Arrangements? Do you know what that actually means? Brian added nice tone colours with his multi-instrumental thing [and by the way, most decent musicians can pick up other instruments and get music out of them - It's nothing miraculous as the Brian lovers tend to paint it... These people seem to forget that the guy couldn't write songs for beans, and was often too f'd up to even show up to the studio, never mind write great "arrangements". The band seems to have done alright without him.
I bought this when it was first released and I loved it. I played it constantly and I still play it on a fairly regular basis. I consider it one of their best albums.
I wasn't familiar with this album, Andrew so thank you for the deep dive! Brian Jones was a fantastic multi instrumentalist who added an interesting sonic layer to the Stones' mid 60s albums. It's a tragedy that he died so young.
Thanks for the deep dive into this overlooked record. Definitely has some gems on this album especially Connection, She Smiles Sweetly and Miss Amanda Jones. Thanks Andrew!
Out if all the you tube presenters, yours is the most informative and concise channels. Always a pleasure to watch. Please do more of sixties band like the Stones, Kinks and even The Who. Love your knowledge
I really enjoy all your Beatle videos but I am super happy seeing you stretching out. I'm looking forward to more "deep diving" into the Stones' catalogue.
Charlie drew the artwork for the back cover which is very cool! Charlie was a graphic illustrator and did a book with his pictures in tribute to Jazz musician Charlie Parker
It's always been my favorite album of theirs since I'm mostly a fan of the Jones era. I made a comp that includes all the US and UK tracks plus singles.
In "The Rolling Stones Illustrated Record" (1976), author Roy Carr noted the "British" sound of "Between the Buttons and also compared the material to the Kinks. I also remember Nik Cohn writing that it was the first time the Stones sounded British in his essay on the Stones in "Rock From the Beginning" (1968). I think of "Between the Buttons" and "Their Satanic Majesties Request" as necessary explorations for the Stones to move from their R & B pop group sound to the mature rock sound of "Beggars Banquet" and "Let It Bleed." My favorite tracks are "Yesterday's Papers," "Back Street Girl," "All Sold Out," and "Something Happened to Me Yesterday." An interesting record that shows the Stones stretching out in 1966-67.
@@Khayyam-vg9fw Like most in the U.S, my first copy was the American version. I picked up a British copy in the very early 80s. While I love having "Let's Spend the Night Together" and "Ruby Tuesday" on the American version, you're right, the British is better!
You are sparkling with obvious pleasure at rating this, my favorite Stones album! Very enjoyable, it's like an art school masterpiece. I had not realized the extent of Brian Jones' involvement. I'll take my U.S. version with Ruby Tuesday over to my corner with headphones on, thank you very much!
@DavidCKendall - I liked the UK version, but now that I know about the US version and the first 2 hit singles to kick things off, I am adding those to my album playlist so that I can enjoy the start of the album with those catchy tunes and then the full UK lineup. 14 songs that way. The Beatles would be proud. I am excited about this... I like the album even more now!!
Great video. Between the Buttons is a sublime album from start to finish. I was amazed to discover at how much the Stones were an album band on par with the Beatles. This album, the UK version, had much less distractions that a hit usually creates and a lot of unity. Like Aftermath, I don’t find there to be fillers. All compositions are a joy to listen to in one sitting. I credit these two albums for being the reason why they are at the tops of my favorite bands.
Nice video @Parlogram, but there are some mistakes respect to personnel: 5:54 There are two bass parts, one was played by Keith and the other one could be played by Wyman (same case on "Yesterday's Papers") 9:54 There's no Theremin, it's an Oscillator, but it's not verified who played it, maybe Brian, maybe Wyman. Brian Jones plays the guitar on this tune with a tremolo effect. 11:29 Brian Jones didn't play anything on SHTMY, the horns arrangements were made by session musicians.
@@MangroveThroatwobbler That's the way it is with US album versions difffer from British releases,, British versions are real albums and US are compilations shifting songs from the original to following album, and worse, US albums always make 11 or 12 songs available while the british albums you'll get 14 which are better.
True, but it was included on the American “Flowers” album which was released shortly after “Between the Buttons”. “Flowers” also included three exclusive songs for the American market: “Ride on Baby”, “My Girl”, and “Sitting on a Fence”.
You always do such a great job, Andrew! I look forward to all your videos. I played the US "Between The Buttons" just a few weeks ago, having not heard it for years and came to the same conclusions as you: it's underrated Stones and wonderful to pull out from time to time. Thanks for all you do!
You said the word "baroque!" That word alone is enough to get me to listen to this album. Baroque and...very oddly...ragtime...are two of my favourite musical styles. Why, I even like these little film clips of "Swingin' London" you added! They make this a video I can watch (and not merely listen to in the background) again and again! Looks like my stereo is gonna be very busy this week! It's lovely out here at the moment. Hope you're out enjoying the sights in Tara Bordeaux, Andrew! Aloha to all of you out there!
A must watch and really informative as always, great to see the same level of research and entertaining facts as the usual Beatles content. Thanks Andrew, i look forward to this every Saturday!
By the time Steel Wheels came out. it seemed the Stones just wanted to blow people away with loud guitar music instead of the innovative material that had up to Exile on Main Street
@@ArmandoMPR It's my opinion. I love the 68-72 run of albums, but I think they settled in the same genres and style. If you read the band's words in books, they mostly recognize this: when they made Beggars' Banquet, they found their sound.
Much like you, I love this period of Stones career, and Between the Buttons has always been a favorite. But being from the US and growing up on Flowers, that was my favorite album from this ear. At that time we had no idea it was compilation album of singles and leftover tracks. Great video, keep it going with more Stones contest. Thanks for sharing.
Love the Stones detours, Andrew. It’s a very British, tongue in cheek vibe for me. It has a spring in its step. They weren’t taking themselves seriously. After this things changed in every way.
I've been saying it all along this album is extremely underrated. I bought this album I think it was January or February of 67 and played it to death. I love this album. I always wondered was it the stones idea or the record companies idea to not put some of the songs on between the buttons and save them for flowers. It's kind of like the revolver yesterday and today thing. I actually love flowers too.
Rumored that "Something Happened to me Yesterday" was an ode to their first "psychedelic" experience. I own only a Mint British Stereo pressing. Can't afford the box set. Great Review!
