glad as well. Really like how 'metrics-oriented' he is in his analysis. I admit I like Dirty Work and Voodoo Lounge, and happy he chose Black and Blue, my top 5 of all time. Cheers
Yeah, whereas their first albums were those of a great young and up-and-coming band covering blues, Blue and Lonesome is the work of masters going back to cover those tunes expertly.
i absolutly love your video and i love how open minded you are about the stones you truly listen to their stuff and i honestly agree with your takes and pics. The part about stones inc. is SPOT on. I would even lump steel wheels into that category because the whole point of that record was just to tour again and i'll take dirty work or any record before 1989 anyday of the week before i listen to their later leg of their discography (excluding blue and lonesome). steel wheels, voodoo lounge, bridges to babylon, all have this overwhelming sense of...but why did you guys make this? who is this supposed to be for? kids aren't listening to a bigger bang, and old figs have been yelling at you to make another record like exile on main street. hilarious i always love your stones videos they are spot on. "slipping away" is a great choice as their last great song, I'd say mine is "had it with you" off of dirty work. its the last track the whole band made together on that mess of a record and its still got that viscous fighting spirit i love them for. after dirty work they just become sappy and sad really...until blue and lonesome
In a way Blue & Lonesome is sort of their first "concept" album, maybe ever, maybe since Beggar's Banquet. I enjoy it. I tend to prefer the Mississippi blues more than the Chicago blues, so don't immediately fall for it. But I'm glad they did it. They needed to, I think. Thanks for the comments!
Good video, but you brushed over Between the Buttons, their most underrated album. It's extremely cohesive and sounds completely unique in their discography (see Something Happened to me Yesterday). Though I would say it is their most "Beatles" sounding album.
Between the Buttons is definitely my favourite of their original 60s albums. I actually prefer the British version of the album without the singles "Let's Spend the Night Together/Ruby Tuesday" tacked on which while I do appreciate them as the hits they are, I always find annoying when in the US with both The Beatles and Stones and other English bands presumably they changed the track listing for the sake of including the singles instead of releasing them separately like in the UK and makes everyone rave about them to the point of neglecting the rest of the album. That said, I'm not the biggest fan of the singles as others are. I simply find most of the other deep cuts on the album the most interesting deep cuts and less talked about songs on any Rolling Stones album. My Obsession drives hard. Back Street Girl is beautiful. She Smiled Sweetly is arguably the most Baroque pop song the Stones ever did besides Lady Jane from Aftermath. Cool, Calm and Collected I find the most interesting song on the album from a musical standpoint which for most people is hit or miss. All Sold Out has great guitar and bass work alongside piano, organ and recorder. It's incredible the instrumentation this album has. Please Go Home sounds like it could easily fit or anticipate to be on "Their Satanic Majesties Request". Who's Been Sleeping Here? is a truly lovely tune. Complicated is another underrated bop. Miss Amanda Jones is actually a solid Stones rocker which pops up unexpectedly on this album. And lastly, Something Happened to me Yesterday is the final showstopper featuring brass instruments from Brian Jones and even a string section separately which really closes off on a high note and I think is even better and more complete and even consistent than Aftermath which I know has its fans but I always think of that album as half-Blues half-innovative Stones trying to be Beatles material, it was kind of a gateway album but Between the Buttons is a more experimental gem to listen to straight through.
Fair enough. I do like the album. (I like them all.) But can never quite feel any are fully essential to the Stones discography. Maybe I need to finally shell out the $40 to get VL on vinyl though!
Great video! Really well-thought-out with the eras. I do think you were a wee bit too harsh on their latter day stuff. “Doom and Gloom” kicks ass. “Out of Control” is amazing, especially live. Their 2016 performance of it from Cuba is fucking great. A Bigger Bang is full of vibrancy with garage rock-styled songs. The only problem with their latter day stuff is that because it was recorded in the cd era they got stuffed with too much material, and thus the album experience suffered. Blue and Lonesome didn’t suffer from this because they kept it at 43 minutes. Also, I have to add that the bonus tracks from the Some Girls reissue could’ve easily been another album from that era, just with more of a country tinge. And I think it’s great.
Spot on! This is exactly how I feel about the Stones albums and periods!! I also think the last great tour was 1981-82 because after that tour (1989 - present) they use backup-singers and the setlist became more nostalgic.
It's amazing man! You wouldn't believe me but I started to do my Stones chanel too in UA-cam (so far didn't make many videos) and one of my topics for video which I plan to make is "The Stones Eras". There I take 5 different Stones-bands depending on: 1) decades x6! 2) solo-guitarists x 3 3) financial independence x2 (before 1970 and after) 4) fashion (when band was in trend up to midst 70-s and not) 5) and bands self-management and re-establishing (1962-1965 and 1965-1968/69 and 1970-1975 and 1976-1989 and 1989 up to date (Stones inc)). The last type is the most important in my view.
Agree... Yes sir... In addition .. Brain Jones Era, M Taylor era, R Wood era, D Jones ara and now the Steve Jordan era... When Wyman left stones image and sound started tapering off and completely died when Watts passed.. Just my ears
I'm a fan, but not quite Big 4 level fan. I think some of it meanders along. Never was convinced by its opening track. I think the new mix from 2020 was a real improvement. Thanks for watching!
