Limited edition 180 gram clear vinyl pressing! Newly reissued as part of The Rolling Stones' Clearly Classic series, 12 X 5 was originally released in 1964 following the massive success of their debut The Rolling Stones. The album is predominantly made up of R&B covers from the likes of Chuck Berry and Womack & Womack. However, it features 3 originals from the still-developing Mick Jagger / Keith Richards songwriting team, as well as two group compositions under the pseudonym of Nanker Phelge. 12 X 12 is most notable for featuring the first, and less often heard, of the Stones' two versions of Jerry Ragovoy's "Time Is on My Side." This earlier features prominent electronic organ part instead of the better known version's electric guitar. The title refers to the fact that there are 12 songs on the album recorded by five musicians.

• music label: ABKCO Records 1964 / 2014

reviewed by Hank Ohs 05/2014