I’m so glad you actually picked this album to review. I have that Mono box set. Totally worth the price. I do think the song selection is better on the American version. I really think those singles really helped to sell those records in the United States. And for what it’s worth because of changing the song selection around we got the excellent album “Flowers “
Oh I love this record..I've had it forever..I did get Flowers on ebay tho,mainly for Backstreet Girl.which is a song that always hits the spot! Thank you for the backstory..I'm not as fluent on Stones info as I would like to be so this is fun stuff!
Wow, just discussed this album with my son yesterday! We both love it so much! Happy to have a copy of the American Mono 1st press and UK Stereo! Love them both, maybe the US Mono a little better. Well to make the happiness complete NEED THE UK MONO 1st PRESS! Thank you so much, Andrew, another brilliant short documentary.. The only pity.. why is it so short? WE WANT THE SONES! 😀♥🎸🎙🎬🎞📺❤😝😛🤪😜😝
Thank you for a great video on a favorite album of mine. I really enjoy the trivia that you included. I wasn't aware of a lot of that information. Good stuff!
I'm writing this after listening to Between The Buttons in a mono version. I'd never noticed the difference between stereo and mono before but I have to say you are very correct in saying the momonsounds better. I certainly agree! Thanks again.
Another good episode Andrew! I truly loved Between The Buttons. The British version and the U.S. Lp’s respectively. That whole period of The Kinks, The Yardbirds, The Stones was an era earful of noise candy showing how much music was embracing styles of yesteryear and creating pathways for new generations (next several indeed) that showcased new avenues of sounds, lyrics, etc. Pop culture was on the rise! This was a period where you couldn’t pin the Stones as a Beatles copy band either. Great influences in Between The Buttons for sure, but the feels were still purely The Stones (in stoned glory perhaps). “Flowers” for us in the States was sort of the “Yesterday & Today” album but had a great overall feel like the US Rubber Soul. Lots of acoustic guitars with a rocker or two thrown in for good measure. Thanks for showing the label differences as well.
True dat!! It was fun buying so many albums in a 2 year period! And some of those labels like Phillips, Deram, Crescendo, etc were churning out some great ear candy too. Tons of music!
Another great video Andrew! I’ll have to give this - or Flowers, which I really like even if it’s a bit of an odd compilation. BTW thank you for the recommendation of Brian Auger’s Open. As a rock and jazz guy who loves organ the first two tracks are just amazing!
My band the Regime (which functioned 1966-70) loved this album and we featured two of its tracks in our stage act: "Complicated" and "Cool, calm & collected". The latter always went down well with audiences as they competed with each other to kept up with the tempo as it speeded up at the end. Even at the time, sadly very few people seemed to know the song so it was album that simply didn't cut through - more's the pity. It's still my favourite Stones album.
Excellent video, Andrew! Between the Buttons is perhaps my favourite Stones' 60s album. P.S. Amanda Lear also appears on the iconic cover of Roxy Music's For Your Pleasure. Another Roxy girl related to the Stones is Jerry Hall, but that's another story...rs All the best!
The Stones at their Jones-iest. And Jack always did amazing work with The Stones (and everyone). As I said before, my personal favorite Stones album. Hearing it for the first time really threw me off. The only two tracks I knew going in were Backstreet Girl and Please Go Home, because they were on the Flowers comp, and I did like them a lot. The rest were new to me and quite different than the Stones I knew. But over the years, I came to love every note on it. I love Let's Spend The Night Together and Ruby Tuesday, but I listen to them as a single. My dad grew up with the Stones (and owned that Flowers comp), but never heard Between The Buttons until he heard my CD. Now he adores it. I bought him a UK pressing for Christmas one year. He says Who's Been Sleeping Here is Mick's finest vocal. Super Dylan-y track right there. Mick really went out of his way to shred Chrissy Shrimpton at every damn turn, huh? And I love the "music hall" tracks to close each side. But I love When I'm 64, too, so there ya go. Paul McCartney and Ray Davies really got me into that sound in a rock context.
Having worn out Beggars through Exile, Between The Buttons and Goats Head Soup are now my go to Stones records. I LOVE everything up through Undercover, but this record paints such a wonderful picture.
Andrew, thanks so much for dedicating a whole video to this album. I agree with your notion that it lacks anything as strong as the Aftermath highlights, yet works better as an overall album. It´s the Stones at their most unique, when they combined their English roots with R&B, "Old" and World music (at least in the instrumentation). They were still working hard at the melodic element. Yesterday´s Papers, while not a great song as such, has a fantastic, all-encompassing vibrancy about it ( listen to the evolving soundscape!). Complicated is the single most underrated song in their whole catalogue. Cool, Calm & Collected is one of the most original tracks, with harmonies, instruments and a vocal delivery you´ll find nowhere else. Mick and Keith were at the top of their game as pop song writers, and Brian at his most versatile and adventurous. You can tell this record was made by a bunch of guys who followed their love of music instead of just the latest trend. One of their very best.
Thanks for the great review Andrew, and for shedding some light on this forgotten Stones album (however, when I think of it, it seems ALL of their sixties albums have been forgotten--even Banquet and Bleed, as I often wonder how many new or contemporary fans even buy those album--let alone the ones that preceded them). I have always struggled with Buttons, in part because it seemed to me a step down after Aftermath, which was my favorite early Stones album, and the curious nature of the material itself, especially the more humorous, cheeky dance hall content, which never sat well with me. Looking back, it really is very good, and doesn't get the recognition it deserves. I most love the murky, brooding tunes on the album--All Sold Out, My Obsession, Complicated and Connection. I also love the Dylany Who's Been Sleeping Here and the painful romance of She Smiled Sweetly. Back Street Girl remains one of the forgotten masterpieces in their canon, and Ruby/Let's Spend is one of their greatest singles. About the only missteps for me are the closers on each respective side: Cool, Calm, Collected devolves into cheeky dance hall jive, and Something Happened takes that up another notch, despite its cloying, clever lyric and story. Maybe a little to close to what the Kinks were doing at this time. And I always found Amanda Jones a little too corny for the Stones, despite the great lead guitar sound. As for the UK versus US format, I'm fine with either one: the American's got the great single, while the Brits got the superb Back Street Girl and the powerful Bo Diddley fuzz stomp of Please Go Home. And I think the cover photo is iconic--one of the greatest images of the band, and a striking visage of their collective persona. I have compared the mono and stereo mixes many times...and I almost like stereo version more, if only because the guitar seems more forward and the bass less cloudy. However, I am surprised to hear you like it better than Aftermath, citing the "filler" present on that album. Before I start expressing my opinions on that, I will wait for your review! Now you are obligated to review it, Andrew! Deal???
