Their Satanic Majesties Request
Well, its time. I've been ready for this moment. The moment we dive into the peak of Psychedelic Stones.
The moment I've probably over-hyped myself for.
An album with mixed views by both consumer and producer. This is Their Satanic Majesties Request.
Sing This All Together
A charming song for the most part. The part where they, of course, sing the song all together, is very charming, and it my favorite part. You get a few backwards guitars in the middle breakdown, but just a few.
8.5 / 10
Citadel
Citadel’s a bit hectic, both composition wise and lyric wise, but I do like how the guitar sounds. It sounds like they weren't sure what to do.
7 / 10
In Another Land
In Another Land works better as an album track. As I've said, I love the harpsichord on this song, and it progresses well. I forget if the single version was in mono or stereo, but the stereo mix really helps it with that psychedelic sound, with both sets of vocals on each side. The backing vocals do the same, but one side is much stronger and you can hardly notice the other.
Oh, and for the album version, we get snoring. Wyman snoring. He does a lot on this song even if he doesn't realize it.
8.75
2000 Man
I think this song could pass off as a great Stones song. In the beginning it’s a sweet song that could fit in anywhere, but afterwards it becomes a hard hitting song with the works; loud drums, guitar fills, etc. A little fine tuning could have made this song much better.
9.5 / 10
Sing This All Together (See What Happens) (Including Cosmic Christmas)
The idea of a long song on a psychedelic album scared me. Especially when it was under the Rolling Stones name, since I have not been too much of a fan of their longer songs. They just seem to extend things longer than they should.
Think of this song as a more musical Revolution 9. Take ideas and mash it together. Create a colorful mix of instruments. Of course, colorful isn't always good.
The bits of vocals (yelling and such) almost seem forced, which I’m sure they were judging by the way this album was created. I’m not going to say there’s nothing good about this, but throwing everything all together creates a mess. Sometimes, something fun pops up in this song, like the rhythm changing and moving around, but everything else is just trying to fill in space.
Like most psychedelic art-y songs like this, you’d probably never say “you know, I’m feeling good, today’s a good day to put on Sing This All Together (See What Happens).”
Is it even fair to rate this song? 5.5 / 10
She’s a Rainbow
Maybe the last song was to make this song seem even better.
Because I would suggest this album to everyone just because of this song. This wonderful song.
The sweet, sweet piano is accompanied by a strong acoustic and drums, and when it’s alone it’s followed by violins and a mellotron. Both lead and backing vocals are delightful, as well as everything in the middle. Like that orchestration.
I’m at a loss for words about this song. She’s a Rainbow is the most lovely of all Rolling Stones songs.
20 / 10
The Lantern
Such a simple song in comparison, but it’s a goodie. I've said before that it’s the Stones sound clashing with the psychedelic sound. Being made an album track, as well as being put after She’s a Rainbow, let me enjoy this song a bit more.
7.75 / 10
Gomper
The Urban Dictionary describes a Gomper as an unattractive person and as “the very worst song the Rolling Stones ever recorded.”
The song combines a small amount of Indian music that became increasingly popular in the late 1960’s, as Harrison expressing his enjoyment in it through his songs. Maybe it’s that exposure that helped me appreciate the song. Of course, a song like this requires a specific taste, so it’s not hard to imagine why people wouldn't enjoy it. Also, Brian played an electric dulcimer.
It’s just not fair to rate it close to the other songs.
8 / 10
2000 Light Years from Home
I was a bit wary with the beginning of this song, but then it burst open to reveal a great song. Two of the best bits of this song revolve around, of course, the Mellotron providing strings and the drumming of Watts. The vocals also add a nice touch to what’s probably the best effort put into a psychedelic rock song by the Stones
10 / 10
On with the Show
I thought The Beatles put Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band at the beginning of their album (even the reprise wasn't at the end.)
Oh wait. I’m still at the Stones.
I guess I can dissect this one. Every instrument compliments itself, from the fills on the guitar to the fantastic drumming by Watts, to the mellotron. The bass even plays a nice melody. Jagger’s effect-vocals are a bit out of place, but they go away.
The album ends with the scene of a honky-tonk piano in a fancy setting with conversations. But I guess the song did what it wanted to do. It’s almost simple in it’s presentation, and I think that’s what makes it nice.
8.75 / 10
The album is good. Far from the best, but it’s a great detour from their normal music.
It does what it wants, and is able to present itself well despite having no producer to guide the Stones to productivity, as well as how horrible the sessions were.
This album is well worth the listen. While only two songs made the Stones live setlist (both songs had short lived life on those setlists, as well), the album is interesting and definitely works.
Also buy it for She’s a Rainbow.
