In the world of rock and roll, few bands have left as indelible a mark as The Rolling Stones. With a career spanning over six decades, they've produced a vast discography that includes both legendary albums and, in the eyes of their frontman, Mick Jagger, some less-than-stellar efforts. One such album is 'Between the Buttons', a 1966 release that, despite its commercial success, has been met with a certain level of disappointment from Jagger himself. This article delves into the reasons behind Jagger's critique, exploring the album's production, its impact on the band's sound, and the broader context of The Rolling Stones' prolific and often chaotic career.
The Sound of a Lost Revolution
In an interview from 1995, Jagger revealed his mixed feelings about 'Between the Buttons'. He described it as a 'good record' but one that was 'unfortunately rather spoiled'. The issue, according to Jagger, was the over-development of the album, which resulted in a loss of the spontaneity and energy that made The Rolling Stones so revolutionary. The band recorded the album in London using 4-track machines, and the process of bouncing back and forth to do overdubs led to a loss of the original sound. This is a fascinating insight into the creative process of the time, and it raises the question of how much modern production techniques have changed the way we experience music.
Commercial Success vs. Artistic Accomplishment
'Between the Buttons' reached number three in the UK album charts and number two in the US, and it produced one of the band's most iconic singles, 'Let's Spend the Night Together'. However, for Jagger, commercial success takes a back seat to artistic accomplishment. He values the innovative compositions and the psychedelic sound of the album, even if it doesn't hold the same place in the hearts of fans. This highlights a common tension in the music industry between creating music that appeals to a broad audience and pushing artistic boundaries.
The Rolling Stones' Chaotic Creative Process
The context in which 'Between the Buttons' was created is also worth considering. The Rolling Stones were constantly on the road and in the recording studio, all the while being hounded by the tabloid press. This busy schedule and the pressure of the music industry may have contributed to the band's decision to over-develop the album. It's easy to see how the stress and chaos of the time could have affected the creative process, leading to a loss of the spontaneity and energy that made The Rolling Stones so unique.
A Missed Opportunity?
Despite Jagger's criticism, 'Between the Buttons' has its moments. He acknowledges that 'Connection' and 'My Obsession' are good tracks, and even 'Ruby Tuesday' (which was not included on the UK version of the album) is a highlight. However, the overall impression is one of a missed opportunity. The album could have been a true masterpiece, but the over-production and the loss of the band's signature sound may have prevented it from reaching its full potential. This raises the question of whether The Rolling Stones could have achieved even greater success if they had been more selective in their recording process.
Conclusion: The Price of Success
In the end, 'Between the Buttons' is a fascinating example of the price of success. The Rolling Stones' prolific output and their desire to constantly push boundaries may have led to a loss of the spontaneity and energy that made them so revolutionary. Jagger's critique is a reminder that even the greatest bands can make mistakes, and that the creative process is often a complex and chaotic one. It's a testament to the band's enduring legacy that, despite their flaws, they continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians and fans alike.
