 |
| 7" Single Picture Sleeve Cover - Front View |
 |
| 7" Single Picture Sleeve Cover - Rear Cover |
Photography: Unknown
Design: Unknown
80s-Wizard:
"Start Me Up" was the first single released from The Rolling Stone's 1981 album "Tattoo You". It climbed to #7 on the U.K. Singles Chart and reached #2 on the American Billboard Hot 100. In Australia, it went all the way to the #1 position on the Australian Singles Chart in November 1981.
This song introduced me to The Rolling Stones almost two decades after their very first hit single. I was completely oblivious to any of their previous work as I was only 9 years old at the time. However, when I saw Mick Jagger in the music video for "Start Me Up" (see below), his distinct mannerisms, voice and persona made me realise he was a mega rock star.
To my surprise, I came across the 7" single on one of my record digging adventures last year. I have to say that this vinyl 45 sounds fantastic on the turntable, its raw, edgy, warm and still very funky. I really enjoy playing it with the volume up a few notches, it can almost sound like they're performing live in the room. The 7" single has certainly stood the test of time, much like the band itself.
On the B side is another track from the "Tattoo You" album, called "No Use In Crying". It's a very soulful, bluesy number and is well worth a listen. I'm sort of surprised that this song wasn't released as a single in its own right, it's actually really that good.
The artwork on the picture sleeve cover is very interesting. There are animalistic, oppressive undertones suggested in the image of a paw in the ladies shoe, possibly a reference to the persecution felt by the singer in the theme of the song. Sadly, the photographer and the art designer are not credited on the picture sleeve cover.
I'm super ecstatic to be featuring The Rolling Stones as the first international band to appear on the 45 Rpm - 80s Retro Vinyl Australia blog. "Start Me Up" is one of The Rolling Stones most memorable 80s rock tracks, and one of the last top 10 singles they would have in Australia. See a copy of the original 1981 Australian 7" single vinyl pressing below.
Comments
Post a Comment