@@RobertsRecordCorner give it another go. Opens weak with dancing with mr d, but stellar from there on. BTW, I dig your videos. Keep em coming. Maybe do some stuff on the Faces, Little Feat
Great analysis. However, I would disagree with your classification of Goats Head Soup. Whilst not one of the big 4 albums, it was essentially a lesser remake of Exile. In the same way as Emotional Rescue was a lesser remake of Some Girls. Instead of the "big four" period, perhaps it would be better stated as being the "definitive stones sound" period or something and include Goats Head Soup? (Or in other words, I would try to categorise it by music style and not by how good the album ended up being). I also found what you say about how the Beatles might have been influenced by some of the earlier guitar driven riffs quite interesting. I had never thought of it that way before, but then I never really got that immersed in early Beatles stuff so probably don't have the background knowledge to come to my own conclusions there.
A lot of people like to slide GHS into that group. I really can't imagine ever pairing it with those. I like GHS. Always did. I like it's weird moments too ("100 Years Ago" and "Can't You Hear the Music?"). I just don't think the band gels the same. I think they agree actually. I really do like the 2020 mix. I heard all sorts of things I never heard before. Well worth it. Previously I put Black & Blue over GHS and it's close for me. Maybe I'll change my mind on that. (I like Black/Blue more than most people do.) Thanks for the comments!
Great video. I agree with most of what you said except those last four albums. Give them another deep listen and you will see that they are essential and some of the music on those records are some of their greatest songs of their career. They might be weaker records but keep in mind they are double the length. For such a big stones fan I can’t understand how you would gloss over those albums. Every stones record is essential and I know one day you will figure that out. Much love and respect and keep pumping out this type of content.
I 100% agree that satanic majesties request is more psychedelic than sgt peppers, just listening to sing this all together makes this clear lol. One this i dont really agree with is that it's trying to copy sgt peppers, as most of the album was recorded before sgt peppers was released. But thats honestly my only gripe. This was a surprisingly great video
You're right: "Copy" might be the wrong word, but I do think they were greatly motivated to make a statement -- down to the 3D cover with Beatle cameos. But they are definitely very different albums! Thanks for watching
@@RobertsRecordCornerI agree with your seven eras. However, I think it's kind of harsh calling the second one as Beatles bum, I would just called: Swinging London era, because they were just reflecting what was culturally happening in their country (just like they will do it with the whole western society in the next era). By the way, The Beatles cameo on the cover of Their Satanic Majesties Request is just a response to: "Welcome The Rolling Stones Good Boys" in the cover of Sgt. Pepper Lonely Heart Club Band album. Besides The Beatles used for that cover the work of Michael Cooper (a photographer that has been working for The Stones since 1963), who also worked again for the cover of TSMR. Also in Between The Buttons The Stones did it Music Hall before SPLHCB.
Thanks for watching. I plan a version of this for Kinks next. But still wading thru the theatrical '70s to finalize my opinions. Not exactly an easy chore. I am a huge Lou Reed fan in particular -- and would like to make a case for his solo career in particular.
Very interesting way of breaking it down. I think you are mostly on point. I would probably make the Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed it's own era and the Mick Taylor period it's own era. I think you underestimated Goat's head soup which I have reassessed as a really great Stones album after thinking of it as second tier. I don't know Black and blue as well, so I am inspired to revisit it after your shining review of it. I was wondering if your Beatle bum phrase was inspired by the fantastic Blur song Beetlebum. I'm partial to the Between the Buttons album from that period and also thing satanic majesties is an underrated album. Aftermath loses a full star in the rating because of that long tedious Going Home. This video is four years old as I am commenting, so Hackney Diamonds not covered. Really good album in my opinion. Would be an excellent bookend to their recording career if they stopped. They have made statements that more is on the way. We shall see. I've only recently discovered your channel and have been watching old vids. You might see more comments popping up in old vids. Cheers.
A fun way to look at a long, storied discography. It makes more sense than simply grouping the Stones' output based on who's in the 2nd guitar spot. The 'Jones Era' does, in fact, cover two distinct stages, between their r'n'b derived material and their pop-rock output, when Jagger-Richards were hitting their stride as songwriters. "The Big 4"? Sure, though many below have made a case of including GHS. It's got a great guitar sound but the material sounds very unfocussed and inconsistent. I feel there's a definite creative break after EXILE so it's more about the downward slide or, as you term it, a "lull". I tend to look at the "Last Stand" and the two albums that followed as part of the same era. Both UNDERCOVER and DIRTY WORK retain a similar sound to TATTOO YOU but lack writing consistency and group cohesion (much like the couple of albums after EXILE). Just running out of gas again. At the end of this 5-album run, I got off the Stones bus. From STEEL WHEELS on, the Stones are over-produced, over-arranged and their albums are way too long. You make an interesting point about the paucity of output, replaced by endless repackaging, live stuff and weird covers ("Like a Rolling Stone"?!!!). I think that all starts when Mick and Keith patch up their creative differences so they can tour (which they obviously love) and make money (which they obviously love more). For me, that all starts with SW. I did buy and enjoy BLUE & LONESOME and the EL MOCAMBO. In both cases, the Stones sound like a band rather than a commercial. That's just me. Interesting stuff, Robert, and well presented.
