The Rolling Stones – Single: Jumpin’ Jack Flash
With most of the 1960’s and 70’s bands whose hits are played on classic rock and oldies radio stations ad nauseam, I’ve grown to take much of it for granted. But there are always exceptions to the rule, and Jumpin’ Jack Flash, released as a single in the UK on this day 50 years ago (!), is one of them. Despite the song’s ubiquitous airplay and its status as the song played live the most number of times by the Stones, it is probably my favorite Rolling Stones song if I were forced to pick one. Keith Richards’ famous guitar riff is one of my favorites by any guitarist, ever.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash was the first song the band recorded at the outset of the Beggars Banquet sessions in the spring of ’68, and is another example of a powerful single released as an appetizer to the main course (though it subsequently appeared on numerous compilations). It also marked a return to their blues roots after dabbling in Baroque pop and kitschy (for them) psychedelia the previous couple of years. Regarding the aforementioned guitar riff, Bill Wyman claims to have come up with it on piano but was not given credit. The song reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart, as well as the US Cashbox Top Singles Chart. It made it to #3 on the Billboard Chart.
And the only possible way to equal the original studio recording? Add Mick Taylor on lead guitar in a live performance…
Side A: Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Side B: Child of the Moon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumpin%27_Jack_Flash
-Stephen
50th Music Anniversaries and Other Musings 
I’m completely with you. “Jumping Jack Flash” is one of those rock songs you can listen to over and over again, and it just doesn’t get boring. To me it has better stood the time than “Satisfaction,” though as an insatiable rock & roll nut, I have to say I’m not not tired of that one either!😜
“Jumping Jack Flash” definitely features one of the most iconic, instantly recognizable guitar riffs in rock. And, yes, this song was made for Mick Taylor. The “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!” is awesome.
Speaking of that excellent live album, ironically, the tune I like the least on there is Satisfaction – it just sounds weird to me that the Stones played the distinct riff an octave higher. It takes away the bite. The solo, on the other hand, is pretty cool!
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Yes, something special about that song that defies simple musical analysis.
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I’d rank this one in my Top 5 Stones tunes- 1 and 2 are- Dead Flowers and Tumbling Dice…
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Dead Flowers is probably tops for me, too.
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Making say a Top 20 Stones songs would be a difficult task. .. Dead Flowers not overplayed by radio.
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Mick Taylor lifted that band to a different level live. Memory Motel is my favorite.
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Yes!
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I like Ronnie and he fits the Stones and everything…but Mick Taylor had that big fat Les Paul sound that has never been replaced.
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I always take the Stones for granted until I
hear cuts like this.
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