The Rolling Stones

I have always these great books to read about the great depression and the American plutocracy but I would rather spend my Sunday night venting my spleen here.

I first got acqainted with the Rolling Stones in 1976, when I was 13 years old. It was at my late dad's 46th birthday party in Johannesburg. Route 66 blew me away - the raw aggressive energy and attitude. Ever since I have been a devout fan, and their music is always a reference point. For example Wild Horses when I was down and out in the last 70s and couldn't sleep always haunts me. In the last three decades they have produced some great adult-oriented rock, but gradually became too commercialised. KR falling out of his tree in Polynesia was perhaps an old man/bad boy stunt too far, but I still think they are a national treasure for us Brits...."

Here are my top twenty favourite Stones songs, and quite a lot of the great ones are omitted which doesn't mean I don't love them. I can't include "Sympathy" because it is sacriligous but the twin guitar solos on Get Yer Ya Ya's Out is one of their most inspired moments.

In reverse order:

20) Now Look What You Done (1965)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmKMvzHJWQ8
19) All Over Now (1965)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3YnRQOXLWo
18) Carol (1964), or live on GYYYO, 1970)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKbV6fuPWcw
17) Let's Spend the Night Together (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqQ9FCVmPaI
16) Paint it Black (1967)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9DDpmyPZZA
15) Midnight Rambler (1969, live on GYYYO)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGHNduAA_3c
14) Happy (1972) - Check this...classic M&K:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSyNUAzPofI
13) Bitch (1971) - all Keith on guitar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkxqIw17IC0
12) Sway (1971) - sublime guitar solo by Mick Taylorn at the end
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4iQDfpFxW8
11) Stray Cat Blues (1968) - studio and live (GYYYO)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5frrDY9Tys
10) Miss You (1978) - an absolutely brilliant parodied song,  never tire of:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59mopJYLaoc
9) If You Can't Rock Me (1974) - quintessential
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH0eL08AAl4&feature=related
8) Fool to Cry (1976) - when  I'm sad and miss my daughter Josie it makes me think of her
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6yHoWgHRnw
7) Sweet Virginia (1972) - a wonderfully chaotic and languid sing a long (best listened to whilst intoxicated)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa3uNiUCrp0
6) Can't You Hear Me Knocking? (1971) - the first two minutes are the RS at their very best
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fa4HUiFJ6c
5) Wild Horses (1971) - so haunting and beautiful - see above
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFLJFl7ws_0
4) Route 66 (1964) - see above
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okv_4T5Ho3Q
3) Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker) (1973) - refer previous blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acr5TriuQMw
2) Honky Tonk Women (1969) -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQnYBE-wekg
1) Gimme Shelter (1969) - this haunting song always inspires and moves me in my most melancholy moments. Sit back and enjoy this live Mick taylor virtuoso, it is inspired:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btyhKUvAaZU

Anyway here's to the Stones the greatest rock'n'roll band of all time. Only the Beatles - the greatest pop band of all time-  had more great songs (Rolling Stone magasine concurs). How many great songs did LedZep and U2 have in comparison? A small fraction is the answer.