Customer Reviews

The Stones

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Norman turns in his usual better-than-average show biz bio, with careful research and lively writing. He leaves off after the death of Brian Jones, which in no way diminishes the book. He also gives a valauble assesment of the Stones' subsequent influence. A very good beginner book about this group.

This is about the most complete and clear-headed account of the drug busts, media scandals, paternity suits, and internal fighting, Andrew Loog Oldham, Marianne Faithfull, and Anita Pallenberg to date. Musically, it explains the Stones' transition from a blues cover band to a songwriting band very clearly. The Mars bar incident and Brian Jones' somewhat suspicious death are convered with restraint. Believe what you want.

It does seem to lose interest after 1970, but then, so did a lot of fans.

Especially good are the stories of the early recording sessions -- "Not Fade Away", with Gene Pitney, who just happened to be around, helping on maracas; "It's All Over Now", the song that forged the group's instrumental approach, recorded at Chess Studios; "The Last Time", described as a musical migraine headache or some such.

The talent and fall of Brian Jones are also well narrated here. (I am a Jones fan.) The story of the decline is clear-headed and fair, taking no sides. His impressions of the music of the guy who could get a tune out of just about any instrument he could pick up show some high regard -- his whinnying harp in "Not Fade Away", the country fingerpicking in "It's All Over Now", and especially the description of the inspired madness of his sitar playing in "Paint It Black."

This book also works as a good introduction to swinging London at its apex.