ABKCO Music & Records (series)

Singles, Volume 1

Product Description:

The Rolling Stones: Brian Jones (vocals, guitar, harmonica); Keith Richards (vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards); Mick Jagger (vocals, harmonica, percussion); Bill Wyman (bass guitar); Charlie Watts (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: Ian Stewart (piano, organ).

Liner Note Author: Nigel Williamson.

Recording information: 1963 - 1965.

A spectacularly appointed box set, SINGLES 1963-1965 is perhaps the ultimate collector's item for the Rolling Stones fan. It presents, in CD form, perfect replicas of each of the band's 45's from the era, packaged with the original picture sleeves, record labels, and even vinyl-style grooves printed on the surface of the CDs. Add in a passel of fantastic period photos and stellar liner notes, and one might almost forget to listen to the music. Almost.

It's fascinating to listen to the Stones' development over the first couple of years, from the tentative stabs at Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters on their very first single, to the fire-breathing, ruckus-raising sounds they achieved just a few months down the line. Not only do we get to hear them master their beloved forms of blues, soul, and '50s rock, but we witness the birth of their songwriting talents as well. Here the group shifts from an R&B cover band to a creative force capable of turning out not only the churning rocker "The Last Time," but also the ominous, folklike "Play with Fire."