Thank you for this. I really like Goats Head Soup, though I can't quite put it on the level with the previous four. I think Jimmy Miller was out of it, and it seemed to show. I think Mick Jagger said it is the only album ever made in Jamaica with absolutely zero reggae in it. Maybe things were a little distracting for them there. (I actually think that album is hurt by its opener -- Dancing with Mr D, it sort of drifts for me, and is a downer thematically. What if they just started the album with "Star Star" then had some of those funner 1973 songs that they finally finished up a couple years ago in place of some lesser songs... Who knows?)
Good breakdown except I would move Satanic Majesties Request into the next era, giving an unbroken run of excellent albums from it through to Exile On Main Street! Some of their collections should be put on this type of timeline too.
Did I not? I have never been an enormously enormously huge fan tbh. I know he named the band, sort of started it, but he never wrote a song. I know Mick/Keith took over, but I think they sort of had that sort of skill he didn't. Obviously you don't have sitar and flute and marimbas or whatever without Brian. He taught Mick the harmonica etc. Thanks for watching!
Bridges is a very, very good album with 2 great Keith ballads. But I agree that they should have released more new material since '89. Agree on Exile & Some Girls. Another album that continues to grow on me, and maybe it should for you...is Black & Blue. Keep listening to it, dont give up. Glad to see your affinity to Sinatra...my dad gave me that too. Love his Francis & Jobim album...nothing is cooler. The Basie & Q period is unbelievable. Still can't get into Reed or Young...but who knows. Also, get everything that Charlie did outside the Stones. His dedication to Jazz in particular is worthwhile and terrific. It in fact saved his life, and it pulled him out of addiction. Cheers. PS what Orchestral or Classical music do you listen to?
Yep. I'd agree with most of this. Interesting that those early albums had different track listings than here in the UK. I remember throwing a bigger bang straight into the bin after a quick listen and would have probably done the same with blue n lonesome had I bothered with it. How about a review of the solo albums? Mick had at least one good one and Bill's may have aged well? We all know Keith's the winner though. Another great video by the way!
Thanks for watching. The US had a few extra LPs in those early days; I did this based on US editions, it's true. Good idea about solo albums. I'm sort of scared of revisiting Mick's "Primitive Cool" -- though I have it on vinyl. I do like good chunks of all three Keith albums.
@@RobertsRecordCorner My God..Primative Cool! Hard to decide which was worse...the songs themselves or the album cover. Truly awful. That goes for all of his solo stuff, except maybe Wandering Spirit, which I have a soft spot for. Still love Keith's first 2 solo albums though.
You could say so -- for sure! I lump the mid 70s albums together because they were sort of drifting into their 30s (with the help of drugs) and making a trio of somewhat less inspired albums. I dunno! Thanks for watching!
@@RobertsRecordCorner no i’m agreeing with you! I think putting one album as its own period is kinda dumb whether it be Let it Bleed or Black and Blue. I was just attacking his logic. Great video by the way!
Goats Head Soup is a Classic. So is Black & Blue It’s only Rock n Roll is always underrated. Emotional Rescue is Some Girls off cuts, it’s ok I like Undercover, but after that point they became a Corporation and i have taken little interest But they ruled for 20 years..
Não entendo porque as pessoas desprezam o período GHS/IORR/B&B (73/76). Para mim são álbuns fantásticos. IORR é um de meus álbuns preferidos dos Stones.
Good presentacion.. I think exactly the same, amazing..!!! They became a great company, but still the greatest rock n roll band.. The cherry on the cake was Exile, could be a triple album.. Top criativaty at high level.. Don't understand (or yes..) the recent promotion and merchandise with Goat's Head Soup, but ok, they found Scarlett, play with Jimmy Page, and they are a killer machine seller Company.. Sould out and became first in UK charts.. The beginning of the big stages in stadiums (nothing to do with the 82 tour) specially in 90's and great in the 2000's ( 2003, 6, 7, etc.) with Mark Fisher design had contributed for the big scale shows
Undercover is one of my favorites, my second most played Stones album since it came out. Voodoo is a Great album and Babylon is real good. Big and Dirty have better songs overall than Wheels so I got to go with that as their bottom feeder.
@@graemeking7336 True! I did partly review Hackney Diamonds on my "Worst Stones Album" video. Spoiler: Hackney is not my choice for worst by any means!
I don't understand the Beatle Bummer label. Why not call that era The mid-sixties era or the LSD or acid era? Don't you think that The Rolling Stones deserve to be distinguished apart from the Beatles? The Stones always sound like themselves. Aftermath, Between the Buttons, and Their Satanic are important Rolling Stones albums. Why would an entire three-album era be named after another band that they don't sound like?
Their absolute peak ? The end 60ties live performances ! ROCK'N'ROLL CIRCUS still with Jones HYDE PARK and THE YA'S YA'S ALBUM already with Taylor They never again were that good. Not even during the legendary '72 American tour or LIVE IN BRUSSELS in '73.
