The Rolling Stones — Let It Bleed
Perhaps the most iconic album by The Stones, Let It Bleed is a near masterpiece.
Brian Jones was one of the founders of The Rolling Stones and in many ways was the band’s leader in their early days. However, due to heavy substance abuse and a motorcycle accident, Jones was fired by the group; he would be dead months later. This tragedy and turmoil led to the Let It Bleed sessions being a harrowing time for the band. Recording for the album proper began in February 1969 London, with over-dubs conducted in LA throughout the year. Released in late 1969, the album received near universal acclaim and topped the charts in the UK while reaching no. 3 in the US.
“Gimme Shelter” has become one of the band’s most iconic songs. Inspired by Richards’ viewing of Londoners scurrying for shelter from rain, the band later transformed the song into a counter-culture Vietnam protest piece. Featuring the sultry vocals of gospel singer Merry Clayton, Jagger duets with the unbridled intensity of a soulful voice to introduce the album in a way yet unmatched by any musician henceforth. “Country Honk” is an outtake of the non-album single “Honky Tonk Women.” The single is better than what the album got, though. The steady bass line on “Live With Me” ties together one of the tighter pieces of music on the album. From the sparse piano syncopation to Charlie Watts’ pronounced drumming, this song is an exemplar of the band’s soulful era. The Side A closer, is the title track. Side B begins with “Midnight Rambler.” This bluesy track is based on the Boston Strangler who murdered 13 women in the early ’60s. The song’s blues influences give way to a funk and soul bridge which breaks down the melody and lyricism into a repeated dirge, but swing back into the full song at the outro. “You Got The Silver” is most notable for being a Richard’s sung piece. The album ends with the iconic “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Beginning with the London Bach Choir singing Jagger’s lines to come. The wall of sound is strong on this track, with horns, organ, and the band’s traditional instrumentation. Jagger’s stilted vocals sway into the song as each piece builds louder and louder. The song is a true exaltation of secular acceptance. A perfect bookend to this strong album.
Must Listen To: You Can’t Always Get What You Want
“I saw her today at the reception / A glass of wine in her hand.”
