April 1966: Disc Weekly review of new The Rolling Stones LP “Aftermath” on Decca
The long-awaited Rolling Stones album is fantastic! As musicians they’ve improved tremendously and the time has come to elevate the Jagger-Richard songwriting team to the ranks of John and Paul.
“Aftermath” (Decca LK 4786) proves beyond any doubt that deep down the Rolling Stones are real professionals, too.
They’ve put a lot of thought into every track and concentrated on producing a variety of new and unusual sounds.
The songs are infinitely better than anything on “Out Of Our Heads.” Mick is singing a lot better and it’s possible to hear most of his words.
He’s developed his range – and switched quite easily from full-blooded R&B stuff to delicate soft words of “Lady Jane” – a clever little number with a medieval feel to it and a chamber music-type backing
Mick and Keith wrote it all
Like the Beatles, the Stones have made use of the Indian sitar by Brian Jones. And the boys have recruited American Jack Nitzsche and road manager Ian Stewart to help with the piano and organ spots.
Mick and Keith wrote everything and the whole album lasts around 50 minutes – out running most LPs by a good 20 minutes.
It was all recorded in Hollywood and benefits a great deal from the American studios.
Here is a brief track-by-track run-down:
Mothers Little Helper
Starts with Mick shouting: “What a drag it is getting old” – and sets off at jumpy pace with Brian on sitar. Amusing, catchy words.
Stupid Girl
Nice drums and bouncy organ intro. Typically insinuating Mick lyrics. lovely thump-thump beat with Charlie working hard.
Lady Jane
Pretty, medieval song. Soft, lilting “As Tears Go By” solo guitar with Mick singing quietly in a similar vein. All very chamber music-ish.
Under My Thumb
One of the most commercial numbers. Oft repeated title line and words like “Under My Thumb” – the girl who once had me down.” Nice easy-going song with plenty of full-blooded beat.
Doncha Bother Me
Weird, shimmering guitar playing outer space sort of phrases. Mick in great swinging blues mood.
Goin’ Home
Another really first-class number. This is that 11-minute plus marathon piece. Excellent compulsive words and terrific backing noises.
Flight 505
Flight 505
Kicks off with a gorgeous honky-tonk piano and boogie woogie sound and includes just a glimpse of “Satisfaction.” Typical Mick singing in a sort of slowed-up “Breakdown” way.
High And Dry
Cymbals and squeaky harmonica start to a fast number. Mick singing quite fast with an earthy feel.
Out Of Time
Another very good track. Starts with clicking finger noises. Very catchy words.
It’s Not Easy
Chunky guitar and pounding organ phrase start. Mick singing in his usual nagging way to a fabulous chomping beat.
I Am Waiting
Tinkling intro and rather muffled voice sounds which eventually break into the open when Mick bursts through.
Take It Or Leave It
The Searchers’ new single. Mick and Keith sing in a slow deliberate pattern to jingle-jangle guitar.
Think
The song Mick and Keith did for Chris Farlowe. Lots of heavy punchy sounds and twangy guitar.
What To Do
Typical Rolling Stones at full pelt. Mick singing above a rather Beach Boys backing voice sound.
Mick’s thoughts:
“I’m not completely satisfied with it. But then I never am.
“I like it better than any of our other albums because we’ve put a lot more into it. I enjoyed doing the ballady songs like “Lady Jane” for example. It’s a change for me and gives the others something different to play about with.
“Some of the songs Keith and I wrote months ago but most were done recently for the session. I hope the fans enjoy it.”
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