The Rolling Stones – Story Of The Stones

The Rolling Stones – Story Of The Stones

Story Of The Stones is a comprehensive double-album collection celebrating the early years and musical evolution of The Rolling Stones. Released in 1982 by K-Tel, this 30-track compilation brings together recordings from the band's formative period through to the late 1960s, tracing their journey from blues-loving British upstarts to one of the most influential rock bands in the world.

Led by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, with Brian Jones, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts central to the group's early history, The Rolling Stones built their identity around American blues, rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll and an increasingly distinctive songwriting style. Their raw performances, rebellious image and willingness to explore darker lyrical themes helped establish them as a defining force of the British Invasion and a major influence on generations of rock musicians.

The collection opens with “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction”, the landmark 1965 hit driven by Richards' instantly recognisable fuzz-guitar riff and Jagger's incisive vocal delivery. “It's All Over Now” and “Time Is On My Side” showcase the band's early ability to reshape blues and R&B material into distinctive pop-rock recordings, while “Play With Fire”, “Off The Hook” and “Little Red Rooster” reveal the group's fascination with acoustic textures, gritty blues and more atmospheric arrangements.

The inclusion of “Let It Bleed” introduces the darker, roots-oriented sound that became increasingly prominent towards the end of the decade. “Have You Seen Your Mother Baby, Standing In The Shadow” captures the group's more experimental mid-1960s energy, while “Paint It Black” stands out for its haunting melody, driving rhythm and distinctive sitar sound. “The Last Time” and “We Love You” demonstrate the contrast between the band's direct, riff-led rock and their more adventurous studio work.

The compilation continues with essential recordings including “Under My Thumb”, “Honky Tonk Women” and “Jumpin' Jack Flash”. These tracks illustrate the Rolling Stones' development into a harder-edged, confident rock band, combining memorable hooks with increasingly sophisticated arrangements. Alongside these familiar favourites, “You Better Move On”, “Come On”, “I Just Want To Make Love To You” and “Carol” highlight the blues and rock 'n' roll foundations that shaped their musical identity.

The final two sides round out the collection with “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66”, “I Wanna Be Your Man”, “Mother's Little Helper”, “You Can't Always Get What You Want”, “Ruby Tuesday” and “Street Fighting Man”. Together, these recordings capture the range of the band's late-1960s output, from straightforward rockers and melodic pop to socially aware songwriting and expansive studio productions.

For fans of classic rock, British Invasion music, blues-based guitar bands and the history of popular music, Story Of The Stones offers an extensive overview of the Rolling Stones' early catalogue. Its four sides provide a varied listening experience, combining major hits with influential recordings that reveal how the band developed their unmistakable sound.

A substantial double-LP compilation for collectors and listeners alike, Story Of The Stones celebrates the songs, attitude and musical evolution that helped make The Rolling Stones one of rock's most enduring names.

Tracklist

Side A

A1 – (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

A2 – It's All Over Now

A3 – Time Is On My Side

A4 – Play With Fire

A5 – Off The Hook

A6 – Little Red Rooster

A7 – Let It Bleed

A8 – Have You Seen Your Mother Baby, Standing In The Shadow

Side B

B1 – Paint It Black

B2 – The Last Time

B3 – We Love You

B4 – You Better Move On

B5 – Under My Thumb

B6 – Come On

B7 – I Just Want To Make Love To You

B8 – Honky Tonk Women

Side C

C1 – Jumpin' Jack Flash

C2 – (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66

C3 – I Wanna Be Your Man

C4 – Mother's Little Helper

C5 – You Can't Always Get What You Want

C6 – Carol

C7 – Let's Spend The Night Together

Side D

D1 – Get Off My Cloud

D2 – 19th Nervous Breakdown

D3 – Not Fade Away

D4 – Walking The Dog

D5 – Heart Of Stone

D6 – Ruby Tuesday

D7 – Street Fighting Man