It is harsh,
but there is some truth in the claim that the Rolling Stones 1960s output, followed
the Beatles trail six months later. However the provocative "Sympathy for
the Devil" seems to have been more influenced by Bob Dylan's long form
narratives and the tumultuous mood of 1968.
After their
brief dalliance with psychedelia, there was a desire to return to their R 'n B
roots. What was more natural than the channelling the occult, and their memory
of Robert Johnson?
Mick Jagger initially
penned it as an acoustic folk song, quoting French poet Baudelaire &
Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov as the key sources (but of course). Keith
Richards' contribution was limited but crucial, as he proposed a faster samba beat
and percussive feel.
Jagger introduces his role Satan, but as well mannered and sophisticated ("a man of wealth and taste"). He recounts his role across history, from the Crucifixion, religious wars, through the Russian Revolution ("I stuck around St. Petersburg / When I saw it was a time for a change") and the Second World War. He brings it up to date with the hastily adjusted "who killed the Kennedys?" as Robert Kennedy was assassinated during the recording.
It sounds so
unusual for a rock song, as it is propelled by drums, bongos, maracas and
Wyman's African shekere. There are also great piano parts by Nicky Hopkins and
Richards' lead guitar solo at 2 minutes 50.
As always Jagger's vocals are the focus, ranging from the polite
to a holler, as he competes with the massed
backing vocals of "hoohoo" (124 times!). It is sprawling and rambling
climax before it fades out after six minutes.
Does he
really have sympathy for the devil ? I don't think so, maybe he is just playing
a role, highlighting a confusion between good and bad ("Just as every cop
is a criminal / And all the sinners saints"). Lucifer may be requesting
more respect, but it is man that has caused these events.
The recording
of "Sympathy for the Devil" was
documented by Jean Luc Godard in the "One Plus One" film, and shows
the close Jagger / Richards bond, but also the sad freezing out of original
member Brain Jones.
"Sympathy
for the Devil" may not be as famous as "Satisfaction" or as
feral as "Gimme Shelter", but it is a iconic and potent moment in
rock history.
Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgnClrx8N2k
Hear Next -
"Hot Rocks" is still the definitive record of the Rolling
Stones 1960s singles.
