Metamorphosis (Rolling Stones album)
Encyclopedia
Metamorphosis is the third compilation album
of The Rolling Stones
music released by former manager Allen Klein
's ABKCO Records
(who usurped control of the band's Decca
/London
material in 1970) after the band's departure from Decca and Klein. Released in 1975, Metamorphosis centers on outtakes and alternate versions of well-known songs recorded from 1964 to 1970.
in 1971, an album entitled Necrophilia was compiled for release as the follow-up, with the aid of Andrew Loog Oldham
, featuring many previously unreleased (or, more accurately, discarded) outtakes from the Rolling Stones' Decca/London period. While that project failed to materialize—with More Hot Rocks (Big Hits & Fazed Cookies)
being released in its place—most of the unreleased songs were held over for a future project. In 1974, in order to give it an air of authority, Bill Wyman
involved himself in compiling an album he entitled Black Box. However, Allen Klein wanted more Mick Jagger
/Keith Richards
songs in the project for monetary reasons, and Wyman's version remained unreleased. Metamorphosis was issued in its place.
Most tracks that appear on side one of the vinyl album (all tracks up until "Try a Little Harder", except for "Don't Lie to Me") are demo songs, written by Jagger and Richards for other artists to perform. They were mostly recorded with session musicians like Big Jim Sullivan
on guitar, Clem Cattini
on drums, and Jimmy Page
on guitar, and were not intended for release by the Rolling Stones. Indeed, on most of these tracks the only Rolling Stones member that appears is Jagger. While "Out of Time" and "Heart of Stone" were already well-known, they appear here in drastically different renditions, with session players providing the backing. Side two includes unreleased band recordings created up until the Sticky Fingers
sessions of 1970.
Released in June 1975, Metamorphosis came out the same day as the band's authorized hits collection Made in the Shade
and was also seen to be cashing in on The Rolling Stones' summer Tour of the Americas
. While the critical reaction was lukewarm (many felt some of the songs were best left unreleased), Metamorphosis still managed to reach #8 in the US, though it only made #45 in the UK. Two singles, "Out of Time
" (featuring Jagger singing over the same backing track used for Chris Farlowe
's 1966 version) and a cover of Stevie Wonder
's "I Don't Know Why" briefly made the singles charts.
Upon its initial release, Metamorphosis was released with 16 songs in the UK, while the American edition had only 14—omitting tracks "Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind" and "We're Wastin' Time".
The album's cover art alludes to Franz Kafka
's novel The Metamorphosis
.
In August 2002, the full UK edition of Metamorphosis was issued in a new remastered Compact Disc
and SACD
digipak
by ABKCO Records
.
, except where noted.
Side one
Side two
"Don't Lie to Me" – 2:00
"Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind" – 2:25
"Each and Everyday of the Year" – 2:48
"Heart of Stone" – 3:47
"I'd Much Rather Be With the Boys" – 2:11
"(Walkin' Thru The) Sleepy City" – 2:51
"We're Wastin' Time" – 2:42
"Try a Little Harder" – 2:17
"I Don't Know Why" – 3:01
"If You Let Me" – 3:17
"Jiving Sister Fanny" – 2:45
"Downtown Suzie" – 3:52
"Family" – 4:05
"Memo from Turner" – 2:45
"I'm Going Down" – 2:52
Singles
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
of The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
music released by former manager Allen Klein
Allen Klein
Allen Klein was an American businessman, talent agent and record label executive. His clients included The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.- The accountant :...
's ABKCO Records
ABKCO Records
ABKCO Music & Records, Inc. is a major independent record label, music publisher, and film and video production company. It owns and or administers the rights to music by Sam Cooke, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Herman's Hermits, Marianne Faithfull, The Kinks as well as the Cameo Parkway label,...
(who usurped control of the band's Decca
Decca Records
Decca Records began as a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934; however, owing to World War II, the link with the British company was broken for several decades....
/London
London Records
London Records, referred to as London Recordings in logo, is a record label headquartered in the United Kingdom, originally marketing records in the United States, Canada and Latin America from 1947 to 1979, then becoming a semi-independent label....
material in 1970) after the band's departure from Decca and Klein. Released in 1975, Metamorphosis centers on outtakes and alternate versions of well-known songs recorded from 1964 to 1970.