Thanks a lot Andrew, that was really cool, and I feel you summed up just the whole thing perfectly, highlighting the influence of Dylan and The Kinks, but also Brian Jones' contribution with unusual and heterogeneous instruments. Though not my favorite Stones LP (I've always been keener on Their Satanic Majesties Request), it has a few of my all-time favorite songs (Yesterday's Papers, All Sold Out) and I feel it is the most elegant one they did, with a very distinctive European touch, moving away from their blues roots. Of course, since 1965 they had been building a more personal identity with a more diversified songwriting and a determining contribution from Brian Jones, but I feel that this was never as much accomplished as on that album. What I love the most here is the somewhat weird and blurred atmosphere all throughout the album, echoing to the artwork, and which relies both on the arrangements (Yesterday's Papers, Complicated) than on production (Please Go Home). And on top of that, there's rather charming humor (Cool Calm & Collected, Something Happened To me Yesterday) which still leaves me with a smile. So, as to which edition I love the most, I'd say the one from the UK (preferably in mono indeed), because its American counterpart misses much of what makes that collection of songs that peculiar. And however bombastic Let's Spend The Night Together might be, I think Yesterday's Paper is no weak opener at all, on the contrary, I feel it sets the mood : they're somewhat out of their minds, just as they look on the picture sleeve. Thanks again, you do such a fantastic job ! Best wishes from France.
'Please Go Home' always reminds me of the Flamingo Groovies and I love that guitar riff on Miss Amanda Jones. The Dixon of Dock Green bit in 'Something Happened To Me' is fun too. The UK release is the one for me.
Wow! This was one of the U.S. Stones albums that I liked and had as a kid. I thought the back cover cartoon was a little out there and the front cover slick looked liked they were "stoned". LOL. Another great and informative video. Thanks Andrew!
great video that makes me remember what an interesting album btb is. though that thought escaped meat the time of purchase when i was 13 years old in california. living in the uk now i think the uk version is my preferred one...growing up btb was rather neglected in my house and least listened to stones album...i think that will change now...thank you very much for this reappraisal.
Excellent stuff as usual. Thanks Andrew. Wasn't a bad album and was always intrigued as to whether they did any of these tracks live in the short tour they did in '67. Keith said that '67 had a hole in it somewhere. Considering what happened to them that year, it's a miracle they got anything done at all.
Thank you, Andrew, for this great breakdown of an often overlooked album by the Rolling Stones. To me, this album shows a maturity in their songwriting, a step beyond "Aftermath". They were expanding and getting comfortable as songwriters beyond the standard blues or pop-themed songs. I was 13 when I fell hard for the Rolling Stones, in 1971, when "Sticky Fingers" was the current album. Within two years hence, after devouring "Hot Rocks" and "More Hot Rocks", I was totally invested in the band and proceeded to pick up all their back-catalog albums (which, by today's standards, weren't all that old back then). Living in North America, I wanted the UK version of "Between the Buttons", not just for the song line-up, but also because of the better quality of the Decca-produced vinyl. You didn't have to be an audiophile to see rather quickly that it was easily superior to what we had on this side of the pond. I did this for other Stones albums as well. Luckily, there were specialized record shops that carried the UK imports, certainly more expensive but totally worth it. Then, knowing that the UK version carried the songs as intended by the artist, it was a no-brainer to gravitate in this direction. As for the "Between the Buttons" album, it is as "English" as the Stones would ever sound. At a time for me, in the early 1970's, when hard rock was what I was into (and deriving complete satisfaction from "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main Street"), "Between the Buttons", at first glance didn't seem to fill that bill. However, this is what makes the Rolling Stones such a special band. I could put "Between the Buttons" on my turntable in between listens to current albums of the time by The Who, Deep Purple, Slade, T-Rex, Status Quo, Mott the Hoople, Nazareth, Zep... etc, and it always worked. There are so many great melodies on "Between the Buttons". I particulary loved lesser known songs (never played live) like "Who's Been Sleeping Here" (great piano by Nicky Hopkins on this one), "She Smiled Sweetly", and "Back Street Girl". "All Sold Out" is a wonderful pop song, Stonesy without being syrupy (something the Stones never were, and couldn't be even if they tried). I agree that "Yesterday's Papers" is not a standard hard-hitting album-opener, but, for me, it still works because it fits so well with the subsequent songs. "My Obsession" snd "Complicated" are very worthy Stones songs, truly enjoyable on this record. Then there's "Please Go Home", very psychedelic considering it was released prior to "Sgt Pepper's", thus, no "imitiating" the Beatles on that front. Rockers like "Miss Amanda Jones" and "Connection" are a real treat. All in all, the album's a great listen. As you mentioned, Andrew, Brian Jones' fingerprints are all over this album. Seeing what he contributed here, as well as on "Aftermath" the year before, it makes us wonder what else Brian could have contributed musically if he had stayed away from the drugs and kept himself together (and the other Stones had genuinely helped him to do it). Be that as it may, Brian outdid himself on both "Aftermath" and "Between the Buttons". It's impossible to listen to these albums without thinking about him. Thank you for giving him his just due, Andrew. Oh, then there's the closing track "Something Happened to Me Yesterday", which you didn't seem to care for, especially as an album closer. I think it's a wonderful song, a bit of a lark, but fully in line with the album's overall sound and theme. Note, that the song is very much in the style of "When I'm Sixty-Four", released 5 months later. So, maybe, the Beatles were listening to the Stones? Could it be? I'm kidding, of course, but if we accept "When I'm Sixty-Four" as an integral part of Sgt. Pepper's", so be it for "Something Happened to Me Yesterday" on "Between the Buttons". To answer your question about "Cool, Calm, and Collected", it is true it has a resemblance to the two Kinks' songs you mentioned. I believe all of the British Invasion bands influenced each other in so many ways, so resemblances are bound to be found. But, to me, "influencing" does not mean "copying". All these bands had their own, inimitable styles. That there be trends that spread among them is only natural, and it helped every band to remain inspired. Once again, Andrew, as much as I thought I knew everything about this album, I learned some new things from you, particularly about the where and when of the recording and mixing, very informative. As well, your views on mono vs stereo: I only knew the stereo versions growing up and was perfectly content with them, but my preference today is mono whenever I can find it. The sound is fuller, and stereo versions of these albums, when played on a single speaker (like I do in the shower sometimes!) have fold-down mono which cuts out instruments. "Sympathy for the Devil" is a glaring example where Nicky's piano gets drowned out almost entirely when folded down, as opposed to true mono which is full and complete. Thank you again for your detail, such a pleasure to watch and listen to. Please continue to feature the Rolling Stones every now and again in your videos. I love this band dearly, honestly could not live without them, and I love listening to the expert analysis you provide.
