April of 1966 saw the release of the first classic Rolling Stones album, Aftermath. Inspired by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul, the band moved away from their R&B staples and recorded a collection of entirely original songs. I love how the hottest bands of that era used the competition to fuel their creativity.
The UK version of this album clocked in at 52 minutes, then the longest running time for a popular release. The American version ran ten minutes shorter, cutting four songs and adding hit single ‘Paint it Black.’ Among the songs left off the tracklist were the great ‘Mother’s Little Helper’ and ‘Out of Time,’ making the American version the lesser of the two (‘Out of Time,’ today’s SOTD, was used beautifully in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.)
In addition to the new focus on original material, The Stones changed up their sound. Brian Jones, once the band’s undisputed leader but increasingly taking the back seat to Jagger, introduced a plethora of new sounds to repertoire, including sitar, marimba, dulcimer, and other exotic instruments.
Lyrically, Jagger received the first of many accusations of misogyny when he set his sights on the unlucky women of ‘Under my Thumb’ and ‘Stupid Girl,’ though ‘Mother’s Little Helper’ showed some empathy for overburdened housewives and ‘Lady Jane’ was a straight-up love song.
The album’s epic length was largely due to one song, the 11-and-a-half minute blues rock jam ‘Goin’ Home.’ The track beat Bob Dylan’s ‘Desolation Row’ by 10 seconds to become the longest song on a popular music album. Of course, while Dylan’s song featured multiple wordy verses, this one dedicates most of its runtime to extended riffing by the band members.
My favorite song on Aftermath is ‘I Am Waiting,’ entirely due to its use in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore. It’s impressive how often The Stones provide the perfect soundtrack to great movies.
You don’t know what’s going on
You’ve been away for far too long
You can’t come back and think you are still mine
[Pre-Chorus]
You’re out of touch, my baby
My poor discarded baby
I said, baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
[Chorus]
Well, baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said, baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
You are left out
Out of there without a doubt ’cause
Baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
[Verse 2]
The girl who wants to run away
Discovers that she’s had her day
It’s no good you’re thinking that you are still mine
[Pre-Chorus]
You’re out of touch, my baby
My poor unfaithful baby
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
[Chorus]
Well baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
Yes, you are left out
Out of there without a doubt ’cause
Baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
[Verse 3]
You thought you were a clever girl
Giving up your social whirl
But you can’t come back and be the first in line, oh no
[Pre-Chorus]
You’re obsolete my baby
My poor old-fashioned baby
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
[Chorus]
Well baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
Yes, you are left out
Out of there without a doubt ’cause
Baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
Sing the song now…
Baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
Baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
[Verse 4]
You don’t know what’s going on
You’ve been away for much too long
But you can’t come back and think you are still mine
[Pre-Chorus]
You’re out of touch, my baby
My poor discarded baby
I said Baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
[Chorus]
Well baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
Yes, you are left out, yes you are
I said no, out of there without a doubt ’cause
Baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
Alright
[Outro]
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re out of time
I said baby, baby, baby, you’re…
Meet Me In Montauk 
As classic as this album may be, in the Stones v. Beatles competition, I give the win to Rubber Soul.
I love all the tidbits of information in today’s blog especially what movies have used their songs. Have to go back to the scenes and watch them again.