This is a very interesting 2003 compilation, but importantly, it is not a Rolling Stones album. Instead, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood each selected music by other artists that influenced them. It was part of Hear Music’s Artist’s Choice series, in which musicians selected “the music that matters to them” and provided commentary about their choices.

Released: 2003

Label: Hear Music / Virgin

Tracks: 16

Running time: about 48 minutes

Genre: Blues / R&B / Soul / Rock & Roll / Rock / Reggae

Track listing

1. James Brown – Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag (Part 1)

2. Al Green – I’m Still in Love with You

3. Otis Redding – I Can’t Turn You Loose

4. Muddy Waters – Still a Fool

5. Robert Johnson – 32-20 Blues

6. Eddie Cochran – C’mon Everybody

7. Little Richard – The Girl Can’t Help It

8. Earl Bostic – Flamingo

9. Andre Williams – Jail Bait

10. Sly & the Family Stone – If You Want Me to Stay

11. The Itals – In a Dis a Time

12. Sade – By Your Side

13. Aretha Franklin – Until You Come Back to Me

14. The Isley Brothers – This Old Heart of Mine

15. Muddy Waters – You Shook Me

16. The Beach Boys – I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times

Who chose what?

The selections provide a fascinating glimpse into the individual Stones’ musical tastes:

* Mick Jagger: James Brown, Eddie Cochran, Sly & the Family Stone, Sade and others.

* Keith Richards: Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Andre Williams and The Itals.

* Charlie Watts: Otis Redding, Little Richard, Earl Bostic and The Isley Brothers.

* Ronnie Wood: Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Muddy Waters and The Beach Boys.

Why it’s worth having

The great strength of the CD is that it effectively documents the musical roots of the Rolling Stones. Blues, R&B, soul and early rock ‘n’ roll dominate the selection—exactly the styles that shaped the Stones’ own music. AllMusic particularly highlights the blues, R&B, soul, old-school rock & roll and reggae influences.

The Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Otis Redding, James Brown and Little Richard tracks are especially revealing when listened to alongside the Stones’ own recordings.

It also has some interesting surprises. Sade and The Beach Boys aren’t the obvious choices you’d expect from a Stones compilation, making those selections particularly useful for understanding the wider tastes of the four musicians.

Collector’s view

This is a good CD for a Rolling Stones fan and an even better CD for someone interested in the Stones’ musical influences. The original packaging also includes commentary from the band members explaining their selections, which adds considerably to its appeal.

My rating: ★★★★½ / 5

Best genre classification: Blues / R&B / Soul / Rock & Roll