@@Parlogram While I mentioned that "Please Go Home" had a psychedelic feel to it, and this was prior to the release of "Sgt. Pepper's", there is still the matter of "Tomorrow Never Knows" from "Revolver" that was already out, of course, and no doubt had an influence on everything associated with the term "psychedelic". As we all know, the Beatles were abslolute masters in the creation of musical trends. However, this doesn't change the fact that "Please Go Home" works well in the style the Stones chose to record it in, isolated, as it were, as the only track on the album with psychedelic sound effects, yet still fully integrated, not at all out of place, adding to the distinctiveness and special feel of "Between the Buttons". Thank you again, Andrew.
Great album as is Flowers. Essential listening for anyone who liked (like) the stones. I can't imagine replacing a "Brian Jones". Then you get a "Mick Taylor". New sound but just as listenable.
This is my favourite of theirs, because I listened to it so much when I was 20. And it does have a certain pre classic rock originality. I’m a big fan of Blonde on Blonde as well and this album shows it’s influence.
Great vid as always, Andrew. In regard to "Something Happened To Me Yesterday", while I agree that it's not a barn-burner of a track (like Amanda Jones), it's a great insight into the minds of the Stones at their silliest and and most comfortable, and in my opinion, is an interesting foil to "You Know My Name", on which Brian Jones also plays sax (coincidence?) "Still struggle to listen to"?!? While you're entitled to your opinion, if you think of it from a historical perspective, you may like it more. I personally love the simplicity, and it always hits me as a satisfying closer for the album, like a simple dessert at the end of a good meal. :)
Likely explanation: Between the Buttons reminds the band of Brian Jones. This brings back uncomfortable memories of a difficult person. The album is top notch…the Stones’ “Revolver”. The orchestral version of Out of Time completed this album on my playlist.
Love that album. My favorite of the Brian Jones period. All Sold Out is the sleeper hit for me. I guess I need to listen to the mono version. The US stereo is the one I have.
Between the Buttons is a jewel from the Sixties!
Brian made this album SHINE with his arrangements
Agree! I've always been a huge Stones fan, and BTB is my fave Stones LP.
Maybe the reason why Jagger hates this LP.
Beyond 100% 👍👍👍👍
who the H would ever listen to this drivel??
Arrangements? Do you know what that actually means? Brian added nice tone colours with his multi-instrumental thing [and by the way, most decent musicians can pick up other instruments and get music out of them - It's nothing miraculous as the Brian lovers tend to paint it... These people seem to forget that the guy couldn't write songs for beans, and was often too f'd up to even show up to the studio, never mind write great "arrangements". The band seems to have done alright without him.
Between The Buttons (UK Version) has been my favorite Rolling Stones album for years...
Mine as well. Might be more Kinks than Stones, but I like it more than anything else the band did.
I for one have long since gotten over everyone hating my favorite tracks.
@@timallen2336 I vacillate between 'Buttons' and 'Satanic Majesties' for my fave, but yep, it's a fantastic LP.
Can't go wrong with any of the Brian Jones Stone; albums. My favorite period of theirs. So inventive!!
I saw the Stones twice in the 60s and both times the standouts were Brian and Bill.
@@Duvidoo Saw them once at Forest Hills Stadium here in NYC in 1966 They were terrific
Love Brian Wilson's response to the question. Didn't even need to think about it! :)
It's such a simple tune, but so much fun to play...
Brian dropped in on The Stones in the studio when they were recording it, so I'm sure that has something to do with it too.
’Yesterday's Papers’, ’My obsession’ and ’Complicated’ are my favorites from that album.
What about "Connection", I mean, can you hear the additional double drum pedal sound? This was before Good Morning, Good Morning by The Beatles...
I bought this when it was first released and I loved it. I played it constantly and I still play it on a fairly regular basis. I consider it one of their best albums.
This was my first Stones LP when I was 12 y.o.
Almost 60 years have passed and I still love it so much !
I bought this album originally in 1979. I was 13 teen . I just love the Brian Jones years. It’s my favorite Stones music! Good video Andrew!
Glad you enjoyed it, Matt!
This is one of my very favorite Stones albums!
I remember The Chocolate Watch Band covering "My Obsession" at a dance I saw them play at.
I'd kill to have seen the Chocolate Watch Band! Who did a better Jagger imitation than Dave Aguilar? Svengali Ed Cobb was brilliant. Lucky you...
My first Stones album ever...I received it as a present in the Spring of 1967..I was nine years old! 🥰
I wasn't familiar with this album, Andrew so thank you for the deep dive! Brian Jones was a fantastic multi instrumentalist who added an interesting sonic layer to the Stones' mid 60s albums. It's a tragedy that he died so young.
He essentially killed himself with booze and drink
Thanks for the deep dive into this overlooked record. Definitely has some gems on this album especially Connection, She Smiles Sweetly and Miss Amanda Jones. Thanks Andrew!
I do think connection is about a drug deal not waiting in airports!
100%
Out if all the you tube presenters, yours is the most informative and concise channels. Always a pleasure to watch. Please do more of sixties band like the Stones, Kinks and even The Who. Love your knowledge
Thank you very much! Will do!
I really enjoy all your Beatle videos but I am super happy seeing you stretching out. I'm looking forward to more "deep diving" into the Stones' catalogue.
It’s my favorite Stones LP, and one of my favorite albums ever.
