Paint It, Black - Rolling Stones

by Dick Mac

"Paint It, Black" was released by The Rolling Stones in 1966. It was the first release from the album Aftermath. It is credited to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards; but it has been claimed that this was a publishing error and that the song is actually a Nanker-Phelge composition.

It was originally titled "Paint It Black"; and Keith Richards says the comma was added by the record label. I wonder what significance that edit could actually have? Neither title is grammatically correct or incorrect.

The single reached number one in both the United States and United Kingdom. It is ranked #176 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time; and was the first number one single to feature a sitar on the recording.

Here is a live recording with Richards playing the sitar part on electric guitar:



See, wikipedia entry for "Paint It, Black"

Ibid., Nanker Phelge

See, also, The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time

And eventually, the door in the background will be painted black.

Does Music Evolve In A Vaccuum?

by Dick Mac

I love to hear the evolution of sounds and song in pop music.

Listen to "This Door Swings Both Ways" by Herman's Hermits [1966], then listen to "Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel [1977]. Although I make no accusations of copy-catting, there is a real similarity between these two songs.

Many artists proudly discuss the derivative nature of their creative process. I believe it is impossible for an artist to avoid influences of other artists that have come before them. America's penchant for dismissing derivative work is misguided.

Could Elvis have existed without Little Richard? Could James Brown have existed without Little Richard or Elvis? Could Michael Jackson have existed without Little Richard, Elvis and James Brown?

I don't see these as artists stealing from each other, I see them as natural progressions of the art form.

Recently, Grace Jones was dismissive of Lady Gaga and she accused the younger star of being derivative. HELLO? If Iggy Pop and Andy Warhol had never been born, Grace Jones would have been a CEO or some other dullard, not a performer. Methinks that Ms. Jones accuses Gaga of that she is herself most guilty!

That said, I have no problem with music deriving from previous music.

Here are some songs. I think they flow rather well in a historical perspective.

Brian Eno: Sky Saw [1975]



Iggy Pop: Sister Midnight [1977]



David Bowie: Red Money [1979]



And here's an added treat: Iggy Pop and his band, including David Bowie on keyboards, performing Sister Midnight live: