ROLLING STONES ~ "GET YER YA-YA'S OUT!"

Original released on LP Decca SKL 5065

(UK 1970, September 4)

Recorded during their American tour in late 1969 and centered around live versions of material from the "Beggars Banquet" - "Let It Bleed" era, "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!" is often acclaimed as one of the top live rock albums of all time, although its appeal has dimmed a little today. The live versions are reasonably different from the studio ones, but ultimately not as good, a notable exception being the long workout of "Midnight Rambler," with extended harmonica solos and the unforgettable section where the pace slows to a bump-and-grind crawl. Some Stones aficionados, in fact, prefer a bootleg from the same tour (Liver Than You'll Ever Be, to which this album was unleashed in response), or their amazing the-show-must-go-on performance in the jaws of hell at Altamont (preserved in the "Gimme Shelter" film). Fans who are unconcerned with picky comparisons such as these will still find Ya-Ya's an outstanding album, and it's certainly the Stones' best official live recording. (Richie Unterberger in AllMusic)

The Fun Facts: It is documented and was understood at the time that the cover art was inspired by 'Visions of Johanna' by Bob Dylan. The line in the song which is illustrated in the photograph is "Jewels and binoculars hang from the head of the mule." The jewels and binoculars are shown together with musical instruments and a camera hanging from the mule or donkey. Charlie Watts is in mid jump and he has only white socks on his feet with no shoes. He is also wearing the tee shirt he wore for that concert tour and also the hat that was worn by Mick Jagger. The album cover states that the photographers were taken by David Bailey for the front cover and by Ethan Russell for the concert photographs on the back. (Streetmouse in RateYourMusic)