I absolutely HATED the "Emotional Rescue" LP - their only LP not in my Stones collection! Why be a completist when I would NEVER play it? They had NO business trying to be disco-ey - total crapola! Many of their later LPs I tolerated but really loved "Blue & Lonesome"!
@@billstill1794 I hear this a lot about ER. I have a different entry point for it. She's So Cold was the first Stones song I heard -- loved it -- and I always have a weird appreciation for a bit of a misfire album when the band, to me, were still really great. I dunno! Thanks for commenting
I'd almost go with this ... 'almost'. A more 'accurate/totally unbias ' account would be: 1) 'Spotty teenage "blues geek/r and b appreciation society"/ wish we were old black blues men' ... era. 2) '60's pop band/swinging london/not as good as the Beatles/Brian stops playing gat and starts noodling on every other effn instrument except the one I wish he would play' ... era (They call it 'Brian the colourist'; heaps of peoples like this era best; too poppy cheesy 60's for me (except Paint it Black of course ). 3) The 'fuking awesome, oh my god they are the best fuking band in history/Saint Mick Taylor rules supreme over all lead guitarists on earth/ don't we just look super cool, bad, and dandy' ... era (no bias, its just fact) i.e Beggars to Exile, 4) 'Cock rock/ smooth it out slightly FM/what the hell is Mick wearing' ... era (Goats head to black and blue. still some good shit here though), 5) 'The Good Ronnie Wood/ feeling threatened by punk/ I can't really tell the diff between Ronnie and Keith" ... era (Some girls to Tattoo you, although I'd probably include 'Undercover' as well; and half of 'Tattoo you' as a weird mix of the last 3 eras). 6) The 'who gives a shit, it's not even worth a moment of your precious time and energy even looking at in effort to break into any more eras/dinosaur/ lets make money/ haaaaaaauuuuuge stadium' ... era. Soo yep. Close but ... yeah
I couldn't disagree more with this 70s slump narrative I hear. Each of those 70s albums are great and better than most of what followed in the 80s (although some girls and tattoo you are good too, just not on the same level).
I’ve been listening to all the Beach Boys albums recently and came to the realization (with a little help from your method) that they also surprisingly have 7 distinct eras:
The Surfin Wave (1961-1964)
Brian’s In Charge (1964-1967)
Back to Basics (1967-1969)
The Band Sails On (1970-1973)
Return of the Oldies & the Genius (1974-1977)
Bad Timin’ (1978-1985)
America’s Band (1989-present)
@@halwiseman9420 I love this. I went through some BB obsessions but never put it in these terms. I like almost all of it. Thanks for the comment!
I'll go along with that. Though I'd consider squeezing Goats Head into the big four. And there's a few UK/US variations in the first era, but I'll leave that to the pendants.
Increíble análisis de cada periodo de la banda. Y no está de más decir que el mejor periodo es el que arranca con JJF. Greetings from Lima Perú.
Very interesting. They are still a great live show.
Always liked steel wheels, best post 1981 album in my eyes, Mixed emotions, sad sad sad, slipping away all great songs.
@@-er-un1wt Thanks for watching. Really like Slipping Away in particular from SW!
Goat’s Head Soup is amazing!🍜🐐
So glad I came across your channel. I am a huge Stones fan and agree with a lot of what you said. I am a bit of a contrarian though. While I love Exile, I favor Sticky Fingers, Beggar's Banquet and Some Girls. Don't worry... Exile is next! Loved that you picked Black N Blue. I think it is underrated. I would have probably gone with Goat's Head Soup as my pick, but I am not going to argue.
I also like that you film in various locations. It's a nice touch. Looking forward to more.
I've also just come across the channel recently, glad as well. Really like how 'metrics-oriented' he is in his analysis. I admit I like Dirty Work and Voodoo Lounge, and happy he chose Black and Blue, my top 5 of all time. Cheers
Honestly I'd say Blue and Lonesome is an essential album
Couldn’t agree more. To me, their best since Undercover, which to me is underrated.
I like it, but can't quite get completely behind it... Maybe I'll find my where there... Thanks for watching!
Yeah, whereas their first albums were those of a great young and up-and-coming band covering blues, Blue and Lonesome is the work of masters going back to cover those tunes expertly.
Thanks man! Well done! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for!
Thanks for watching!
i absolutly love your video and i love how open minded you are about the stones you truly listen to their stuff and i honestly agree with your takes and pics. The part about stones inc. is SPOT on. I would even lump steel wheels into that category because the whole point of that record was just to tour again and i'll take dirty work or any record before 1989 anyday of the week before i listen to their later leg of their discography (excluding blue and lonesome). steel wheels, voodoo lounge, bridges to babylon, all have this overwhelming sense of...but why did you guys make this? who is this supposed to be for? kids aren't listening to a bigger bang, and old figs have been yelling at you to make another record like exile on main street. hilarious i always love your stones videos they are spot on. "slipping away" is a great choice as their last great song, I'd say mine is "had it with you" off of dirty work. its the last track the whole band made together on that mess of a record and its still got that viscous fighting spirit i love them for. after dirty work they just become sappy and sad really...until blue and lonesome
In a way Blue & Lonesome is sort of their first "concept" album, maybe ever, maybe since Beggar's Banquet. I enjoy it. I tend to prefer the Mississippi blues more than the Chicago blues, so don't immediately fall for it. But I'm glad they did it. They needed to, I think. Thanks for the comments!