History
After the release of Hot Rocks 1964–1971Hot Rocks 1964–1971
Hot Rocks 1964–1971 is the first compilation album of Rolling Stones music released by former manager Allen Klein's ABKCO Records after the band's departure from Decca and Klein...
in 1971, an album entitled Necrophilia was compiled for release as the follow-up, with the aid of Andrew Loog Oldham
Andrew Loog Oldham
Andrew Loog Oldham is an English producer, talent manager, impresario and author. He was manager and producer of The Rolling Stones from 1963, and was noted for his flamboyant style.-Biography:...
, featuring many previously unreleased (or, more accurately, discarded) outtakes from the Rolling Stones' Decca/London period. While that project failed to materialize—with More Hot Rocks (Big Hits & Fazed Cookies)
More Hot Rocks (Big Hits & Fazed Cookies)
More Hot Rocks is the second compilation album of Rolling Stones music released by former manager Allen Klein's ABKCO Records after the band's departure from Decca and Klein...
being released in its place—most of the unreleased songs were held over for a future project. In 1974, in order to give it an air of authority, Bill Wyman
Bill Wyman
Bill Wyman is an English musician best known as the bass guitarist for the English rock and roll band the Rolling Stones from 1962 until 1992. Since 1997, he has recorded and toured with his own band, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings...
involved himself in compiling an album he entitled Black Box. However, Allen Klein wanted more Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger
Sir Michael Philip "Mick" Jagger is an English musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and a founding member of The Rolling Stones....
/Keith Richards
Keith Richards
Keith Richards is an English musician, songwriter, and founding member of the Rolling Stones. Rolling Stone magazine said Richards had created "rock's greatest single body of riffs", and placed him as the "10th greatest guitarist of all time." Fourteen songs written by Richards and songwriting...
songs in the project for monetary reasons, and Wyman's version remained unreleased. Metamorphosis was issued in its place.
Most tracks that appear on side one of the vinyl album (all tracks up until "Try a Little Harder", except for "Don't Lie to Me") are demo songs, written by Jagger and Richards for other artists to perform. They were mostly recorded with session musicians like Big Jim Sullivan
Big Jim Sullivan
Big Jim Sullivan is an English musician, whose career started in 1959. He is best known as a session guitarist. In the 1960s and 1970s, Sullivan was one of the most "in-demand" studio musicians in the UK, and performed in more than one thousand charting singles over his career...
on guitar, Clem Cattini
Clem Cattini
Clem Cattini , is an English rock and roll drummer who was a member of The Tornados before becoming well known for his work as a session musician...
on drums, and Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page
James Patrick "Jimmy" Page, OBE is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a studio session guitarist in London and was subsequently a member of The Yardbirds from 1966 to 1968, after which he founded the English rock band Led Zeppelin.Jimmy Page...
on guitar, and were not intended for release by the Rolling Stones. Indeed, on most of these tracks the only Rolling Stones member that appears is Jagger. While "Out of Time" and "Heart of Stone" were already well-known, they appear here in drastically different renditions, with session players providing the backing. Side two includes unreleased band recordings created up until the Sticky Fingers
Sticky Fingers
-Personnel:The Rolling Stones*Mick Jagger – lead vocals, acoustic guitar on "Dead Flowers", electric guitar on "Sway", percussion*Keith Richards – electric guitar, six & twelve string acoustic guitar, backing vocals...
sessions of 1970.
Released in June 1975, Metamorphosis came out the same day as the band's authorized hits collection Made in the Shade
Made in the Shade
Made in the Shade, released in 1975, is the first official compilation album by The Rolling Stones during their Atlantic Records contract. It draws entirely from their first four albums on that label.-Release history:...
and was also seen to be cashing in on The Rolling Stones' summer Tour of the Americas
Rolling Stones Tour of the Americas '75
The Rolling Stones' Tour of the Americas '75 was a 1975 concert tour originally intended to reach both North and South America. The plans for concerts in Central and South American never solidifed, however, and the tour covered only the United States and Canada.-History:This was the Stones first...
. While the critical reaction was lukewarm (many felt some of the songs were best left unreleased), Metamorphosis still managed to reach #8 in the US, though it only made #45 in the UK. Two singles, "Out of Time
Out of Time (song)
"Out of Time" is a song by Blur and was released as the lead single from their seventh album Think Tank in 2003 . The song is a bass-driven ballad with minimal drums and acoustic guitar accompanied by eastern and orchestral flourishes. The faint screaming noise at the start of the track is a...
