The psychedelic trend sweeping western pop music in the late 60s was one of the defining moments of the decade's music. After the 'Summer of Love' in 1967 it seemed as if everyone was wearing flowers in their hair and following a new kind of music: psychedelic rock. The Rolling Stones were no different to anyone else and in December 1967 they released their album Their Satanic Majesties Request. The Rolling Stones have an infamous record for apparently copying whatever The Beatles did in order to equal their fame and popularity, but this record is far different to The Beatles' sunny pop masterpiece Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. The Rolling Stones psychedelic offering has a darker side. The beautiful multi-coloured sleeve appears to be both a parody of and a tribute psychedelic culture.
Their Satanic Majesties Request is the only Rolling Stones album that was produced by the band themselves and the result is fairly obvious. Each song is so detailed, the incredible soundscapes only become apparent after several listens. From cheery baroque pop tunes (such as 'She's a Rainbow') to futuristic space rock ('2000 Light Years From Home') the album only gets better with the more you notice about the subtle production techniques. Unusually for a Stones' album, Mick Jagger is not given his usual stage to showcase his vocals. This time he is tucked away in between the instruments as the overall sound takes centre stage instead. His voice weaves in and out of each line instead of carrying the rhythm of the song and it works surprisingly well. The Rolling Stones would soon abandon psychedelic rock as the trend started to die out and the 60s ended but this album is as groovy and brilliant as any they've ever made.
Label: Decca
Tracklist:
1. Sing This All Together
2. Citadel
3. In Another Land
4. 2000 Man
5. Sing This All Together (See What Happens)
6. She's A Rainbow
7. The Lantern
8. Gomper
9. 2000 Light Years From Home
10. On With The Show
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