Rolling Stones/UK 1968 Studio Rehearsals Upgrade

A wide variety of rare recordings of the Stones have been unearthed, from live shows to studio sessions, but what is believed to be the oldest recording of rehearsals before album recording was recorded in Surrey from February to March 1968. Rehearsal sound source at RG Jones Studio in Morden. Due to its nature, this was not a formal recording in a studio, but a rough private recording that captured the rehearsal process. However, the “pop band era” from the albums “AFTERMATH” to “THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES REQUEST” has come to an end, and even the era in which recordings were produced by Andrew Oldham, who had been their manager since their debut, has come to an end. It is also an extremely valuable sound source that captures the transitional period in which he was literally trying to return to his roots after meeting the famous producer Jimmy Miller. The first time it saw the light of day was an LP called “1968 SURREY REHEARSALS.” Although it certainly contained valuable sound sources, the pitch was basically low, and to make matters worse, it had the big problem of steadily dropping. As a result, the instrumental-based content became even more difficult to listen to, and what was fatal was that the draft instrumental for “Jumping Jack Flash,” the highlight of the original recording, was separated on the B-side. That’s what it means. In fan club magazines at the time, it was described as “It seems to be the prototype of “JJF,” but it is incomprehensible.” In the end, it was just an item for core enthusiasts. The version that VGP label released under the same title about 20 years ago has bravely made a CD of the rehearsal sound source, which can be called a stepping stone for maniacs in a sense. Unlike the LP, this was a groundbreaking release that had a normal pitch and was much more listenable as music, but it made the same editing mistake as the LP, in that it recorded the song “Rock Me Baby” as a double. I was disappointed in that. Other than this problem, there were some enthusiasts who were excited about the rehearsal, which was incomparably easier to listen to than the LP. However, in recent years, an upgraded version of this rehearsal has appeared on the internet. The sound quality, which has suddenly become clearer and easier to listen to than the LP and VGP versions, has an upper feel that will surprise enthusiasts who have listened to the previous items. The hiss noise has been reduced considerably, and the sound quality has become milder. Of course, it is still a rough recording. Also, the interview with British rock journalist Keith Altham, which was recorded at the end of the past items, is recorded longer than the LP version as well as the VGP version. This is the part that has nothing to do with music, so it’s probably an upgrade in terms of materials, but at least you can listen to the conversation that was cut off in the middle of Mick talking about Jimmy Miller in the VGP version without cutting off. That’s the point. In this interview scene, Keith explains that “Brian is in Paris celebrating his birthday,” which means rehearsals will take place in late February or early March (his birthday is February 28th). ) is assumed. By the way, it is clear from the sound quality and balance that the interview scene was recorded from the outfield (the conversation between the members is like a dumpling), so it is unlikely that Keith Altham recorded this. Based on Keith’s testimony in this interview, it is assumed that rehearsals were held without Brian (and even Bill Wyman), but for example, the slide guitar was used in “Slow Blues Jam” and “Phone Ringing Jam.” From what I hear, there is a possibility that Brian was playing there, and there were also cases where two guitars were included in other performances. Considering the phrases and timing, these are probably Brian, not Mick. Therefore, it is assumed that not all of the recordings were made on the same day. Although it is such a special sound source, there is no doubt that it is by far the most interesting of the Stones’ unearthed rehearsal sound sources. Although it is a performance under the name “Stray Cat Blues” that appears twice in the beginning, the atmosphere is rather similar to the previous year’s “Citadel”. The tone that Keith actually played is from the “THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES REQUEST” period itself, and the lead guitar phrase he played in Take 2 is the same play that could be heard at the ending of “We Love You”. This is where the fun of the original sound source lies. In other words, Keith tried to return to his roots after meeting Jimmy Miller, and although he tried playing R&B phrases such as “Hold On, I’m Comin'” and “River Deep, Mountain High,” it still lacked the groove of the previous year. It’s about the atmosphere. Meanwhile, on the fourth track, “Unknown Song,” Mick lets out a great shout, although it tends to be hidden behind his playing, and you can get a glimpse of his return to the blues and R&B sound path that had changed from the previous year. . If you think about it that way, it makes sense that Brian played the slide guitar for the first time in a while. And although it is the instrumental version of “Jumping Jack Flash” which is the biggest highlight of this sound source, the riff and chord progression have already been completed, and it is too valuable to get a glimpse of the draft stage of this historical masterpiece. What’s more, it is worth mentioning that during the rehearsals, they gave by far the most passionate performances. Keith and Mick must have felt the response, “This is the next route!” When releasing the CD, first of all, the sound quality itself has improved compared to past releases, and the pitch has also been precisely adjusted. Maniac sound source has had some problems so far, but now you can finally enjoy the entire story in a stable condition. A valuable sound source that captures the Stones in a fumbling state before their golden age. This is the best version that enthusiasts have been waiting for! R.G. Jones Studios, Morden, Surrey, UK 21st February – 14th March 1968 2019 UPGRADE VERSION (45:53) 01. Stray Cat Blues (Instrumental) 02. Jam #1 03. Stray Cat Blues (Riff & Guitar) 04. Unknown Song (with Off-Mic Vocals) 05. Jumping Jack Flash (Early Instrumental Take) 06. Jam # 2 07. Short Jam 08. Hold On I’m Coming (with Off-Mic Vocals)09. Rock Me Baby (with Off- Mic Vocals) 10. My Home Is A Prison (with Off-Mic Vocals) 11. Slow Blues Jam 12. Phone Ringing Jam 13. River Deep Mountain High (with Off-Mic Vocals) 14. Interview conducted by NME journalist Keith Altham with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts & Jimmy Miller Mick Jagger – Vocals & Guitar Keith Richards – Guitar Charlie Watts – Drum