I agree 100% about Steel Wheels. They'd already signed with Cohl before they cranked it out.
Almost Hear You Sigh is another great one from Steel Wheels
agree!
@@RobertsRecordCornerthank you for acknowledging this 🙏 everybody looks at me like I’m crazy when I’m like “you gotta hear this stones song from 89”
I like a fair share of latter day Stones ballads. I think that one, as the best ones are, was driven by Keith. But I'm not certain!
Good video, but you brushed over Between the Buttons, their most underrated album. It's extremely cohesive and sounds completely unique in their discography (see Something Happened to me Yesterday). Though I would say it is their most "Beatles" sounding album.
Yeah but we the real Stones fans dont overestimate them because they "sound" like the Beatles.
Between the Buttons is definitely my favourite of their original 60s albums. I actually prefer the British version of the album without the singles "Let's Spend the Night Together/Ruby Tuesday" tacked on which while I do appreciate them as the hits they are, I always find annoying when in the US with both The Beatles and Stones and other English bands presumably they changed the track listing for the sake of including the singles instead of releasing them separately like in the UK and makes everyone rave about them to the point of neglecting the rest of the album. That said, I'm not the biggest fan of the singles as others are. I simply find most of the other deep cuts on the album the most interesting deep cuts and less talked about songs on any Rolling Stones album. My Obsession drives hard. Back Street Girl is beautiful. She Smiled Sweetly is arguably the most Baroque pop song the Stones ever did besides Lady Jane from Aftermath. Cool, Calm and Collected I find the most interesting song on the album from a musical standpoint which for most people is hit or miss. All Sold Out has great guitar and bass work alongside piano, organ and recorder. It's incredible the instrumentation this album has. Please Go Home sounds like it could easily fit or anticipate to be on "Their Satanic Majesties Request". Who's Been Sleeping Here? is a truly lovely tune. Complicated is another underrated bop. Miss Amanda Jones is actually a solid Stones rocker which pops up unexpectedly on this album. And lastly, Something Happened to me Yesterday is the final showstopper featuring brass instruments from Brian Jones and even a string section separately which really closes off on a high note and I think is even better and more complete and even consistent than Aftermath which I know has its fans but I always think of that album as half-Blues half-innovative Stones trying to be Beatles material, it was kind of a gateway album but Between the Buttons is a more experimental gem to listen to straight through.
i desagree on Voodoo Lounge, a great album! Love is strong, The worse, You got me Knocking, all great songs.
Fair enough. I do like the album. (I like them all.) But can never quite feel any are fully essential to the Stones discography. Maybe I need to finally shell out the $40 to get VL on vinyl though!
There is one more track where Mick and Keith share lead vocals - 'Anyway You Look At It", the b-side of the 1997 track Saint of Me.
Whoa! Thank you my fact-checking cuz. I'll admit totally forgot about it. Thank you.
Excellent breakdown!
Great video, really enjoyed. Thanks!
Interesting! Fun to hear your view, a lot of good points.
My favorites are Beggars Banquet, Exile on main St. and Let it Bleed. With Ry Cooder on Love in Vain 😎
Wrong. Ry Cooder plays on Sister Morphine.
Great video! Really well-thought-out with the eras. I do think you were a wee bit too harsh on their latter day stuff.
“Doom and Gloom” kicks ass. “Out of Control” is amazing, especially live. Their 2016 performance of it from Cuba is fucking great. A Bigger Bang is full of vibrancy with garage rock-styled songs. The only problem with their latter day stuff is that because it was recorded in the cd era they got stuffed with too much material, and thus the album experience suffered. Blue and Lonesome didn’t suffer from this because they kept it at 43 minutes.
Also, I have to add that the bonus tracks from the Some Girls reissue could’ve easily been another album from that era, just with more of a country tinge. And I think it’s great.
Nicely done
Spot on! This is exactly how I feel about the Stones albums and periods!!
I also think the last great tour was 1981-82 because after that tour (1989 - present) they use backup-singers and the setlist became more nostalgic.
It's amazing man! You wouldn't believe me but I started to do my Stones chanel too in UA-cam (so far didn't make many videos) and one of my topics for video which I plan to make is "The Stones Eras". There I take 5 different Stones-bands depending on: 1) decades x6! 2) solo-guitarists x 3 3) financial independence x2 (before 1970 and after) 4) fashion (when band was in trend up to midst 70-s and not) 5) and bands self-management and re-establishing (1962-1965 and 1965-1968/69 and 1970-1975 and 1976-1989 and 1989 up to date (Stones inc)). The last type is the most important in my view.
Interesting ideas!
“Aftermath” is perfection!