" (featuring Jagger singing over the same backing track used for Chris Farlowe
Chris Farlowe
Chris Farlowe is an English rock, blues and soul singer. He is best known for his hit single "Out of Time", which rose to #1 in the UK Singles Chart in 1966, and his association with Colosseum and the Thunderbirds.Outside his music career, Farlowe collects war memorabilia.-Career:Inspired by Lonnie...
's 1966 version) and a cover of Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
's "I Don't Know Why" briefly made the singles charts.
Upon its initial release, Metamorphosis was released with 16 songs in the UK, while the American edition had only 14—omitting tracks "Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind" and "We're Wastin' Time".
The album's cover art alludes to Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka was a culturally influential German-language author of short stories and novels. Contemporary critics and academics, including Vladimir Nabokov, regard Kafka as one of the best writers of the 20th century...
's novel The Metamorphosis
The Metamorphosis
The Metamorphosis is a novella by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. It is often cited as one of the seminal works of short fiction of the 20th century and is widely studied in colleges and universities across the western world...
.
In August 2002, the full UK edition of Metamorphosis was issued in a new remastered Compact Disc
Compact Disc
The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
and SACD
Super Audio CD
Super Audio CD is a high-resolution, read-only optical disc for audio storage. Sony and Philips Electronics jointly developed the technology, and publicized it in 1999. It is designated as the Scarlet Book standard. Sony and Philips previously collaborated to define the Compact Disc standard...
digipak
Digipak
Digipak is a patented style of CD, DVD or BD packaging, and is a registered trademark of AGI World Ltd., an Atlas Holdings company.-Features:...
by ABKCO Records
ABKCO Records
ABKCO Music & Records, Inc. is a major independent record label, music publisher, and film and video production company. It owns and or administers the rights to music by Sam Cooke, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Herman's Hermits, Marianne Faithfull, The Kinks as well as the Cameo Parkway label,...
.
Track listing
All songs by Mick Jagger and Keith RichardsJagger/Richards
The songwriting partnership of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, known as Jagger/Richards , is a musical collaboration whose output has produced the majority of the catalogue of The Rolling Stones....
, except where noted.
Side one
- "Out of Time" – 3:22
- "Don't Lie to MeDon't You Lie to Me"Don't You Lie to Me" is a blues song recorded by Tampa Red in 1940. It became a standard of the blues, with recordings by various artists...
" (Hudson Whittaker) – 2:00 - "Some Things Just Stick in Your MindSome Things Just Stick in Your Mind"Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind" is a song by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, released first by the singing duo Dick and Dee Dee , who were a support act for the Stones when they first toured the U.S.A...
" – 2:25 - "Each and Everyday of the Year" – 2:48
- "Heart of StoneHeart of Stone (song)"Heart of Stone" is a song by the English rock 'n roll band The Rolling Stones, released as a single in the United States, and on an extended-play single in Europe, as pictured to the right...
" – 3:47 - "I'd Much Rather Be With the Boys" (Andrew Loog OldhamAndrew Loog OldhamAndrew Loog Oldham is an English producer, talent manager, impresario and author. He was manager and producer of The Rolling Stones from 1963, and was noted for his flamboyant style.-Biography:...
/Richards) – 2:11 - "(Walkin' Thru The) Sleepy City" – 2:51
- "We're Wastin' Time" – 2:42
- "Try a Little Harder" – 2:17
Side two
- "I Don't Know WhyI Don't Know Why"I Don't Know Why" is a 1968 song by Stevie Wonder, from the album For Once in My Life...
" (Stevie WonderStevie WonderStevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
/Paul Riser/Don Hunter/Lula Hardaway) – 3:01 - "If You Let Me" – 3:17
- "Jiving Sister Fanny" – 2:45
- "Downtown Suzie" (Bill WymanBill WymanBill Wyman is an English musician best known as the bass guitarist for the English rock and roll band the Rolling Stones from 1962 until 1992. Since 1997, he has recorded and toured with his own band, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings...
) – 3:52 - "Family" – 4:05
- "Memo from TurnerMemo from Turner"Memo from Turner" is a solo record by Mick Jagger, featuring a guitar solo by Ry Cooder, from the soundtrack of Performance, where Jagger played a major part. It was re-released in October 2007 on a seventeen-song retrospective compilation album The Very Best of Mick Jagger, making a re-appearance...
