Who says one of the oldest and biggest rock bands in the world can't keep their digital presence somewhat fresh? The Rolling Stones this week unveiled a revamp of their 50-year catalogue on iTunes, including two new digital box sets that collect the majority of their standard discography.
While the Stones' catalogue has long been part of the digital music service, they're the latest act to reintroduce their albums in "Mastered For iTunes" format. While tireless physical music enthusiasts might roll their eyes at this distinction, a bit of reading on the practice might indicate it's not as abhorrent as it sounds; Apple in fact suggests sources be delivered to them at 24-bit/96 khz resolution, equivalent to HDTracks and above the standard rate for a traditional compact disc (16-bit/44.1 khz). We're not saying it's better, per se, but it might not be as bad as one might think.
Look, if nothing else, think of this as an excuse to introduce your sullen, iTunes-buying nephew to some great rock music. So to that end, check out the MFiT-style offerings right here. Two new compilations, The Rolling Stones 1963-1971 and The Complete Collection 1971-2013, feature the majority of the best stuff, as outlined below. There are also plenty of long-form videos, including recent documentary Crossfire Hurricane, for downloading, too.
The Rolling Stones 1963-1971 (ABKCO, 2013)
- The Rolling Stones (EP) (1964)
- The Rolling Stones (U.K. Version) (1964)
- Five by Five (EP) (1964)
- The Rolling Stones No. 2 (1965)
- Out of Our Heads (U.K. Version) (1965)
- Aftermath (U.K. Version) (1966)
- Between The Buttons (1967)
- Their Satanic Majesties Request (1968)
- Beggars Banquet (1968)
- Let It Bleed (1969)
- Metamorphosis (1975)
- No Stone Unturned, Vols. 1-2 (new non-LP compilation)
The Complete Collection 1971-2013
- Sticky Fingers (1971)
- Exile on Main St. (1972 - includes 2010 Deluxe Edition disc)
- Goats Head Soup (1973)
- It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (1974)
- Black & Blue (1976)
- Love You Live (1977)
- Some Girls (1978 - includes 2011 Deluxe Edition disc)
- Emotional Rescue (1980)
- Tattoo You (1981)
- "Still Life" (American Concert, 1981) (1982)
- Undercover (1983)
- Dirty Work (1986)
- Steel Wheels (1989)
- Flashpoint (1991)
- Voodoo Lounge (1994)
- Stripped (1995)
- Bridges to Babylon (1997)
- Live Licks (2004)
- A Bigger Bang (2005)
- Shine a Light (2008)
- Doom and Gloom (2012 - Album Version + Jeff Bhasker Mix)
- One More Shot (2012 - Album Version + Jeff Bhasker Mix)
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It's about time they released a record of non album singles, it's been frustrating trying to compile a full stones discography without them.
no they just need to release it on CD!
Meh!
I'm only interested in the ABKCO period, and I've always thought the Rolling Stones needed some kind of "Past Masters" volumes. They also need to have their two first UK albums available... On CD !
Sorry but I don't care about dematerialized music (only if it's free and that the real thing is unavailable). No, I want a nice box set, with all their production from these years. Just like the Beatles did. That I'll buy! But I won't pay for 0's and 1's. No way!
The Stones do have an equivalent to the "Past Masters" collections collecting all their ABKCO non-album singles- it's called "The Rolling Stones Singles Collection* The London Years". It was originally released in 1989 and remastered with the rest of the ABKCO material in 2002. It's three CDs (also includes singles drawn from the albums so it is more comprehensive than "Past Masters". Frankly I prefer that as it gives a better perspective on how the music was first presented.), well-anotated, and every home should have it!
Of course I know (and have!) "The London Years", but it lacks a lot of songs to be as copmplete as "Past Masters"... The songs from the EPs, some from "(More) Hot Rocks", the ones that were only available in the US... And some songs have different versions too... The Rolling Stones (well, in fact ABKCO) should really consider reformating the pre-1971 catalogue, electing "core-albums" (UK or US) and provide a complete discography of the era. That said, "The London Years" must be one of the best album ever, it only lacks "Under My Thumb" and "Gimme Shelter" to be perfect 😀