As the acid haze lifted off London and The Beatles retreated to Marrakesh to get their heads together, The Rolling Stones saved their career with the turbo-charged menace of "Jumpin' Jack Flash." It was that single that inspired them to get back to the blues on Beggars Banquet, subsequently redefining the art form and ushering in a four-year purple patch unmatched by any band before or since.
The Rolling Stones dug closer to the roots of their rock than they ever had for this album, soaking in more blues, country and gospel than a bunch of Richmond toffs had any right to. Their desire to copy past masters proved futile - thankfully so, since Beggars Banquet minted the definitive Stones sound, which in turn defined much of the rock 'n' roll that would follow.
"Sympathy for the Devil" is the biggest payback, as these plunderers of R&B laid down a rhythm track more influential than any save Bo Diddley's beat. "No Expectations," "Dear Doctor" and "Prodigal Son," are charming in their rootsiness, but it's "Sympathy" and "Stray Cat Blues" that still startle, with the Stones impressing the raw voodoo of the blues in the service of their own English rock sensibility and cranking out something altogether more exciting. That "Jigsaw Puzzle" and "Salt of the Earth" do the same with Dylan and gospel, respectively, only hints at the breadth of the inspiration the Stones would mine on their next three albums.
If you like The Rolling Stones, check out:
The Rolling Stones Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones Let It Bleed
The Charalatans Tellin' Stories
The Faces A Nod Is as Good as a Wink to a Blind Horse
The Black Crowes The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion
Liz Phair Exile in Guyville
psst...you might wanna check out our rock and roll links for more features on (guess what) rock and roll artists.
