Beggars Banquet

Beggars Banquet
Name	Beggars Banquet
Artist	The Rolling Stones
Released	December 6, 1968
Recorded	March 17 – July 25, 1968
Genre	Rock music, Blues rock
Length	39:44
Label	Decca Records
Producer	Jimmy Miller

Beggars Banquet is the seventh British and ninth American studio album by The Rolling Stones, released in 1968 to critical acclaim and commercial success, featuring songs like Sympathy for the Devil and Street Fighting Man. The album was produced by Jimmy Miller and recorded at Olympic Studios in London, with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger being the primary songwriters. The album's release was preceded by the Singles Collection: The London Years and followed by the Let It Bleed album, which also featured Gimme Shelter and Midnight Rambler. The band's lineup during this period included Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Mick Taylor, who would later replace Brian Jones.

Background

The concept of Beggars Banquet was influenced by the Medieval period and the works of William Shakespeare, with the album's title being inspired by the Feast of Fools. The band drew inspiration from various artists, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The Who, and experimented with new sounds and styles, such as Country music and Folk rock. The album's recording was also influenced by the Counterculture of the 1960s and the Summer of Love, with songs like Sympathy for the Devil referencing the Satanic Verses and the Marquis de Sade. The band's relationships with other artists, such as John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles, and Pete Townshend of The Who, also played a role in shaping the album's sound.

Recording

The recording of Beggars Banquet took place at Olympic Studios in London, with Jimmy Miller producing the album. The band worked with various musicians, including Nick Harrison and Dave Mason, to create the album's distinctive sound. The recording process was marked by experimentation and innovation, with the band using new instruments and techniques, such as the Sitar and Tambourine. The album's sound was also influenced by the work of other producers, such as George Martin and Phil Spector, who had worked with The Beatles and The Righteous Brothers. The band's use of Acoustic guitar and Harmonica added to the album's Folk rock sound, which was also influenced by the music of Woody Guthrie and Robert Johnson.

Music and lyrics

The music and lyrics of Beggars Banquet are characterized by their eclecticism and experimentation, with the band drawing on a wide range of influences, including Blues music, Country music, and Classical music. The album's lyrics, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, are marked by their complexity and depth, with songs like Sympathy for the Devil and Street Fighting Man addressing themes of Politics, History, and Social commentary. The album's sound is also notable for its use of Orchestration, with songs like Lady Jane featuring String section and Harp. The band's use of Rhythm and blues and Soul music influences added to the album's Rock music sound, which was also influenced by the music of Ray Charles and Sam Cooke.

Release and reception

Beggars Banquet was released in December 1968 to critical acclaim and commercial success, with the album reaching the top of the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200 chart. The album received positive reviews from critics, including Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus, who praised the album's eclecticism and experimentation. The album's release was also marked by controversy, with some critics accusing the band of Satanism and Obscenity. The album's success was also influenced by the band's relationships with other artists, such as The Doors and Jimi Hendrix, who had also released critically acclaimed albums in the late 1960s. The album's impact was also felt in the Punk rock movement, with bands like The Clash and The Sex Pistols citing the album as an influence.

Track listing

The track listing of Beggars Banquet includes some of the band's most famous songs, such as Sympathy for the Devil, Street Fighting Man, and Parachute Woman. The album's track listing is as follows: 1. Sympathy for the Devil 2. No Expectations 3. Dear Doctor 4. Parachute Woman 5. Jigsaw Puzzle 6. Street Fighting Man 7. Prodigal Son 8. Stray Cat Blues 9. Factory Girl 10. Salt of the Earth. The album's track listing was influenced by the band's relationships with other artists, such as The Kinks and The Animals, who had also released albums with eclectic track listings.

Legacy

The legacy of Beggars Banquet is profound, with the album being widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. The album's influence can be heard in the music of The Who, The Kinks, and The Doors, among others. The album's eclecticism and experimentation have also influenced a wide range of artists, from Punk rock bands like The Clash and The Sex Pistols to Hip hop artists like The Beastie Boys and Jay-Z. The album's impact on Rock music is also evident in the work of artists like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, who have cited the album as an influence. The album's legacy continues to be felt today, with the album being included on lists of the greatest albums of all time, such as Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and NME's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The album's influence can also be seen in the work of other artists, such as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, who have covered songs from the album in their live performances.

Category:1968 albums