lambchops's Full Review: Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits, Vol. 2) by The...
The Rolling Stones are a classic example of the 1960's British Invasion. What separates these guys from the pack is that they are still making music almost forty years later.
Despite being lumped in with contemporaries such as the Beatles, Animals and Them, the Stones have fit neatly into the category of British Blues for most of the band's illustrious career. They've been pop, rock, blues, and even experimented in psychedelia and the musical experimentation ala The Who. Throughout the years, there have only been two constants--the uber-sexual Mick Jagger on vocals and the prematurely old Keith Richards on both guitar and vocals.
During the late 1960's, the guys were excess. They drank, had long hair, and dabbled in drugs (some more than others). The Stones also exclaimed that they were the greatest rock band in the world. Despite their revolving door policy of band members, this era included guitarist Brian Jones, bassist Bill Wyman, and drummer Charlie Watts. So, within ten years of forming, the Stones released two greatest hits albums, over ten albums, and other limited imports and the like.
I wasn’t really exposed to the Stones until I heard some of their pure rock and roll tracks on radio. Also, it took until their early 1990’s releases for me to connect the Stones sound and music to an actual name. Most notably was 1994’s Voodoo Lounge and it’s first single ”Love is Strong”.
So far as I'm concerned, I enjoy the Stones music more fully than that of the Beatles. I also must say that I enjoy their music less than my classic rock heroes, Led Zeppelin. I've chosen to review one of their earliest 'Greatest Hits' compilations. Released in 1969, Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) features just eleven songs. Ranging from the rock track "Paint It Black" to one of my favorites "Ruby Tuesday", this is a great and diverse album that showcases some of the band's earliest and best tracks. The tracks actually come from the albums Aftermath through Beggar’s Banquet.
The delicately picked mandolin at the beginning and mixed with guitars, drums, and various other instruments throughout ”Paint It Black” are classic Stones. Originally from Beggar’s Banquet, Jagger’s voice on this track is absolutely great. It’s restrained at times and wild at others. This track is one of the Stones’ most popular for good reason. You know the words…I see a red door and want to paint it black. The song seamlessly mixes world music (with a Middle Eastern vibe), energetic rock and roll, and blues. ”Paint It Black” proves to be an exceptional track to begin this album of exceptional songs.
”Ruby Tuesday” is a pop song that includes a fiddle, flute, and a tambourine. I adore the psychadelic feel and lyrics of the track that was released as a single from Between the Buttons on January 28, 1967 a the b-side to ”Let’s Spend the Night Together”. The piano drives the track in conjunction with the drums that are included only during the chorus. If you know anything about the Stones, you know this song that goes: Goodbye Ruby Tuesday…when you change with every new day, still I’m gonna miss you. Listen to this track…it’s influences are amazing and Jagger’s never sounded better.
Their Satanic Majesties Request is known for being a blatant psychadelic ripoff of the Beatles classic Sgt. Peppers album. The next track, ”She’s A Rainbow” came from that album. You’ve actually heard this track in commercial advertisements during the last few years. There’s an orchestral element thanks to a soft piano and string quartet in addition to a French horn and trumpet all backing Jagger perfectly. This is a trippy, soft, sweet track with a fantastic element that is typical of the album the song originates from. The listener feels happy, relaxed and like they are listening to the Beatles when listening to this one. For your reference, this is the track that has a chorus as follows: She comes in colors everywhere, she combs her hair…she’s like a Rainbow!
”Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is yet another Stones classic and was as a single on May 28, 1968 as a primer to Beggar’s Banquet. Unlike some of the band’s psychadelic music of the time, this is a typical Stones blues-rock track. It’s also what makes this such a great track. Actually, my favorite rockers as of late, Stone Temple Pilots borrowed heavily from the chorus I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash, it’s a gas gas gas for their hit track ”Big Bang Baby”. There are great guitars, bass guitar, and drums in this track. It remains a must-listen even thirty-three years after it’s release.
Folk rock infused with a few drugs and for that matter the sound of ”Paint it Black” spawned ”Mother’s Little Helper”. Originally released on 1967’s Flower, this is a good track that speaks heavily to the joys, benefits, and problems of ‘little yellow pills’. Jagger starts the song out immediately with the line what a drag it is getting old. The rhythm is reminiscent of classic polkas…that aside, it’s a good track worthy of all ears that are willing to listen.
”Let’s Spend the Night Together” is as popular as a Stones song as it is for Ed Sullivan’s request to change the lyrics to ‘Let’s spend some time together’ for his popular television showcase. That aside, the track is also the lead off track for 1967’s Between the Buttons LP. As with the rest of the tracks on this greatest hits album, this is a classic. The sound is a mix between pop, blues, and rock. I like the driving drums, bass guitar, piano, and recorder (like the one you played when you were in 3rd grade music class). It’s a great rock song ala the most melodic Beatles track. It makes me wonder actually if the track was an homage to their homeboys from Britain. It’s just great, classic, and wonderful.
July 11, 1969 marked ”Honky Tonk Woman’s” release as a single. The track has a serious country rock feel very much unlike that of other British bands and tracks. There is a slide guitar, a cowbell, and a heavy drum. Jagger’s voice is great in this, one of the best tracks of the band’s career (in my humble opinion of course). This is such a toe-tappin’, sing along that I find myself actually not being able to sit still. The band never recorded another country-rock track up to par with this one.
If something must be said about the 1967 release of ”Dandelion”, it’s fun and lighthearted. Something else that needs to be said is that the song features both John Lennon and Paul McCartney on backup vocals to Jagger. The song is driven by a Beatles-esque drum line and a high-pitched strummed guitar. It’s a good track, although it’s sad that Lennon and McCartney’s addition was wasted on a track that is only “good” and not great like the other ones highlighted on this album. Another thing of note is the successful incorporation of bagpipes on the track.
The experimental LP, Their Satanic Majesties Request also provided a platform for the release of ”2000 Light Years From Home”. Both mystery and drama are apparent from the beginning of the track. There are typical psychadelic sounds to the track including maracas, an organ, and a muted drum. I find that the track is not my taste…Jagger is too loud in comparison to the light and odd instrumentation. There are other examples of great music on this track…this is definitely mediocre Stones.
” Have You seen Your Mother Baby, Standing in the Shadow?” is an old fashioned pop song ala 1960’s pop-rock. I like it, although I have to also say that the tempo seems too fast for the song. I do much prefer other more rock and roll tracks or even the Stones psychedelics over this one. It’s alright, just not my kind of music. The song originated from 1967’s Flowers.
The popular Beggar’s Banquet brought the world the final track of this compilation ”Street Fighting Man”. I like the heavy drums and shake-shake maracas. It’s a catchy track with an interesting vocal line and a very different sounding guitar. And, if I’m not mistaken, this song eventually morphed into the hit ”Dancing In the Streets”. It’s not my favorite song, either. The sound is too hollow and too sparse for my ears.
As you can see, I like this album quite a bit. There are a few songs I don’t really like as well as the others (as with songs 8-11). What this album does have is a great bunch of songs ranging from 1966-1969. The standouts are of course ”Jumpin’ Jack Flash,”, ”She’s a Rainbow”, ”Ruby Tuesday”, and ”Paint It Black” among a few others. If you are only a bit of a Stones fan, this album is for you. All of the songs can be found elsewhere, but this is a good place to get ‘em all.
I give this brief album 4 ˝ stars out of 5. Therefore, I will give it 4/5 stars on the Epinions scale…there are other better Stones albums and greatest hits compilations. If you happen to see this one, don’t be afraid to throw it in the basket along side your other classic rock albums.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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