Rolling Stones - Monkey Man (REACTION)

[@14gilbertst]

I'm still catching up with the harsh realization that this music, which at the time, was as good as it gets........is STILL as good as it gets. Untouchable.

[@heidimoga5857]

You are SO not wrong!!!🌸

[@simonkemanciyan1382]

Keith got it down

[@briangrigsby1842]

great comment we lived in the best times......best music late 50s to 2000

[@14gilbertst]

@@briangrigsby1842 Thanks, I'm literally sitting here as I got notified, listening to the 1974 version of Tony Williams Lifetime with Jack Bruce and Allan Holdsworth on KZbin. Pretty great stuff too!

[@richardeast3328]

@@heidimoga5857Step away from the mirror.

[@randomperson-dy6kj]

The first 30 seconds/intro was my ringtone for years. It’s the perfect length, and it gets gradually louder and more urgent. And it sounds badass, of course. :)

[@dawnessoe9206]

Great idea!

[@MRCATL3]

Robby Dens is lighting up his cigarette and contemplating offing some jabron

[@artromano2419]

One of my favorite Stone's tunes!!!! Thanks guys for listening to it and the great review!!

[@johncagnettajr344]

Me too. I play it twice in a row every-time.

[@DaisyChain3339.]

Same here

[@Tbirdhaynes]

Absolutely one of my favorites also! ✌️

[@jerrypilarz3076]

Quite simply one of the best song intros of all time. Period.

[@kentzepick4169]

Amen!

[@julieanderson6463]

I love how overwhelmed you guys get by the Stones. I'm right there with ya!

[@curtjohansen5742]

Funky, gritty, grimey, soulful, down and dirty. That guitar riff is so damn good. The intro sparkles like a diamond.

[@kennycamaro2361]

You nailed it!

[@heidimoga5857]

Oh my gosh!!! I forgot how much I LOVE this song!!! Yay to whoever recommended it!!!🌸🎉

[@Blue-qr7qe]

They sound like nobody else and they were the backbone of rock and roll for decades. They were THE benchmark.

[@smartfreddy]

Still are!

[@MaddyN999]

Love this song, one of my favorites! I think you now understand why most of us think today’s music is crap. Just imagine getting The Beatles, The Who, The Stones, and Led Zeppelin all around the same time! We were spoiled for life!

[@mattpobursky850]

I was just thinking of that... all of those bands had their own sound and no one else sounded like them. You know when a song started it was them.

[@olly8]

There were so many good, different sounding bands in my day...spoiled me for sure. And this music still holds up in 2023! Beats most of what's being made today-IMO Keep on truckin! 🤘

[@gmcsrbosavl6964]

Most of who?

[@cherylwoodward]

Throw in Pink Floyd, Genesis, Rush and Yes and we were cooking!

[@MaddyN999]

@@gmcsrbosavl6964 most of us, except you I gather

[@keydobutkrak]

Best Stones album.

[@axman5296]

One of my favorite openings!

[@davelaffertykeyboards]

Finally, one of my favorite Stones tunes. Epic job!

[@kbrewski1]

They've been doing many classic Stones tunes.

[@painless465]

Stones deserve an album run like Zeppelin is getting. Start from Beggars Banquet and go through Some Girls. Trust me, you guys won’t be disappointed. AirPlay Beats continue to bring it! As a 58 year old man you guys are helping me to relive my teen years lol

[@hilarymiseroy]

You can't miss out Aftermath from 66. It laid down their core sound.

[@matthewashman1406]

Exile

[@wileyjdraws7594]

Word. Sabbath deserves the same

[@doriwiljt]

Include Get Yer Ya Yas Out. One of the best live albums ever.

[@dead_beat_poet]

Agreed! Run the records!

[@JDNJTX]

No rock band did intros like the Rolling Stones.

[@clifton8929]

Session player Nicky Hopkins was featured on piano. He made significant contributions to the Stones on keyboards but was never credited with being an official member of the group. Most of the album was recorded after the death of Brian Jones but before his replacement, Mick Taylor joined the band. On “Monkey Man,” Keith Richards played electric and slide electric guitar; Bill Wyman was on bass and also provided vibes. It has to be the wildest opening lyrics in Rock & Roll "I'M A FLEA BIT PEANUT MONKEY, ALL MY FRIENDS ARE JUNKIES, THAT'S NOT REALLY TRUE, I'M A COL ITALIAN PIZZA,I COULD USE A LEMON SQUEEZER. The Stones were in their own world by this time in music. Thanks guys for playing these deep cuts that most don't play. AirplayBeats has no fear when it comes to music.