" – 2:45 - "I'm Going Down" – 2:52
Recording details
"Out of Time" – 3:22- The demo—with Jagger on lead vocal—for Chris FarloweChris FarloweChris Farlowe is an English rock, blues and soul singer. He is best known for his hit single "Out of Time", which rose to #1 in the UK Singles Chart in 1966, and his association with Colosseum and the Thunderbirds.Outside his music career, Farlowe collects war memorabilia.-Career:Inspired by Lonnie...
's hit single version, recorded 27–30 April 1966
"Don't Lie to Me" – 2:00
- Recorded on 10 June 1964
- Incorrectly credited to Jagger and Richards on the album
- Line up: Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Brian JonesBrian JonesLewis Brian Hopkins Jones , known as Brian Jones, was an English musician and a founding member of the Rolling Stones....
(guitar), Charlie Watts (drums), Bill Wyman (bass), Ian StewartIan Stewart (musician)Ian Andrew Robert Stewart was a Scottish keyboardist, co-founder of The Rolling Stones and inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...
(piano)
"Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind" – 2:25
- Recorded on 13 February 1964
- The first version of this song to be released (in early 1965) was by the American duo Dick and Dee Dee, followed closely by the Vashti BunyanVashti BunyanVashti Bunyan is an English singer-songwriter. In 1970, Bunyan released her first album, Just Another Diamond Day. The album sold very few copies, and Bunyan, discouraged, abandoned her musical career...
recording.
"Each and Everyday of the Year" – 2:48
- Recorded in early September 1964
- Bobby JamesonBobby JamesonRobert Parker Jameson , known as Bobby Jameson, is an American singer and songwriter, who was briefly hyped as a major star in the early 1960s and later recorded with The Rolling Stones, Frank Zappa and others...
's version of this song features the same backing track as this recording. It was also covered by a group that went by the name of Thee, both in 1965.
"Heart of Stone" – 3:47
- Recorded 21–23 July 1964 with Jimmy PageJimmy PageJames Patrick "Jimmy" Page, OBE is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a studio session guitarist in London and was subsequently a member of The Yardbirds from 1966 to 1968, after which he founded the English rock band Led Zeppelin.Jimmy Page...
on guitar and Clem CattiniClem CattiniClem Cattini , is an English rock and roll drummer who was a member of The Tornados before becoming well known for his work as a session musician...
on drums
"I'd Much Rather Be With the Boys" – 2:11
- Recorded in February 1965
- Originally released by The Toggery 5 in 1965.
"(Walkin' Thru The) Sleepy City" – 2:51
- Recorded in early September 1964
- Originally released by The Mighty Avengers in 1965
"We're Wastin' Time" – 2:42
- Recorded in early September 1964
- Originally released by Jimmy TarbuckJimmy TarbuckJimmy Tarbuck OBE or Tarby is an English comedian. Growing up he was a schoolmate of John Lennon.His first television show was It's Tarbuck 65! on ITV in 1964. He has also hosted numerous quiz shows, including Winner Takes All, Full Swing, and Tarby's Frame Game...
in 1965
"Try a Little Harder" – 2:17
- Recorded on 13 February 1964
"I Don't Know Why" – 3:01
- Recorded on 3 July 1969 (the same night that Brian Jones died) during the sessions for Let It BleedLet It BleedLet It Bleed is the eighth British and tenth American album by English rock band The Rolling Stones, released in December 1969 by Decca Records in the United Kingdom and London Records in the United States...
. The music after the stop was spliced in at a later stage. The second slide guitar solo by Mick TaylorMick TaylorMichael Kevin "Mick" Taylor is an English musician, best known as a former member of John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and The Rolling Stones...
is a copy of the first solo - Incorrectly credited to Jagger, Richards and Taylor on the first pressing of the album. The credits were corrected with the second pressing and on the 2002 SACDSuper Audio CDSuper Audio CD is a high-resolution, read-only optical disc for audio storage. Sony and Philips Electronics jointly developed the technology, and publicized it in 1999. It is designated as the Scarlet Book standard. Sony and Philips previously collaborated to define the Compact Disc standard...
version
"If You Let Me" – 3:17
- An Aftermath outtake, recorded 3–6 March 1966
- Line up: Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Brian Jones (autoharp), Charlie Watts (drums), Bill Wyman (bass), Ian Stewart (piano)
"Jiving Sister Fanny" – 2:45
- Recorded in June 1969, during the Let It BleedLet It BleedLet It Bleed is the eighth British and tenth American album by English rock band The Rolling Stones, released in December 1969 by Decca Records in the United Kingdom and London Records in the United States...