Charlie drew the artwork for the back cover which is very cool! Charlie was a graphic illustrator and did a book with his pictures in tribute to Jazz musician Charlie Parker
Best of the Brian Jones years
It's always been my favorite album of theirs since I'm mostly a fan of the Jones era. I made a comp that includes all the US and UK tracks plus singles.
Wonderful video, Andrew! I enjoy your detours away from The Beatles from time to time, and The Rolling Stones are an all-time favorite of mine.
Hi Andrew, Thanks for a great video! I think the cover photo is very eye-catching and the songs work together!
Glad you liked it!
I love this album. It's their most "British" sounding record. It reminds me of The Kinks of that period. BTW Brian also plays piano on Ruby Tuesday.
In "The Rolling Stones Illustrated Record" (1976), author Roy Carr noted the "British" sound of "Between the Buttons and also compared the material to the Kinks. I also remember Nik Cohn writing that it was the first time the Stones sounded British in his essay on the Stones in "Rock From the Beginning" (1968). I think of "Between the Buttons" and "Their Satanic Majesties Request" as necessary explorations for the Stones to move from their R & B pop group sound to the mature rock sound of "Beggars Banquet" and "Let It Bleed." My favorite tracks are "Yesterday's Papers," "Back Street Girl," "All Sold Out," and "Something Happened to Me Yesterday." An interesting record that shows the Stones stretching out in 1966-67.
You should hear the British version of the album!
@@Khayyam-vg9fw Like most in the U.S, my first copy was the American version. I picked up a British copy in the very early 80s. While I love having "Let's Spend the Night Together" and "Ruby Tuesday" on the American version, you're right, the British is better!
I've always enjoyed this album!
Always a big favorite of mine.
Has always been one of my favorites since 1967. Brian Jones also played the dulcimer on Cool Calm Collective.
Love it! Always suspected this was Brian Jones' GEM.
You are sparkling with obvious pleasure at rating this, my favorite Stones album! Very enjoyable, it's like an art school masterpiece. I had not realized the extent of Brian Jones' involvement. I'll take my U.S. version with Ruby Tuesday over to my corner with headphones on, thank you very much!
Glad you enjoyed it, David!
@DavidCKendall - I liked the UK version, but now that I know about the US version and the first 2 hit singles to kick things off, I am adding those to my album playlist so that I can enjoy the start of the album with those catchy tunes and then the full UK lineup. 14 songs that way. The Beatles would be proud. I am excited about this... I like the album even more now!!
Great video.
Between the Buttons is a sublime album from start to finish. I was amazed to discover at how much the Stones were an album band on par with the Beatles. This album, the UK version, had much less distractions that a hit usually creates and a lot of unity. Like Aftermath, I don’t find there to be fillers. All compositions are a joy to listen to in one sitting. I credit these two albums for being the reason why they are at the tops of my favorite bands.
Glad you enjoyed it
It’s literally one my favorites. It really shows a giant evolution. My favorite is “Yesterday’s Papers”, but I love most of the other songs
It's a crime that "Backstreet Girl" wasn't put on the US album. It's one of the best stones songs of the time
They wanted you to buy "Flowers" album...
Beautiful melody but questionable lyrics unfortunately
Nice video @Parlogram, but there are some mistakes respect to personnel:
5:54 There are two bass parts, one was played by Keith and the other one could be played by Wyman (same case on "Yesterday's Papers")
9:54 There's no Theremin, it's an Oscillator, but it's not verified who played it, maybe Brian, maybe Wyman. Brian Jones plays the guitar on this tune with a tremolo effect.
11:29 Brian Jones didn't play anything on SHTMY, the horns arrangements were made by session musicians.
@@MangroveThroatwobbler That's the way it is with US album versions difffer from British releases,, British versions are real albums and US are compilations shifting songs from the original to following album, and worse, US albums always make 11 or 12 songs available while the british albums you'll get 14 which are better.
True, but it was included on the American “Flowers” album which was released shortly after “Between the Buttons”. “Flowers” also included three exclusive songs for the American market: “Ride on Baby”, “My Girl”, and “Sitting on a Fence”.
You always do such a great job, Andrew! I look forward to all your videos. I played the US "Between The Buttons" just a few weeks ago, having not heard it for years and came to the same conclusions as you: it's underrated Stones and wonderful to pull out from time to time. Thanks for all you do!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I absolutely LOVE this album. Definitely their most underrated.
Fascinating sounding and liberating album!
I've re-discovered this great LP a few months ago and have been playing it regularly since! Truly a breath of fresh air!
I have the U.S. version.
You said the word "baroque!" That word alone is enough to get me to listen to this album. Baroque and...very oddly...ragtime...are two of my favourite musical styles.
Why, I even like these little film clips of "Swingin' London" you added! They make this a video I can watch (and not merely listen to in the background) again and again!
Looks like my stereo is gonna be very busy this week!
It's lovely out here at the moment. Hope you're out enjoying the sights in Tara Bordeaux, Andrew! Aloha to all of you out there!
I love 'Yesterday's Papers' and 'Who's Been Sleeping Here', and prefer The Stones when Brian Jones was involved. Great video, as always.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent. I haven't watched your work before but will dig in some. More Stones please.
Love those Stones and John and Paul collaborations.
A must watch and really informative as always, great to see the same level of research and entertaining facts as the usual Beatles content. Thanks Andrew, i look forward to this every Saturday!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
I love mid-60s Stones. Their music was more inventive and varied. They made great albums in the 1968-72 period, but they became more formulaic.
Indeed
Good point.
Formulaic? This doesn’t hold up to reality. It’s more of a narrative than anything else. We could go through every track and easily disprove it.
By the time Steel Wheels came out. it seemed the Stones just wanted to blow people away with loud guitar music instead of the innovative material that had up to Exile on Main Street
@@ArmandoMPR It's my opinion. I love the 68-72 run of albums, but I think they settled in the same genres and style. If you read the band's words in books, they mostly recognize this: when they made Beggars' Banquet, they found their sound.
Much like you, I love this period of Stones career, and Between the Buttons has always been a favorite. But being from the US and growing up on Flowers, that was my favorite album from this ear.
At that time we had no idea it was compilation album of singles and leftover tracks. Great video, keep it going with more Stones contest. Thanks for sharing.
Love the Stones detours, Andrew.
