'The Rolling Stones'

I think it’s noteworthy that The Rolling Stones’ first album, as it was released in the United Kingdom, features the five members photographed facing the same way looking to their right at the camera. 

No identifying copy on the album cover. Just a photo with the record company’s logo. And 60 years later those same visages are as recognizable as they probably weren’t when it was released in 1964. Still, there is a certain amount of vibrato in presenting yourself as such considering how new they were.

The Rolling Stones was recorded in five days in February 1964 right when The Beatles were invading the United States. When the album was released in America in May 1964, “England’s Newest Hit Makers” along with the band’s name was added. Don’t want to mix them up with the other English hit makers.

It’s a … perfect rock album. Full of R&B, blues and early rock covers. Mick Jagger’s voice is at home. It finds its happy place amid these songs of woe and want. All of it tips of the cap to Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. It might be as good as The Rolling Stones got. Or it could be argued.