Adam writes… In the 60s, a Lennon & McCartney cover was a coveted thing indeed. Billy J Kramer, The Fourmost, Peter & Gordon, The Hollies and The Marmalade were all beneficiaries of the greatest hit factory of them all. Similarly, The Byrds and Manfred Mann both benefitted greatly from covering Bob Dylan numbers.
The Rolling Stones were at it too, selling songs to other artists. At one stage Jagger and Richards, like Lennon and McCartney, even wrote with other artists in mind.
For your consideration, a few Stones covers…
That Girl Belongs to Yesterday – Gene Pitney (1964)
Pitney made a couple of cameo appearances in the early Stones’ story – notably backing vocals on their first album. And his treatment of this Jagger & Richards original is a textbook example of his 60s oeuvre. A classic pouty Jagger “Bad Girlfriend” lyric is given Pitney’s full tremulous treatment. A histrionic classic.
It Should Be You – George Bean (1964)
George Bean, sadly a no-hit wonder from the 60s, gives a game account of this slight Jagger/Richards offering, channeling Adam Faith through a distinctly Lennon/McCartney-ish melody. Clearly the Stones are still followers, not yet leaders. The name of Bean’s band? George Bean and The Runners, inevitably. Keep an eye out for Bean in the 60’s movie Privilege starring Manfred Mann’s Paul Jones.
Shang A Doo Lang – Adrienne Posta (1964)
I love Adrienne Posta and I’m a particular fan of her take on Shang A Doo Lang, an absolutely atypical Jagger/Richards number. Trying to imagine the Stones doing this is like trying to imagine Motörhead sledge-hammering their way through The Girl From Ipanema. But as an homage to the sound of the girl groups it is unimpeachable. Everyone loves the girl groups – even the ‘orrible Stones!
Walking Through The Sleepy City – The Mighty Avengers (1964)
This workmanlike number suggests that even Jagger and Richards thought that the pop group thing was transient and that songwriting was where the long-term show business career lay. Both The Beatles and The Stones, at this point, were working within the framework of the existing music business before they realised that the rules were there to be re-written. Thanks largely to the efforts of L&M and J&R, the days of the jobbing songwriter were numbered.
I like to imagine this production in the hands of Joe Meek – something more tumultuous and atmospheric in the production department may have resulted in a hit for The Mighty Avengers, Coventry’s finest.
As Tears Go By – Marianne Faithfull (1964)
Again, not a very Stonesy number – but perfect in the hands of Marianne Faithfull. The original is shrouded in Stones myth – some say that manager Andrew Loog Oldham locked the boys in the kitchen and wouldn’t let them out until they’d composed a hit and this was the result. The original title was As Time Goes By, changed for the obvious clash with THAT number from Casablanca.
A lovely arrangement (if you exclude the horrid warbling backing vocals) with wistful oboe and bodhrán-like, almost funereal drums standing out. Listen to this and then track down La Faithfull’s Kurt Weill numbers from the far end of her career and you will hear how far this artist travelled. It is a musical journey like no other. And in terms of scope of ambition it’s one that far outstrips that of The Stones themselves.
Under My Thumb – The Who (1967)
The Who recorded this to keep the Stones’ work in front of the public when Mick and Keef were banged up (briefly) in ’67. As Phillip Norman observed in his book The Stones, it’s difficult to imagine The Stones making a reciprocal gesture.
Fille Sauvage (Ruby Tuesday) – Richard Anthony (1967)
French-language version a hit for Cairo-born French pop star Richard Anthony.
The Salt of the Earth – Joan Baez (1971)
Joan Baez doesn’t mess about. She doesn’t cover just anything. I’ve included this to dispel any lingering doubt that Sir Mick and Mr Richards are mere one trick ponies writing three-chord rockers and nothing more. That bell like clarity in Baez’s voice does better service to Jagger the lyricist than any other cover. Find the original on 1968’s Beggars Banquet.
Satisfaction – Otis Redding (1966)
To my mind this is not only the best Stones cover, it’s up among the great covers of all time. Otis Redding is a force of nature, all over this tune scatting with the rhythm section, jabbing with the brass, darting in-and-out of Steve Cropper’s guitar. Like Baez (above) Otis knows a tune when he hears one. It’s a joyful performance.
Satisfaction – DEVO (1978)
London Music Tours
First time visitor to this site? Hello! My name’s Adam and I am an award-winning, qualified tour guide.
I specialise in music-themed guided tours here in London. I’ve been a tour guide for 20+ years and I offer a regular schedule of walking tours throughout the year. For the full, up-to-date calendar click HERE.
Private tours are always available, too. Use the form at the bottom of this post to get in touch to book a private tour.
I’m qualified as a Westminster Guide (with distinction), a former visiting lecturer in tour guiding at the University of Westminster and an ex-national newspaper arts journalist . In my spare time I play guitar and sing and buy too many records. Drop me a line anytime using the form below.
To join one of my non-music-themed walking tours, visit the London Walks website HERE.