It’s a very British, tongue in cheek vibe for me. It has a spring in its step. They weren’t taking themselves seriously. After this things changed in every way.
I like "Between The Buttons". It's got a trippy pop feel that fit those times very well.
I've been saying it all along this album is extremely underrated. I bought this album I think it was January or February of 67 and played it to death. I love this album. I always wondered was it the stones idea or the record companies idea to not put some of the songs on between the buttons and save them for flowers. It's kind of like the revolver yesterday and today thing. I actually love flowers too.
Fantastic!
“Back street girl” is one of my favorite songs - Bobby Darin did a great cover of it in 1967.
Great album, and great video.
Nice. Been so long since I last heard this album. Gotta go back and revisit. Thank you.
"Yesterday's Papers", a real classic. 🍻🍻
Rumored that "Something Happened to me Yesterday" was an ode to their first "psychedelic" experience. I own only a Mint British Stereo pressing. Can't afford the box set. Great Review!
I’ve always loved it.
My personal favorite!!
Great album. Woefully undervalued.
I bought the second colour mono boxset on vinyl..including this album but haven't listened to it yet! I will put that right!
It is my eighth favorite stones album, which means I love it.
I’m so glad you actually picked this album to review. I have that Mono box set. Totally worth the price. I do think the song selection is better on the American version. I really think those singles really helped to sell those records in the United States. And for what it’s worth because of changing the song selection around we got the excellent album “Flowers “
Oh I love this record..I've had it forever..I did get Flowers on ebay tho,mainly for Backstreet Girl.which is a song that always hits the spot! Thank you for the backstory..I'm not as fluent on Stones info as I would like to be so this is fun stuff!
Wow, just discussed this album with my son yesterday! We both love it so much! Happy to have a copy of the American Mono 1st press and UK Stereo! Love them both, maybe the US Mono a little better. Well to make the happiness complete NEED THE UK MONO 1st PRESS! Thank you so much, Andrew, another brilliant short documentary.. The only pity.. why is it so short? WE WANT THE SONES! 😀♥🎸🎙🎬🎞📺❤😝😛🤪😜😝
Glad you enjoy it! 😊
Thank you for a great video on a favorite album of mine. I really enjoy the trivia that you included. I wasn't aware of a lot of that information. Good stuff!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm writing this after listening to Between The Buttons in a mono version. I'd never noticed the difference between stereo and mono before but I have to say you are very correct in saying the momonsounds better. I certainly agree! Thanks again.
Many thanks Andrew ✌️ have a great afternoon!
Thanks, you too!
Very enjoyable video for music aficionados. The album has its own flavor.
The USA version is absolutely one of my favorite albums; I can't begin to imagine how many times I've listened to it from beginning to end ✌️
Deep cuts, overlooked gems, or the finest in UK pop... it's all Stones and we love The Stones! Thank you Parlogram
'All Sold Out' has always been one my favorites
Thank you for throwing The Kinks some love
Another good episode Andrew!
I truly loved Between The Buttons. The British version and the U.S. Lp’s respectively. That whole period of The Kinks, The Yardbirds, The Stones was an era earful of noise candy showing how much music was embracing styles of yesteryear and creating pathways for new generations (next several indeed) that showcased new avenues of sounds, lyrics, etc.
Pop culture was on the rise!
This was a period where you couldn’t pin the Stones as a Beatles copy band either. Great influences in Between The Buttons for sure, but the feels were still purely The Stones (in stoned glory perhaps).
“Flowers” for us in the States was sort of the “Yesterday & Today” album but had a great overall feel like the US Rubber Soul. Lots of acoustic guitars with a rocker or two thrown in for good measure.
Thanks for showing the label differences as well.
Thanks Brian, glad you enjoyed it. Great times!
True dat!!
It was fun buying so many albums in a 2 year period! And some of those labels like Phillips, Deram, Crescendo, etc were churning out some great ear candy too.
Tons of music!
Another revealing and enjoyable posting Andrew. I alway felt this album was the sound of “Swinging London” before they hit on a formula
Another great video Andrew! I’ll have to give this - or Flowers, which I really like even if it’s a bit of an odd compilation.
BTW thank you for the recommendation of Brian Auger’s Open. As a rock and jazz guy who loves organ the first two tracks are just amazing!
Thanks David. Glad you're enjoying Open!
Every fun person in my town had this LP in their collection.
Often played after the pub closed on a Saturday night served with Tea 😊.
My band the Regime (which functioned 1966-70) loved this album and we featured two of its tracks in our stage act: "Complicated" and "Cool, calm & collected". The latter always went down well with audiences as they competed with each other to kept up with the tempo as it speeded up at the end. Even at the time, sadly very few people seemed to know the song so it was album that simply didn't cut through - more's the pity. It's still my favourite Stones album.
'Who's been sleeping here' is brilliant.
Excellent video, Andrew! Between the Buttons is perhaps my favourite Stones' 60s album.
P.S. Amanda Lear also appears on the iconic cover of Roxy Music's For Your Pleasure. Another Roxy girl related to the Stones is Jerry Hall, but that's another story...rs All the best!
The Stones at their Jones-iest. And Jack always did amazing work with The Stones (and everyone).
As I said before, my personal favorite Stones album. Hearing it for the first time really threw me off. The only two tracks I knew going in were Backstreet Girl and Please Go Home, because they were on the Flowers comp, and I did like them a lot. The rest were new to me and quite different than the Stones I knew. But over the years, I came to love every note on it.
I love Let's Spend The Night Together and Ruby Tuesday, but I listen to them as a single.
My dad grew up with the Stones (and owned that Flowers comp), but never heard Between The Buttons until he heard my CD. Now he adores it. I bought him a UK pressing for Christmas one year. He says Who's Been Sleeping Here is Mick's finest vocal. Super Dylan-y track right there.
Mick really went out of his way to shred Chrissy Shrimpton at every damn turn, huh?
And I love the "music hall" tracks to close each side. But I love When I'm 64, too, so there ya go. Paul McCartney and Ray Davies really got me into that sound in a rock context.
"Really got me" - I saw what you did there.
Did you?
@@PaulSaether Haha, not intentional actually.
Having worn out Beggars through Exile, Between The Buttons and Goats Head Soup are now my go to Stones records. I LOVE everything up through Undercover, but this record paints such a wonderful picture.
