'Aftermath'

A fantastic Rolling Stones record. I'd daresay, it is the best of their earlier recordings and showed a lot of maturing both as songwriters and musicians.

Aftermath is noted for its experimentation despite it being a pretty straight forward rock record. Still, it was released in 1966, the same time The Beatles were releasing Revolver and Sgt. Pepper ..., two highly experimental records that signified a change of typical guitar rock to studio wizardry.

The Beatles were changing the rules of the game and being progressive. The Stones were not, however, that doesn't (or shouldn't) take away from the majesty of Aftermath.

If nothing else, it is representative of Brian Jones' abilities and contributions to the band, and a glowing example of why I consider him the most important member of that group. His versitility is something you can't buy. Currently reading a book on The Beatles and the author goes into the first meeting between the supergroups. Noting Jones' ability to play multiple instruments, John Lennon told Jones that he really played the harmonica while he (Lennon) would "suck and blow."

Case in point: Jones played the marimba on "Under My Thumb," the sitar on "Paint It Black," the dulcimer on "Lady Jane," the koto on "Take It Or Leave It," in addition to his duties on guitar, backing vocals, harmonica and percussion.

You can't tell me he wasn't the guy pushing along the Rolling Stones machine.