it doesnt show the musical talent of the musicians but the old Stones are my favorite! Very bluesy back then. Good song writing
Rating: 5 / 5

This is The Rolling Stones the way they were meant to sound before that bozo Andrew Loog Oldham conspired with Jagger and Richards to steal Brian Jone’s blues band. They spent 3 or 4 years trying to one-up the Beatles (they never did). What a shame because something very special was lost I think. I don’t think I’ve ever heard white boys from this era sound so black. Those three “men” destroyed Brian Jones, first stealing his band and then Richards stealing the love of Jones’ life. Of course the guy was a mental wreck. Anyway, enough of that. Let’s get on with this review of The Rolling Stones Now!

The first time I heard this was in the fall of 1965 (I think). My sister joined a record club (without telling my parents) and this was one of her selections. She caught hell but I got to listen without remorse (ha!). Eventually my sister left home and didn’t take this with her (maybe I hid it?) I was nine years old at the time, but a very sophisticated nine year-old with discriminating tastes. Everybody else loved those Beatles dudes. I always liked The Rolling Stones. Anyway, given that this was the very first Rolling Stones record in the house (what a great one to start with eh?) I’m very biased. I believe this is the best of their early material and that includes Aftermath (UK version of course!)

This is great stuff, The Rolling Stones are firing on all cylinders here. Unlike other early Rolling Stones releases, “Now!” does not include a single stinker. In fact, the material is played with such strength that it’s hard to pick the best cut (I’m a musician myself and can usually pick out the strong cuts from the filler). I guess I’m kind of partial to “Mona” but I love them all. If I had to pick one track that was weaker than the others it would be “Surprise Surprise” but it’s still strong material. Anyway, that old Lp of mine is long gone so I’m thrilled to have this music once again.

If you want a taste of the early Rolling Stones this is the CD for you. This is definitely the best from the band that was still adhering to Brian’s original vision. Such a shame he let the drugs ruin him and helped him lose his position of leadership.

I would definitely place “Now!” among their top releases along side “Aftermath”, “Beggar’s Banquet”, “Let it Bleed”, “Sticky Fingers”, and “Exile on Main Street”. If you can, try to get the beautifully packaged “digi-pak” 2002 remaster. It’s just a very nice presentation. But it’s the music that counts so if you get the jewel case, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed as long as you get the 2002 remaster.

Postscript: I’ve had this for a couple of weeks now and I cannot stop playing it. My collection includes everything from Miles Davis to John Coltrane to Frank Zappa to King Crimson. I typically like jazz and progressive music but I do have a weakness for blues as well, especially Muddy Waters. This is The Rolling Stones the way they were meant to sound. This is Brian’s band.

Three weeks later and it’s still getting heavy rotation, many more than “Out of Our Heads” for example. I love this one!!

Rating: 5 / 5