sessions, with Taylor on lead guitar
"Downtown Suzie" – 3:52
- Recorded on 23 April 1969 as a Let It BleedLet It BleedLet It Bleed is the eighth British and tenth American album by English rock band The Rolling Stones, released in December 1969 by Decca Records in the United Kingdom and London Records in the United States...
outtake under the original title "Sweet Lyle Lucie". It features Ry CooderRy CooderRyland Peter "Ry" Cooder is an American guitarist, singer and composer. He is known for his slide guitar work, his interest in roots music from the United States, and, more recently, his collaborations with traditional musicians from many countries.His solo work has been eclectic, encompassing...
on open G tuned guitar.
"Family" – 4:05
- Recorded on 28 June 1968 as a Beggars BanquetBeggars Banquet- Personnel :The Rolling Stones* Mick Jagger – lead and backing vocals, harmonica on "Parachute Woman"* Keith Richards – acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar on "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Street Fighting Man", backing vocals, lead vocals on opening of "Salt of the Earth"* Brian...
outtake. - Line up: Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitars), Charlie Watts (drums), Bill Wyman (bass), Nicky HopkinsNicky HopkinsNicholas Christian "Nicky" Hopkins was an English pianist and organist.He recorded and performed on noted British and American popular music recordings of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s as a session musician....
(piano), Jimmy Miller (percussion)
"Memo from Turner" – 2:45
- Recorded on 17 November 1968; a different take was released as a Mick Jagger solo single in October 1970 and featured in the film PerformancePerformance (film)Performance is a 1968 British crime drama film; the film was produced in 1968 but not released until 1970. Directed by Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg, Performance stars James Fox and Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones in his film acting debut.-Plot:...
. - Featuring Jagger on vocals and Al KooperAl KooperAl Kooper is an American songwriter, record producer and musician, known for organizing Blood, Sweat & Tears , providing studio support for Bob Dylan when he went electric in 1965, and also bringing together guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills to...
on guitar, the identity of the other musicians on this track is not certain, with Jim CapaldiJim CapaldiNicola James "Jim" Capaldi was an English musician and songwriter. His musical career lasted more than four decades. He co-founded Traffic in Birmingham with Steve Winwood, and the band's psychedelic rock was influential in Britain and the United States...
and Steve WinwoodSteve WinwoodStephen Lawrence "Steve" Winwood is an English international recording artist whose career spans nearly 50 years. He is a songwriter and a musician whose genres include soul music , R&B, rock, blues-rock, pop-rock, and jazz...
of Traffic, as well as the other Rolling Stones, being mentioned as playing on it.
"I'm Going Down" – 2:52
- Recorded 14–15 July 1970 as a Sticky FingersSticky Fingers-Personnel:The Rolling Stones*Mick Jagger – lead vocals, acoustic guitar on "Dead Flowers", electric guitar on "Sway", percussion*Keith Richards – electric guitar, six & twelve string acoustic guitar, backing vocals...
outtake - Credited to Jagger, Richards and Taylor on the first pressing of the album. The credits were changed to 'Jagger/Richards' with the second pressing and on the 2002 SACDSuper Audio CDSuper Audio CD is a high-resolution, read-only optical disc for audio storage. Sony and Philips Electronics jointly developed the technology, and publicized it in 1999. It is designated as the Scarlet Book standard. Sony and Philips previously collaborated to define the Compact Disc standard...
version. - Line up: Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Mick Taylor (bass), Charlie Watts (drums), Bobby KeysBobby KeysBobby Keys is an American saxophone player, and has performed with other musicians as a member of one of the notable horn sections of the 1970s. He appears on albums by The Rolling Stones, The Who, Harry Nilsson, Delaney Bramlett, George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, Eric Clapton and Joe...
(sax), Rocky Dijon (percussion), Stephen StillsStephen StillsStephen Arthur Stills is an American guitarist and singer/songwriter best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash . He has performed on a professional level in several other bands as well as maintaining a solo career at the same time...
(unknown instrument)
Chart positions
Album| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | UK Top 50 Albums | 45 |
| 1975 | Billboard Pop Albums | 8 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | "I Don't Know Why" | The Billboard Hot 100 | 42 |
| 1975 | "Out of Time" | The Billboard Hot 100 | 81 |
| 1975 | "Out of Time" | UK Top 50 Singles | 45 |