Paint It Black is the opening song on the American version of The Rolling Stones 1966 album entitled Aftermath. The record and the song both reached number one for the Stones becoming instant classics. Paint It Black is one of the most recognizable tunes the band has ever produced remaining a fan favorite, a concert staple and a radio mainstay. The opening drums, rhythm guitar and Brian Jones sitar arrests your attention and refuses to release its hold on you. Mick Jagger's advancing vocal abilities are darkly expressive as well as emotionally accessible. But the true driver of the song is the interplay between Charlie Watts shrewd drumming and Bill Wymans' thrumming bass. Wyman doubles the bass by using organ foot peddles to successfully enhance the depth and strength at the bottom of the song. These performances help elevate the dusky mysticism evinced by the sitar which lifts the song from commonplace up to the level of remarkable art.
The song musically and lyrically laments the sadness felt from the death of a loved one. It paints the picture of a man mourning the loss of his girlfriend, sister, or perhaps even daughter at too young of an age. Seeing other girls alive and vibrant brings a reminder of loss and a welling of tears. The memory of the funeral procession, the flowers wilting over time, the numbing casualness of acquaintances are to much to bear. Death wreaks devastation upon the survivors and the song effectively conveys that despair without becoming maudlin. 
Earlier Stones writing efforts to express similar dark emotions include As Tears Go By, and Heart Of Stone. Both are fine songs but pale next to the maturity achieved with the writing and production of Paint It Black. The song and the Aftermath album signal the Stones departure from Chicago blues covers and simplistic musical poems to their arrival as a dynamic creative force within the rock music community. Since the release of Aftermath in 1966, The Rolling Stones have remained rock and roll trend setters who are now celebrating their 50th anniversary as one of the most enduring forces in music history.Paint It Black
 |
| Wyman, Jagger, Watts, Richards and Jones (kneeling) |
I really question whether or not Jagger has any vocal abilities at all...IMO, he cannot sing or carry a tune in a bucket. The Stones put out some good/great instrumental music but Jagger quite simply cannot sing...Reminds me alot of Steven Tyler...Both are ugly and can't hit a note but are very good at screaming!
ReplyDeleteYou're not the first to level this criticism at Jagger and there is some truth in it. Nobody would argue that Jagger's voice is exactly pretty. But I respectfully disagree with you about him as well as Steven Tyler. I would suggest that without Jagger or Tyler The Stones and Areosmith simply wouldn't exist and neither band would be in the R&R Hall of Fame. Nobody will ever confuse their singing with McCartney or Elvis on the other hand I don't think Paul or Presley could sing Brown Sugar or Back In the Saddle.
ReplyDeleteThe blog is based on my musical taste & opinions but I'm under no illusion that everyone will agree with me all(most?)of the time. Please keep reading and letting me know your opinion because it matters to me.
Thank you,
J