Agree... Yes sir... In addition .. Brain Jones Era, M Taylor era, R Wood era, D Jones ara and now the Steve Jordan era... When Wyman left stones image and sound started tapering off and completely died when Watts passed.. Just my ears
Also GHS should be in the great 5. Outstanding
I'm a fan, but not quite Big 4 level fan. I think some of it meanders along. Never was convinced by its opening track. I think the new mix from 2020 was a real improvement. Thanks for watching!
@@RobertsRecordCorner give it another go. Opens weak with dancing with mr d, but stellar from there on. BTW, I dig your videos. Keep em coming. Maybe do some stuff on the Faces, Little Feat
Great analysis. However, I would disagree with your classification of Goats Head Soup. Whilst not one of the big 4 albums, it was essentially a lesser remake of Exile. In the same way as Emotional Rescue was a lesser remake of Some Girls. Instead of the "big four" period, perhaps it would be better stated as being the "definitive stones sound" period or something and include Goats Head Soup? (Or in other words, I would try to categorise it by music style and not by how good the album ended up being). I also found what you say about how the Beatles might have been influenced by some of the earlier guitar driven riffs quite interesting. I had never thought of it that way before, but then I never really got that immersed in early Beatles stuff so probably don't have the background knowledge to come to my own conclusions there.
A lot of people like to slide GHS into that group. I really can't imagine ever pairing it with those. I like GHS. Always did. I like it's weird moments too ("100 Years Ago" and "Can't You Hear the Music?"). I just don't think the band gels the same. I think they agree actually. I really do like the 2020 mix. I heard all sorts of things I never heard before. Well worth it. Previously I put Black & Blue over GHS and it's close for me. Maybe I'll change my mind on that. (I like Black/Blue more than most people do.) Thanks for the comments!
A Bigger bang and bridges to babylon is two off The best rock`n`Roll albums off all time an one off The most underrated too!!!!!!!!!!
Well done
Really well edited video, loved the missing glasses arm
Great video. I agree with most of what you said except those last four albums. Give them another deep listen and you will see that they are essential and some of the music on those records are some of their greatest songs of their career. They might be weaker records but keep in mind they are double the length. For such a big stones fan I can’t understand how you would gloss over those albums. Every stones record is essential and I know one day you will figure that out. Much love and respect and keep pumping out this type of content.
Totally agree! Especially A Bigger Bang. Had it been trimmed to 43 minutes, it would be considered one of their all-time best.
You got it dead right Robert.
I 100% agree that satanic majesties request is more psychedelic than sgt peppers, just listening to sing this all together makes this clear lol.
One this i dont really agree with is that it's trying to copy sgt peppers, as most of the album was recorded before sgt peppers was released. But thats honestly my only gripe. This was a surprisingly great video
You're right: "Copy" might be the wrong word, but I do think they were greatly motivated to make a statement -- down to the 3D cover with Beatle cameos. But they are definitely very different albums! Thanks for watching
@@RobertsRecordCornerI agree with your seven eras. However, I think it's kind of harsh calling the second one as Beatles bum, I would just called: Swinging London era, because they were just reflecting what was culturally happening in their country (just like they will do it with the whole western society in the next era). By the way, The Beatles cameo on the cover of Their Satanic Majesties Request is just a response to: "Welcome The Rolling Stones Good Boys" in the cover of Sgt. Pepper Lonely Heart Club Band album. Besides The Beatles used for that cover the work of Michael Cooper (a photographer that has been working for The Stones since 1963), who also worked again for the cover of TSMR. Also in Between The Buttons The Stones did it Music Hall before SPLHCB.
Really interesting.
Can you do more videos like this maybe some Lou Reed, Cash...
Thanks for watching. I plan a version of this for Kinks next. But still wading thru the theatrical '70s to finalize my opinions. Not exactly an easy chore. I am a huge Lou Reed fan in particular -- and would like to make a case for his solo career in particular.
Undercover is an awesome album. Everyone needs to go check it out again. All The Way Down what a great song. Too Much Blood is great as well.
Banquet, Bleed, Fingers, Exile.
Exile is for me the best RnR album ever🎸🤟❤
Very interesting way of breaking it down. I think you are mostly on point. I would probably make the Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed it's own era and the Mick Taylor period it's own era. I think you underestimated Goat's head soup which I have reassessed as a really great Stones album after thinking of it as second tier. I don't know Black and blue as well, so I am inspired to revisit it after your shining review of it. I was wondering if your Beatle bum phrase was inspired by the fantastic Blur song Beetlebum. I'm partial to the Between the Buttons album from that period and also thing satanic majesties is an underrated album. Aftermath loses a full star in the rating because of that long tedious Going Home. This video is four years old as I am commenting, so Hackney Diamonds not covered. Really good album in my opinion. Would be an excellent bookend to their recording career if they stopped. They have made statements that more is on the way. We shall see. I've only recently discovered your channel and have been watching old vids. You might see more comments popping up in old vids. Cheers.
@@catsofsherman1316 Thank you! I wasn't think Blur (at least consciously) but I like the song. I am also fond of Hackney!
I had Jaggers She's The Boss. A novelty of it's time. Good for a laugh, and it did groove.
