For too long the Stones covers CD has been the province of freebie magazine cover-mounts and shoddy garage cheapies. No more. Because Rhythm And Blues Records are Doing It Right.
Following on from their well-received compilations covering the roots of rock’n’roll the R And B team shine a spotlight on the songs that shaped the Rolling Stones. Volume One covers 1962-1964, documenting how Little Blue Boy and the Blue Boys became first the Rollin’ Stones and then the Rolling Stones we know and love today. The journey takes us from reel-to-reel recordings in suburban front rooms via primitive London studios with egg-box soundproofing to the legendary Chess studios in Chicago. This compilation highlights the cover versions responsible for shaping the Stones sound, then and now.
Over twenty-five songs this CD features seminal artists such as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, Slim Harpo and Big Bill Broonzy as well as the lesser known Tampa Red, Will Bradley and Jazz Gillum. All tracks have been carefully remastered to optimise the sound. An extensively illustrated 28 page booklet features detailed sleevenotes from compilers Nick Duckett and Simon Wright, including a track-by-track commentary and an essay explaining the significance of each song to the Rolling Stones.
This is taken from the Introduction:
‘The Stones started off as skinny white boys playing music written mostly by old black men. Forty-seven years later, covers are still essential to the Stones, both live and on record – even on the last few tours covers have been played respectfully, partly as public recognition of the bands roots but also because the Stones still enjoy playing the songs they grew up with. The Stones play classic R’n’B with an authority and rhythmic drive no other band has ever consistently matched – in Keith Richard’s words they have both the rock and the roll. In recent years the Stones have even featured guests such as John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy on high profile live dates. Here is a band that pays its dues.’
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