The Rolling Stones: The Singles

Rolling Stones The Singles, a travel among the 45 RPM of Jagger & Richards band released for the Italian market The search for the many treasures written by Jagger-Richards (limited editions, singles radio, curiosities) is the spark that pushed Claudio Aloi, Franco Brizi, Stefano Dello Schiavo and Renzo Demaria to fill their stuff in Rolling Stones - The Singles (Applause Editions). The subtitle reports The most complete review of the single releases in Italy" and succeeds in the task of goingbeyond a simple compilation of codes, dates and titles to become one map in which, page after page, the passion of a lifetime emerges. Something that enters you and stays there forever" writes Claudio Scarpa in the preface.This is why the authors are specifying how at the time "buying a single was a real one event, and whoever bought it was able to listen to it even 20 times a day for about ten days". Other times, obviously, not better or worse: simply different times. But always with the songs as a pivot.The book, dedicated to passionate collectors, poor of anecdotes to drive the focus on the released objects, examinating the period 1964-1985, historically marked by the publication of 45 RPM singles (from the juke box era until the raise of Compact Discs). Covers, labels of individual discs. All compared to understand who did this and who did that, and where you can look for in the fan markets that are displaying Stones memorabilia. The focus - to avoid dispersion- is on the Italian market (where the authors demonstrate a particular passion for Jagger and Richards' band). Not only. With chapters dedicated to solo careers, participations (where often some of Rolling Stones participated in the Beatles songs, confirming how much the press mounted up the fake legend of their rivalry!) and even juke box editions, this guide manages to recompose the long love story between Italy and the band. -- Hamilton Santia, La Stampa, 1st October 2021
The fact that the book is the work of not one but four co-authors reflects how much work has gone into the research for, and preparation of, this natty large-scale paperback. Suffice to say, the fruits of the authors combined labour have more than succeeded in achieving their goal of compiling the most comprehensive round up of the Stones singles issued in Italy. Expansively illustrated, presented in a parallel English and Italian text and timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the bands formation, such is the detail of the books contents that it will be welcomed as proverbial manna from heaven for all Stones completists and collectors everywhere. Italy was historically a fertile market for the Stones right from their initial breakthrough via the heady years of their creative heyday to the post-classic era of the late 70s onwards and this is reflected in the volume and diversity of Stones 45s issued between 1964 and 85. The peculiarities and specific characteristics of the marketing and distribution of Stones 45s in Italy all the way from 1 Wanna Be Your Man to Undercover Of The Night are covered in almost exhibition catalogue detail. Beyond the Stones Italinan 45 discography the book also ventures into the worlds of solo 45s, guest appearances, collaborations, and associated curios. Needless to say, Stones collections will be forever indebted to the authors for their in-depth knowledge and specialist research. Graham Bent ****