Are you sick of the Rolling Stones?

Question

First, unless you listen to a classical, country, or jazz station, you are going to hear the Stones- a LOT; and its the same songs- I must have heard Jumpin Jack Flash and Brown Sugas a gazillion times. Second, they are one of (if not the) biggest sell-out, commercial bands there are - not that they need the money. (Compare with Bruce Springsteen who was offered millions for his songs but declined). Third, they love the lawsuit whenever it regards any trace of their image or sound. I may be wrong on this, but I believe the band that did 'Bittersweet Symphony' was sued from them for having a sample of 'Last Time'? I dont know about you, but when Im in my 60s I dont think stuff like that would bother me unless it gets out of hand. And, yes, I still acknowledge them as one of the greatest rock n roll bands of all time- which is partly why I no longer listen to rock and roll! ;)

Answer 1

I was maxed out on questions last night, so I posted my own about U2. I think they are kinda going the same route.

I'm an old fart who has been a Stones fan for longer than many of you have been alive. (I bought Exile on Main Street the summer it came out - 1972!) Their best stuff is as good as anything anyone else has ever done - I grew up with them and I love 'em. But YES, I know what you mean. I would say "Satisfaction" and "Honky Tonk Women" are even better than the two you mentioned, but they do get played a lot. I often wonder how younger people feel about hearing The Beatles and Rolling Stones all the time - like the older folks are trying to force it on you. There is a lot of good new music, I know - I'm just not familiar with it. I never thought this would happen, but once you get past college and your 20s you just don't have trime to keep up with music. Somehow the old songs remind us of "the good old days" - which in truth weren't all that good. But we only remember the good stuff (having fun with friends, etc.) and not the bad (conflicts with parents, having no money, etc.) Baby boomers do deserve their reputation for being selfish and expecting everyone to like what they like, sometimes.

Actually, while the Stones did some great stuff, they DID have a high percentage of crappy albums and songs. Almost like they put out records on schedule whether they are inspired or not, and they don't really try unless their backs are up against the wall. Their '80s records are especially disappointing. But their last few discs have been really good. Also, check out the solo records Keith Richards put out. I also like the fact that they DO keep going - they are not at their peak but still good.

As far as greed, I understand also. The Beatles are even worse! Sometimes people just get more cranky and petty as they age. BUT maybe they feel like they were screwed by their managers and the business for so long, that they won't let it happen again. In the '60s artists got treated like garbage and worked hard for very little. I don't know why someone would want to be famous anyway - everyone's in your business and you can't have any privacy - but I guess they feel that THEY did the work to create the name and the "brand" and they don't want others freeloading or misusing and messing up what they created. They even go after the folks selling Strones t-shirts if they are not officially licensed and they don't get their cut. Maybe it's an ego thing, although the way the law works if you don't "defend" your "trademark" you could lose it. And of course their tours are sponsored up the wazoo by the big corporations.

Yeah, from my description it sounds like they are selling soap, or cars, or some other very "corporate" product - not rock 'n roll rebellion. Seems like Mick Jagger is VERY conservative and corporate under all that swagger. They may look a little odd to some still doing it at their age, but if the music's still good (not great) and the shows are entertaining (if not cutting edge), then what's the harm? We'll all be older one day, if we're lucky.

At the end of the day, I like their music and I don't have to live with them or their attitude, so I'm glad their around. But I understand they are not for everyone.

Now that I'm in the mood, I might post a question about top 40 radio (ask your grandpa what it was). :)

Answer 2

The Rolling Stones are not a sell out ! Haven't you read all of those favorable reviews of "A Bigger Bang" - I would gladly listen to it if someone sent me a free copy, so far it hasn't happened. (I stopped buying their new releases after being disappointed with Steel Wheels. )

Yes, The Rolling Stones Corporation sued The Verve for the unauthorized sampling of "The Last Time" in their single, "Bittersweet Symphony." So what of it ? Richard Ashcroft should write his own bloody music if he's such a genius !

Did you see Mick Jagger on television when he recounted the story of how Microsoft acquired the use of "Start Me Up" for the debut of the new Windows product a few years back ?

Gates asked Jagger, "How much will it cost to use that song ?"

Jagger didn't want Gates to have the rights to the song, so he pulled a number out of the air. "Nine million dollars," he said.

"Very good," responded the richest man in the world, and he proceeded to pull out his checkbook and wrote the check.

If the Rolling Stones are biggest sell-outs in the world, it is because they are the greatest band in the history of rock and roll.

Answer 3

Satisfaction is probably the best single ever released. But I agree that radio keeps playing the same songs over and over. they have an immense catalogue of music to choose from. I'd like to hear more obscure Stones material. As for sell-outs, I'd sell out for the kind of money they are making.

Answer 4

you what I think it's pretentious for you to call them sellouts. Sure they might be getting old, but hell at least they're still doing what they love to do. They're not the band they were in the 60s, but you still have to respect them for continuing to be one of the most legendary and influential bands of the last century.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

Strolling Bones!

Answer 7

I haven't liked anything from them since sometime in the 70's. But somebody must, cuz they are still touring. Longevity, all I can say!

Answer 8

Yes, I'm really sick of them. I never cared for their music, anyway, but now it's even worse. Man, they are older than my parents and I'm 39 years-old. Geez.

Answer 9

No. Who else can come up with such gems like "Paint it Black" & "Honky Tonk Woman"?...they are a versatile bunch...period.

Answer 10

One group that seems able to last forever - whether we like it or not.