In the early days of The Rolling Stones, there was no organized effort to record songs for albums. Instead, the band was furiously tearing out songs during day-long studio sessions and releasing them in whatever format seemed right at the time.
From late 1964 through early 1965, the band put out a UK EP titled 5 X 5, an expanded U.S. version titled 12 X 5, a UK album titled The Rolling Stones No. 2, and a U.S. album titled The Rolling Stones, Now! They also released ten singles.
My friends, the time has come for another deep dive, wherein I work chronologically through an artist’s career by featuring songs from each of their studio albums. To date, I have covered the work of Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Madonna and Bob Marley.
That list got me thinking it was time I covered a band, and the band I’ve chosen to explore is The Rolling Stones. In terms of success, influence, longevity, and iconic output, I can’t think of an act more deserving of the honor.
And my timing couldn’t be better, as The Stones just last week announced the upcoming release of their first album of original material in 18 years, Hackney Diamonds.
Throwing back to the week of September 7, 2013, it’s still Robin Thicke and ‘Blurred Lines’ in the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100. That song was a juggernaut, spending a total of 12 weeks at #1. I hope I’ve cycled through those 12 weeks by the time Throwback Weekends make it back to the 2010s.
At #2 and #3 are two more songs I’ve already featured: Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ and Miley Cyrus’ ‘We Can’t Stop,’ respectively. And it’s another female pop icon who lands at #4 and as today’s Song of the Day.
Throwing back to the week of September 6, 2003, we find Nelly, P. Diddy, and Murphy Lee at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Shake Ya Tailfeather,’ a song from the soundtrack of Bad Boys II.
This song spent four weeks at #1 and a total of 30 weeks on the chart. It includes a sample of the Florida State Seminoles’ stadium chant, a nice nod to the state where Bad Boys II is set, but about seven hours from the city (Miami).
Jimmy Buffett’s most enduring classic, and his only top ten hit, is more than just a song. ‘Margaritaville’ is a state of being, a way of life. It launched a chain of restaurants, resorts, and even retirement communities. It’s in the title of a satellite radio station and a Broadway show.
But before any of that, it was just a song. And it’s one of the greatest songs ever, if you ask me.
Meet Me In Montauk 