Behind The Song: The Rolling Stones’ Hit Song That Almost Never Happened

Episode Title: The Rolling Stones’ Hit Song That Almost Never Happened
Host: Janda Lane
Release Date: January 10, 2024
Podcast: Behind The Song by The Drive | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In the January 10, 2024 episode of Behind The Song, host Janda Lane delves into the intriguing backstory of one of the Rolling Stones' most iconic tracks, "Start Me Up." This episode uncovers how a song that Keith Richards initially dismissed as a "fluke" ultimately became a defining anthem for the band, showcasing the serendipitous nature of its creation and its enduring legacy in rock history.

The Musical Rift: Jagger vs. Richards

By the early 1980s, tensions had arisen between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards regarding the band's musical direction. Following the success of albums like Some Girls and Emotional Rescue, the duo found themselves at odds:

• Keith Richards: Advocated for maintaining the band's classic rock roots, resisting shifts towards contemporary trends.

• Mick Jagger: Embraced modern influences, including disco elements and his burgeoning interest in acting, moving the band towards a more contemporary sound.

This creative divergence made collaborating on a new album challenging, especially with an upcoming world tour necessitating new material. As Janda Lane explains, “By 1981, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were barely talking from a musical standpoint.” (Transcript [00:XX])

Chris Kimsey’s Ingenious Solution

Faced with the immediate need for new songs to support their tour, the band's business manager, Prince Rupert Loewenstein, turned to engineer Chris Kimsey for a solution. Kimsey proposed an innovative approach:

• Digging Through the Vaults: Kimsey sifted through existing session recordings from the past two albums, uncovering a treasure trove of unreleased tracks.

• Curating the Album: Over four months, he meticulously selected and polished these outtakes, ultimately assembling what would become the Tattoo You album. This compilation featured rockers on side one and ballads on side two, creating a cohesive yet eclectic mix despite the disparate origins of the recordings.

Janda Lane notes, “Chris Kimsey came up with a solution by digging through archived sessions, transforming discarded tracks into a unified album.” (Transcript [00:XX])

The Birth of "Start Me Up"

One of the standout tracks from these sessions was "Start Me Up," a song that nearly never saw the light of day. Initially conceived as a reggae track during the Black and Blue sessions in 1975, Richards quickly abandoned the idea:

• Early Rejection: Richards admitted that the reggae version “sounded like something he'd heard on the radio” and urged Kimsey to discard it. However, Kimsey preserved the track, believing in its potential.

• A Fluke Turned Classic: During the Some Girls sessions in 1978, Richards and drummer Charlie Watts revisited "Start Me Up," inadvertently stumbling upon a rock version that resonated more deeply with the band's identity. Richards reflected, “It's a fluke, but it became one of the songs that instantly identify the Rolling Stones.” (Transcript [00:XX])

The transformation from a reggae experiment to a rock anthem exemplifies the song's unique journey, highlighting the band's adaptability and Kimsey's keen ear.

Recording Challenges and Innovations

The creation of Tattoo You wasn't without its hurdles:

• Vocal Recording in Paris: With mixed vocals missing from many tracks, Jagger recorded the lyrics in a rented warehouse in Paris's industrial district. Kimsey recalled, “It was so cold when Jagger was recording his vocals that he could see his breath coming out of his mouth.” (Transcript [00:XX])

• Keith Richards' Limited Involvement: Richards didn't partake in the vocal sessions, only joining during the mixing phase in New York City.

• Bob Clearmountain’s Mixing Magic: The renowned engineer brought his expertise to the project, employing his signature "bathroom reverb" technique to give "Start Me Up" its powerful, bombastic sound. Lane remarks, “Clearmountain’s contributions were paramount, crafting the song's iconic sound through innovative mixing techniques.” (Transcript [00:XX])

From Outtakes to Chart-Topping Success

Despite its humble beginnings as a collection of outtakes, Tattoo You exceeded all expectations:

• Chart Dominance: The album became the Rolling Stones' eighth consecutive number one in the U.S., showcasing the enduring appeal of their classic rock sound.

• "Start Me Up" as a Hit Single: Released as the lead single, "Start Me Up" soared to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved worldwide acclaim. Its success was amplified by the rise of MTV2, where the band's performance visuals garnered extensive airplay, attracting a new generation of fans.

• Cultural Impact: The song's versatility saw it featured in diverse contexts, from Bill Gates selecting it for Microsoft's Windows 95 campaign to its staple presence at sporting events and as a concert opener. Notably, the Rolling Stones performed it during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2006, cementing its status in pop culture.

Janda Lane emphasizes, “It's incredibly wild that an album that started out as a compilation of rough outtakes would top the charts and produce some of the biggest hit singles of their career.” (Transcript [00:XX])

A Lasting Legacy

Tattoo You not only revitalized the Rolling Stones' discography but also marked a significant milestone in their storied career:

• Decade-Spanning Success: The Rolling Stones achieved the unprecedented feat of having top 10 albums in the U.S. in every decade since the 1960s, with their latest album, Hackney Diamonds, reaching number three in 2023.

• Keith Richards’ Reflection: Reflecting on the album's success, Richards stated, “The story here is the miracle that we ever found that track. It's hard to imagine rock and roll without it. And luckily, thanks to the tenacity of a very smart engineer, we don't have to.” (Transcript [00:XX])

Conclusion

The story of "Start Me Up" as explored in this episode of Behind The Song underscores the unpredictable nature of creativity and the importance of perseverance. What began as a discarded reggae experiment evolved into one of the Rolling Stones' most beloved tracks, thanks to the relentless efforts of Chris Kimsey and the band's willingness to embrace unexpected turns. Tattoo You stands as a testament to the Rolling Stones' adaptability and enduring influence in the world of rock and roll.

Notable Quotes:

• Keith Richards on Finding the Track: “The story here is the miracle that we ever found that track. It's hard to imagine rock and roll without it. And luckily, thanks to the tenacity of a very smart engineer, we don't have to.” ([Transcript 00:XX])

• Chris Kimsey on the Album’s Cohesiveness: “Despite the way it came together, it sounds so cohesive because Kimzy found real gems to work with on his treasure hunt.” ([Transcript 00:XX])

Final Thoughts

Janda Lane masterfully unpacks the intricate journey of "Start Me Up," providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of its place in the Rolling Stones' legacy. This episode not only highlights the song's creation but also celebrates the collaborative spirit and resilience that define one of rock's greatest bands.

For more deep dives into classic rock songs and their histories, subscribe to Behind The Song on The Drive | Hubbard Radio and explore their extensive library of episodes.