Andrew, thanks so much for dedicating a whole video to this album. I agree with your notion that it lacks anything as strong as the Aftermath highlights, yet works better as an overall album. It´s the Stones at their most unique, when they combined their English roots with R&B, "Old" and World music (at least in the instrumentation). They were still working hard at the melodic element. Yesterday´s Papers, while not a great song as such, has a fantastic, all-encompassing vibrancy about it ( listen to the evolving soundscape!). Complicated is the single most underrated song in their whole catalogue. Cool, Calm & Collected is one of the most original tracks, with harmonies, instruments and a vocal delivery you´ll find nowhere else. Mick and Keith were at the top of their game as pop song writers, and Brian at his most versatile and adventurous. You can tell this record was made by a bunch of guys who followed their love of music instead of just the latest trend. One of their very best.
Thanks for the great review Andrew, and for shedding some light on this forgotten Stones album (however, when I think of it, it seems ALL of their sixties albums have been forgotten--even Banquet and Bleed, as I often wonder how many new or contemporary fans even buy those album--let alone the ones that preceded them). I have always struggled with Buttons, in part because it seemed to me a step down after Aftermath, which was my favorite early Stones album, and the curious nature of the material itself, especially the more humorous, cheeky dance hall content, which never sat well with me. Looking back, it really is very good, and doesn't get the recognition it deserves. I most love the murky, brooding tunes on the album--All Sold Out, My Obsession, Complicated and Connection. I also love the Dylany Who's Been Sleeping Here and the painful romance of She Smiled Sweetly. Back Street Girl remains one of the forgotten masterpieces in their canon, and Ruby/Let's Spend is one of their greatest singles. About the only missteps for me are the closers on each respective side: Cool, Calm, Collected devolves into cheeky dance hall jive, and Something Happened takes that up another notch, despite its cloying, clever lyric and story. Maybe a little to close to what the Kinks were doing at this time. And I always found Amanda Jones a little too corny for the Stones, despite the great lead guitar sound.
As for the UK versus US format, I'm fine with either one: the American's got the great single, while the Brits got the superb Back Street Girl and the powerful Bo Diddley fuzz stomp of Please Go Home. And I think the cover photo is iconic--one of the greatest images of the band, and a striking visage of their collective persona. I have compared the mono and stereo mixes many times...and I almost like stereo version more, if only because the guitar seems more forward and the bass less cloudy.
However, I am surprised to hear you like it better than Aftermath, citing the "filler" present on that album. Before I start expressing my opinions on that, I will wait for your review! Now you are obligated to review it, Andrew! Deal???
This album is my favourite stones :)
Both RS 1967 albums are great
Thanks a lot Andrew, that was really cool, and I feel you summed up just the whole thing perfectly, highlighting the influence of Dylan and The Kinks, but also Brian Jones' contribution with unusual and heterogeneous instruments. Though not my favorite Stones LP (I've always been keener on Their Satanic Majesties Request), it has a few of my all-time favorite songs (Yesterday's Papers, All Sold Out) and I feel it is the most elegant one they did, with a very distinctive European touch, moving away from their blues roots. Of course, since 1965 they had been building a more personal identity with a more diversified songwriting and a determining contribution from Brian Jones, but I feel that this was never as much accomplished as on that album. What I love the most here is the somewhat weird and blurred atmosphere all throughout the album, echoing to the artwork, and which relies both on the arrangements (Yesterday's Papers, Complicated) than on production (Please Go Home). And on top of that, there's rather charming humor (Cool Calm & Collected, Something Happened To me Yesterday) which still leaves me with a smile. So, as to which edition I love the most, I'd say the one from the UK (preferably in mono indeed), because its American counterpart misses much of what makes that collection of songs that peculiar. And however bombastic Let's Spend The Night Together might be, I think Yesterday's Paper is no weak opener at all, on the contrary, I feel it sets the mood : they're somewhat out of their minds, just as they look on the picture sleeve. Thanks again, you do such a fantastic job ! Best wishes from France.
Thank you, Julien. Much appreciated!
I think this album has one of the best stereo mixes ever created.
'Please Go Home' always reminds me of the Flamingo Groovies and I love that guitar riff on Miss Amanda Jones. The Dixon of Dock Green bit in 'Something Happened To Me' is fun too. The UK release is the one for me.
Wow! This was one of the U.S. Stones albums that I liked and had as a kid. I thought the back cover cartoon was a little out there and the front cover slick looked liked they were "stoned". LOL. Another great and informative video. Thanks Andrew!
Glad you enjoyed it
great video that makes me remember what an interesting album btb is. though that thought escaped meat the time of purchase when i was 13 years old in california. living in the uk now i think the uk version is my preferred one...growing up btb was rather neglected in my house and least listened to stones album...i think that will change now...thank you very much for this reappraisal.
Excellent stuff as usual. Thanks Andrew. Wasn't a bad album and was always intrigued as to whether they did any of these tracks live in the short tour they did in '67. Keith said that '67 had a hole in it somewhere. Considering what happened to them that year, it's a miracle they got anything done at all.
I’m loving The Rolling Stones content Andrew! I just saw them live for the first time ever the other night and I’m still riding that high 😁
Thank you. That must have been amazing!
Excellent episode, Andrew!!! I would love to see more on The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, etc. - Roger
Thank you for this video. For me the most interesting and underrated album of the Stones (no filler songs!!!) and my favourite beside Beggars Banquet.
Loved it, played it over and over, so interesting
Thank you, Andrew, for this great breakdown of an often overlooked album by the Rolling Stones. To me, this album shows a maturity in their songwriting, a step beyond "Aftermath". They were expanding and getting comfortable as songwriters beyond the standard blues or pop-themed songs. I was 13 when I fell hard for the Rolling Stones, in 1971, when "Sticky Fingers" was the current album. Within two years hence, after devouring "Hot Rocks" and "More Hot Rocks", I was totally invested in the band and proceeded to pick up all their back-catalog albums (which, by today's standards, weren't all that old back then). Living in North America, I wanted the UK version of "Between the Buttons", not just for the song line-up, but also because of the better quality of the Decca-produced vinyl. You didn't have to be an audiophile to see rather quickly that it was easily superior to what we had on this side of the pond. I did this for other Stones albums as well. Luckily, there were specialized record shops that carried the UK imports, certainly more expensive but totally worth it. Then, knowing that the UK version carried the songs as intended by the artist, it was a no-brainer to gravitate in this direction.
