w Bobby Troupe; from Charlie is My Darling, ABKCO Films – 3878110069

I got this song into my head the other day but the version from the Rolling Stones’ eponymous 1964 debut album is too watered down (except for the guitar solo), and the live version from 1965’s Got Live If You Want It isn’t a great performance. This live version from the 2012 documentary and accompanying soundtrack Charlie Is My Darling - Ireland 1965 is of a similar vintage to the latter and the recording is of similar sound quality, but it's among the band's greatest performances.

Charlie Is My Darling is a recut and expanded version of a documentary of the same name screened in 1966 but never officially released, which follows the Stones during their September 1965 tour of Ireland. I've not yet had the pleasure of seeing it but the 2012 film was made by the same director and producer who completed the abandoned 1968 concert film The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus for its 1996 release, and Circus is well worth watching:

But back to the track at hand. The Stones apparently knew "Route 66" from Chuck Berry's version, but reportedly learned the lyrics from a Perry Como record. The guitar fills on the Charlie Is My Darling version are reminiscent of 1966's "19th Nervous Breakdown", which the Stones wrote during and recorded at the end of the September Ireland tour, and at the end Keith Richards (presumably) plays more or less the same bit as at the end of "Honky Tonk Women" and the live version of "It's All Over Now" from their 1964 T.A.M.I. Show set (must-see film by the way - the high watermark of Rock & Roll):

Mick Jagger turned 80 the other day and what's left of the Rolling Stones have supposedly got an album with Paul McCartney on the way. Perhaps there are yet greater heights ahead for the Greatest Rock & Roll Band in the World (knock on wood).

Also Check Out:

By the Rolling Stones:

"I'm Alright (Live)" - YouTube | Spotify

"Around & Around" - YouTube | Spotify

By the Hondells:

"Little Honda" - YouTube | Spotify