@@roadrsh7056 Had it on tape since '85. I bought it on vinyl for the first time yesterday! $5!
A fun way to look at a long, storied discography. It makes more sense than simply grouping the Stones' output based on who's in the 2nd guitar spot.
The 'Jones Era' does, in fact, cover two distinct stages, between their r'n'b derived material and their pop-rock output, when Jagger-Richards were hitting their stride as songwriters. "The Big 4"? Sure, though many below have made a case of including GHS. It's got a great guitar sound but the material sounds very unfocussed and inconsistent. I feel there's a definite creative break after EXILE so it's more about the downward slide or, as you term it, a "lull".
I tend to look at the "Last Stand" and the two albums that followed as part of the same era. Both UNDERCOVER and DIRTY WORK retain a similar sound to TATTOO YOU but lack writing consistency and group cohesion (much like the couple of albums after EXILE). Just running out of gas again. At the end of this 5-album run, I got off the Stones bus.
From STEEL WHEELS on, the Stones are over-produced, over-arranged and their albums are way too long. You make an interesting point about the paucity of output, replaced by endless repackaging, live stuff and weird covers ("Like a Rolling Stone"?!!!). I think that all starts when Mick and Keith patch up their creative differences so they can tour (which they obviously love) and make money (which they obviously love more). For me, that all starts with SW.
I did buy and enjoy BLUE & LONESOME and the EL MOCAMBO. In both cases, the Stones sound like a band rather than a commercial. That's just me.
Interesting stuff, Robert, and well presented.
Thank you for this. I really like Goats Head Soup, though I can't quite put it on the level with the previous four. I think Jimmy Miller was out of it, and it seemed to show. I think Mick Jagger said it is the only album ever made in Jamaica with absolutely zero reggae in it. Maybe things were a little distracting for them there. (I actually think that album is hurt by its opener -- Dancing with Mr D, it sort of drifts for me, and is a downer thematically. What if they just started the album with "Star Star" then had some of those funner 1973 songs that they finally finished up a couple years ago in place of some lesser songs... Who knows?)
Good breakdown except I would move Satanic Majesties Request into the next era, giving an unbroken run of excellent albums from it through to Exile On Main Street! Some of their collections should be put on this type of timeline too.
Will you re-edit this? To review Hackney Diamonds which has some great tunes.
@@andrewbrennan7291 Good idea. Hard to believe it's been a year! I was thinking of just doing a short video on Hackney. I like lots of it.
Bobbie, how can you not give even nod to Brian in the first 2 eras?
Did I not? I have never been an enormously enormously huge fan tbh. I know he named the band, sort of started it, but he never wrote a song. I know Mick/Keith took over, but I think they sort of had that sort of skill he didn't. Obviously you don't have sitar and flute and marimbas or whatever without Brian. He taught Mick the harmonica etc. Thanks for watching!
I dig your content Robert! Andi dig you too!!!!!
Thank you so much!
What's up with the John Parr cameo?
Fair question. I honestly have no answer for it. Just wanted to see his hair again?
@@RobertsRecordCorner Or, perhaps, you were feeling naughty naughty?
Bridges is a very, very good album with 2 great Keith ballads.
But I agree that they should have released more new material since '89.
Agree on Exile & Some Girls. Another album that continues to grow on me, and maybe it should for you...is Black & Blue. Keep listening to it, dont give up.
Glad to see your affinity to Sinatra...my dad gave me that too. Love his Francis & Jobim album...nothing is cooler. The Basie & Q period is unbelievable.
Still can't get into Reed or Young...but who knows.
Also, get everything that Charlie did outside the Stones. His dedication to Jazz in particular is worthwhile and terrific. It in fact saved his life, and it pulled him out of addiction.
Cheers.
PS what Orchestral or Classical music do you listen to?
Big fan of those Keith songs in particular. "Thief in the Night" is one of my fav Stones songs since 1981!
What's your opinion on Hackney Diamonds?
@@cae2525 I like it pretty good. I tend to like the buried songs the most. You?
Thanks.
Yep. I'd agree with most of this. Interesting that those early albums had different track listings than here in the UK. I remember throwing a bigger bang straight into the bin after a quick listen and would have probably done the same with blue n lonesome had I bothered with it. How about a review of the solo albums? Mick had at least one good one and Bill's may have aged well? We all know Keith's the winner though. Another great video by the way!
Thanks for watching. The US had a few extra LPs in those early days; I did this based on US editions, it's true. Good idea about solo albums. I'm sort of scared of revisiting Mick's "Primitive Cool" -- though I have it on vinyl. I do like good chunks of all three Keith albums.
@@RobertsRecordCorner My God..Primative Cool! Hard to decide which was worse...the songs themselves or the album cover. Truly awful. That goes for all of his solo stuff, except maybe Wandering Spirit, which I have a soft spot for. Still love Keith's first 2 solo albums though.
@@ottohoulihan2743 I always liked the song "Hang On To Me Tonight" from that album (except the bridge part). I think it's his best solo album also.
Bill wymans self titled album is fantastic tbh
0:46 sooooo Black and Blue should also be its own era too? They were trying out different guitarists throughout the recording sessions.