As for the "Between the Buttons" album, it is as "English" as the Stones would ever sound. At a time for me, in the early 1970's, when hard rock was what I was into (and deriving complete satisfaction from "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main Street"), "Between the Buttons", at first glance didn't seem to fill that bill. However, this is what makes the Rolling Stones such a special band. I could put "Between the Buttons" on my turntable in between listens to current albums of the time by The Who, Deep Purple, Slade, T-Rex, Status Quo, Mott the Hoople, Nazareth, Zep... etc, and it always worked. There are so many great melodies on "Between the Buttons". I particulary loved lesser known songs (never played live) like "Who's Been Sleeping Here" (great piano by Nicky Hopkins on this one), "She Smiled Sweetly", and "Back Street Girl". "All Sold Out" is a wonderful pop song, Stonesy without being syrupy (something the Stones never were, and couldn't be even if they tried). I agree that "Yesterday's Papers" is not a standard hard-hitting album-opener, but, for me, it still works because it fits so well with the subsequent songs. "My Obsession" snd "Complicated" are very worthy Stones songs, truly enjoyable on this record. Then there's "Please Go Home", very psychedelic considering it was released prior to "Sgt Pepper's", thus, no "imitiating" the Beatles on that front. Rockers like "Miss Amanda Jones" and "Connection" are a real treat. All in all, the album's a great listen.
As you mentioned, Andrew, Brian Jones' fingerprints are all over this album. Seeing what he contributed here, as well as on "Aftermath" the year before, it makes us wonder what else Brian could have contributed musically if he had stayed away from the drugs and kept himself together (and the other Stones had genuinely helped him to do it). Be that as it may, Brian outdid himself on both "Aftermath" and "Between the Buttons". It's impossible to listen to these albums without thinking about him. Thank you for giving him his just due, Andrew.
Oh, then there's the closing track "Something Happened to Me Yesterday", which you didn't seem to care for, especially as an album closer. I think it's a wonderful song, a bit of a lark, but fully in line with the album's overall sound and theme. Note, that the song is very much in the style of "When I'm Sixty-Four", released 5 months later. So, maybe, the Beatles were listening to the Stones? Could it be? I'm kidding, of course, but if we accept "When I'm Sixty-Four" as an integral part of Sgt. Pepper's", so be it for "Something Happened to Me Yesterday" on "Between the Buttons".
To answer your question about "Cool, Calm, and Collected", it is true it has a resemblance to the two Kinks' songs you mentioned. I believe all of the British Invasion bands influenced each other in so many ways, so resemblances are bound to be found. But, to me, "influencing" does not mean "copying". All these bands had their own, inimitable styles. That there be trends that spread among them is only natural, and it helped every band to remain inspired.
Once again, Andrew, as much as I thought I knew everything about this album, I learned some new things from you, particularly about the where and when of the recording and mixing, very informative. As well, your views on mono vs stereo: I only knew the stereo versions growing up and was perfectly content with them, but my preference today is mono whenever I can find it. The sound is fuller, and stereo versions of these albums, when played on a single speaker (like I do in the shower sometimes!) have fold-down mono which cuts out instruments. "Sympathy for the Devil" is a glaring example where Nicky's piano gets drowned out almost entirely when folded down, as opposed to true mono which is full and complete.
Thank you again for your detail, such a pleasure to watch and listen to. Please continue to feature the Rolling Stones every now and again in your videos. I love this band dearly, honestly could not live without them, and I love listening to the expert analysis you provide.
Nice post! Glad you enjoyed the video.
@@Parlogram While I mentioned that "Please Go Home" had a psychedelic feel to it, and this was prior to the release of "Sgt. Pepper's", there is still the matter of "Tomorrow Never Knows" from "Revolver" that was already out, of course, and no doubt had an influence on everything associated with the term "psychedelic". As we all know, the Beatles were abslolute masters in the creation of musical trends. However, this doesn't change the fact that "Please Go Home" works well in the style the Stones chose to record it in, isolated, as it were, as the only track on the album with psychedelic sound effects, yet still fully integrated, not at all out of place, adding to the distinctiveness and special feel of "Between the Buttons". Thank you again, Andrew.
Brought up with the US version, Good enough for me. Also liked. Flowers. and the great stuff to follow.
This is a very interesting and entertaining video. I will soon listen to the album myself.
Great album as is Flowers. Essential listening for anyone who liked (like) the stones. I can't imagine replacing a "Brian Jones". Then you get a "Mick Taylor". New sound but just as listenable.
Great album. Thank you for your content. Always enjoyable.
Thanks Chris. Glad you enjoy it!
The RUclips-Safe music backgrounds sound GREAT!
Face to Face is one of my favourite Kinks albums and would love to see you guys make some more Kinks albums
I have, and enjoy both versions of Between The Buttons.
Quirky yet treasured album in their vast catalogue. I agree, sublime in UK Mono!
This is my favourite of theirs, because I listened to it so much when I was 20. And it does have a certain pre classic rock originality. I’m a big fan of Blonde on Blonde as well and this album shows it’s influence.
Great vid as always, Andrew. In regard to "Something Happened To Me Yesterday", while I agree that it's not a barn-burner of a track (like Amanda Jones), it's a great insight into the minds of the Stones at their silliest and and most comfortable, and in my opinion, is an interesting foil to "You Know My Name", on which Brian Jones also plays sax (coincidence?)
"Still struggle to listen to"?!? While you're entitled to your opinion, if you think of it from a historical perspective, you may like it more. I personally love the simplicity, and it always hits me as a satisfying closer for the album, like a simple dessert at the end of a good meal. :)
One all time favorite
Likely explanation: Between the Buttons reminds the band of Brian Jones. This brings back uncomfortable memories of a difficult person. The album is top notch…the Stones’ “Revolver”. The orchestral version of Out of Time completed this album on my playlist.
The heart of Stones are the blues . These are popier songs, they wrote to sell and because of managers and industry types.
Love that album. My favorite of the Brian Jones period. All Sold Out is the sleeper hit for me. I guess I need to listen to the mono version. The US stereo is the one I have.
Flawed but fascinating. Any album that has Yesterday's Papers has got to be good.