Recorded between March and July of 1968 at Olympic Sound Studios in London, mixed at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, Beggars Banquet was the first Stones album produced by Jimmy Miller; and marks the start of what is considered their most prolific album era.

The seventh British and ninth American studio album by The Stones it was released Decca Records in the United Kingdom and London Records in the United States.

Listening to it back then, and even today, knowing their iconic history, it's obvious that it was a glorious return to roots rock for the band; following the psychedelic pop of their 1967 album Their Satanic Majesties Request.

Sadly though, it was the last Rolling Stones album to be released during Brian Jones' lifetime, although he also played on two songs on their next album Let It Bleed (which was released after his death).

The Rolling Stones’ landmark 1968 album Beggars Banquet has been released in a new 50th Anniversary Edition by ABKCO Records in multiple formats, including vinyl and CD. The just-released (via ABKCO Records) limited edition vinyl format has a gatefold jacket with a bonus 12” of the album’s celebrated opening track, ‘Sympathy For the Devil,’ in mono.

That disc is cut at 45rpm and backed with an etching of the original “toilet” cover. Also in the package is a replica of the rare Japanese bonus flexi disc, which contains a telephone interview with Mick Jagger from 1968, and a download code for the album plus interview.

Newly mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Bob Ludwig, the disc’s lacquers were cut at Abbey Road and it is also pressed on 180g vinyl.

Side A:
1. 'Sympathy For The Devil'
2. 'No Expectations'
3. 'Dear Doctor'
4. 'Parachute Woman'
5. 'Jigsaw Puzzle'

Side B:
6. 'Street Fighting Man'
7. 'Prodigal Son'
8. 'Stray Cat Blues'
9. 'Factory Girl'
10. 'Salt of the Earth'

Disc 2:
'Sympathy For the Devil' (Mono)

Flexi Disc:
‘Hello, This Is Mick Jagger!’ LONDON to TOKYO April 17, 1968

As for the album itself, well, Beggars Banquet was amazingly risky, diving headlong into not only American blues, which had always influenced them, but also American country music as well; taking it, at times, almost to the point of parody. But boy, did it work!

In a way, it's two albums blended together. On the one hand, there are the country-influenced tunes, such as 'No Expectations', 'Dear Doctor', 'Prodigal Son', and 'Factory Girl'.

On the other hand, there are the classic Stones-sounding tunes, such as 'Sympathy for the Devil', 'Parachute Woman', 'Jigsaw Puzzle', 'Street Fighting Man', 'Stray Cat Blues', and 'Salt of the Earth'. But they work so great together, nonetheless.

There are only two perennial hits from this record, both 'Sympathy for the Devil' and 'Street Fighting Man', but like Exile on Main Street, all the tracks are great (even if you won't hear most of them on the radio).

The telephone interview that Mick Jagger did with a staffer from the Stones’ Japanese label King Records had a title that translated to “’Hello, This Is Mick Jagger!’ LONDON to TOKYO April 17, 1968.”

It is restored with its original sleeve art in the limited edition vinyl package, marking the first time this rarity has been available outside Japan.

Funnily enough, during the conversation, which took place while the band were recording the new album, Jagger is asked “What do you think is the future direction of your music?” He replies: “Sideways!”.

'Beggars Banquet: 50th Anniversary Edition' Purchase Link

www.RollingStones.com

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