You could say so -- for sure! I lump the mid 70s albums together because they were sort of drifting into their 30s (with the help of drugs) and making a trio of somewhat less inspired albums. I dunno! Thanks for watching!
@@RobertsRecordCorner no i’m agreeing with you! I think putting one album as its own period is kinda dumb whether it be Let it Bleed or Black and Blue. I was just attacking his logic. Great video by the way!
yes yes yes!
Goats Head Soup is a Classic.
So is Black & Blue
It’s only Rock n Roll is always underrated.
Emotional Rescue is Some Girls off cuts, it’s ok
I like Undercover, but after that point they became a Corporation and i have taken little interest
But they ruled for 20 years..
Não entendo porque as pessoas desprezam o período GHS/IORR/B&B (73/76). Para mim são álbuns fantásticos. IORR é um de meus álbuns preferidos dos Stones.
Are you spanish?
Maybe I need to hear Some Girls again, as I didn't think it was that good???
Good presentacion.. I think exactly the same, amazing..!!! They became a great company, but still the greatest rock n roll band..
The cherry on the cake was Exile, could be a triple album.. Top criativaty at high level.. Don't understand (or yes..) the recent promotion and merchandise with Goat's Head Soup, but ok, they found Scarlett, play with Jimmy Page, and they are a killer machine seller Company.. Sould out and became first in UK charts..
The beginning of the big stages in stadiums (nothing to do with the 82 tour) specially in 90's and great in the 2000's ( 2003, 6, 7, etc.) with Mark Fisher design had contributed for the big scale shows
The cherry on the cake was "Let It Bleed". Looked like a cake & a record at the same time.
I would say that sticky fingers is better than exhile.
Undercover is one of my favorites, my second most played Stones album since it came out. Voodoo is a Great album and Babylon is real good. Big and Dirty have better songs overall than Wheels so I got to go with that as their bottom feeder.
Needs an update
@@graemeking7336 True! I did partly review Hackney Diamonds on my "Worst Stones Album" video. Spoiler: Hackney is not my choice for worst by any means!
The Quadrology.
You forgot The Rolling Stones no.2
We call it 12x5 in the US. I do like those albums a lot!
I don't understand the Beatle Bummer label. Why not call that era The mid-sixties era or the LSD or acid era? Don't you think that The Rolling Stones deserve to be distinguished apart from the Beatles?
The Stones always sound like themselves. Aftermath, Between the Buttons, and Their Satanic are important Rolling Stones albums. Why would an entire three-album era be named after another band that they don't sound like?
Dirty work is Ronnie`s Album!!!!!
Their absolute peak ?
The end 60ties live performances !
ROCK'N'ROLL CIRCUS still with Jones
HYDE PARK and
THE YA'S YA'S ALBUM already with Taylor
They never again were that good.
Not even during the legendary '72
American tour or LIVE IN BRUSSELS in '73.
I absolutely HATED the "Emotional Rescue" LP - their only LP not in my Stones collection! Why be a completist when I would NEVER play it? They had NO business trying to be disco-ey - total crapola! Many of their later LPs I tolerated but really loved "Blue & Lonesome"!
@@billstill1794 I hear this a lot about ER. I have a different entry point for it. She's So Cold was the first Stones song I heard -- loved it -- and I always have a weird appreciation for a bit of a misfire album when the band, to me, were still really great. I dunno! Thanks for commenting
Emotional Rescue is actually pretty good and it’s not as disco as you think. Maybe two songs have that sound.
I'd almost go with this ... 'almost'. A more 'accurate/totally unbias ' account would be:
1) 'Spotty teenage "blues geek/r and b appreciation society"/ wish we were old black blues men' ... era.
2) '60's pop band/swinging london/not as good as the Beatles/Brian stops playing gat and starts noodling on every other effn instrument except the one I wish he would play' ... era (They call it 'Brian the colourist'; heaps of peoples like this era best; too poppy cheesy 60's for me (except Paint it Black of course ).
3) The 'fuking awesome, oh my god they are the best fuking band in history/Saint Mick Taylor rules supreme over all lead guitarists on earth/ don't we just look super cool, bad, and dandy' ... era (no bias, its just fact) i.e Beggars to Exile,
4) 'Cock rock/ smooth it out slightly FM/what the hell is Mick wearing' ... era (Goats head to black and blue. still some good shit here though),
5) 'The Good Ronnie Wood/ feeling threatened by punk/ I can't really tell the diff between Ronnie and Keith" ... era (Some girls to Tattoo you, although I'd probably include 'Undercover' as well; and half of 'Tattoo you' as a weird mix of the last 3 eras).
6) The 'who gives a shit, it's not even worth a moment of your precious time and energy even looking at in effort to break into any more eras/dinosaur/ lets make money/ haaaaaaauuuuuge stadium' ... era.
Soo yep. Close but ... yeah
Your girlfriend was right.😊
@@arturocostantino623 Ha! She'll be happy to know!
I couldn't disagree more with this 70s slump narrative I hear. Each of those 70s albums are great and better than most of what followed in the 80s (although some girls and tattoo you are good too, just not on the same level).