[@robertwheatley9153]

This song used to get played on FM rock radio up until 2008 when it was stopped..

[@chaosandcreation4118]

Most of this album was recorded without Jones but he had been fired for always being stoned and undependable. He dies during the sessions. Taylor plays on it but only as later overdubs when he was hired.

[@chicklets4ever51]

Nicky did some great work with the Jefferson Airplane as well.

[@FranklinHitchens]

most tracks actually were recorded while Brian is alive but he wasn't present or not added to the session sheets. I say the latter because I'm convinced he played on Can't Always Get. As for recording dates, Monkey Man is Apr 69, Gimmie Feb 69 (with vocal overdubs in LA in Nov 69), Love In Vain (May 69), Country Honk June 69 (with overdubs in Oct 69 in LA), Live with me May 69, Let it Bleed Mar and June 69, Rambler Apr or May 69, Silver Feb 69, Can't Always Get Dec 68. As you can, the only things Brian wasn't alive for were the overdub sessions in LA in late fall of 69

[@donhadfield2835]

Charlie Watts is the star of this song. His drumming picks this song up, carries it along, gives it some swing & soul. All while sitting back there taking up the back seat the Mick(s) and Keith take the applause.

[@4ujj]

Charlie was my favorite Stone

[@jetsamperes5762]

Charlie was a jazz drummer dropped in the middle of a rock band. The greatest rock and roll band in the world wouldn't have been without him keeping time.

[@danbaron9094]

True, it's like you're getting on the Charlie Watts Train and start rolling down the track!

[@lindamariacarrillo1697]

KEITH DRIVES IT.

[@richardmoore9881]

I was amped up by the series of double Tom Tom hits at 2:44 felt the groove got a whole boost by that. My favorite song to listen to before getting into violent lacrosse games where I used that rhythm to check opponents sticks with mine.

[@sherimay1957]

that Motown intro is SO KILLER, glad it snagged you men too❤️

[@AnthonyDarpino-l5c]

The guitars are just so cool in this.

[@Somewherein609]

This whole album is 🔥

[@jlovebirch]

It's blues-driven rock but expanded with added layers of sophisticated playing and arrangement that goes to a new level.

[@kolbpilot]

The piano beginning, the bass line, the little entry guitar riff, all of that has been one of my all time favorites 50+ years later. It still holds up ! Fabulous song. They know what they're doing.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

A great stones song, filthy guitar playing, so damn good! 👍 the bros were grooving to this one.

[@gustavogutierrez9086]

One of the greatest albums by one of the greatest bands in rock. Having their music as the soundtrack for my childhood and teenage years was the greatest experience, would not trade it for anything. This entire album is hard but check out 'You Can't Always Get What you Want'. Thank you guys for a great reaction and your love of all music.

[@dickcnormis1444]

This is in Goodfellas when Henry Hill is all coked up..

[@MILAWGRL]

This & Sticky Fingers are my favorite Stones albums

[@AU88]

Saw them in 1981 as a HS sophomore, on the Tattoo You tour. I think Zeppelin’s the best rock band ever, but the Stones will always be my favorite.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

@@AU88What's amazing is that the Stones were already on a twenty-year run when they did the Tattoo You Tour.

[@AU88]

@@fuchsiaswing8545 I know, man. BTW, the opening act (Citrus Bowl, Orlando, 65K people) was Van Halen. They were all the rage, but at 15, I was like “Gimme Mick & Keef.”

[@darkmagus64]

The Stones were great fans of American R&B. The was the great Nike Hopkins on piano and Jimmy Miller was the producer. The sound quality of Stones albums improved when he was behind the boards.

[@AU88]

Trying to remember which album(s) Billy Preston played keys on?

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

@@AU88Preston started making studio contributions during Sticky Fingers (1971). He plays organ on “Can't You Hear Me Knocking” and “I Got the Blues.” On Exile (1972), he plays piano and organ on “Shine a Light.” On Goats Head Soup (1973), he plays clavinet on “100 Years Ago” and piano and clavinet on “Heartbreaker.” When Nicky Hopkins could not join the band on their European Tour of 1973 following their Australian Tour (which was more of an extension of their STP Tour, 1972), Billy Preston stepped in and subsequently saw his studio role expand on such albums as It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (1974) and Black and Blue (1976), and was a significant player on the group’s 1975 and 1976 Tours in the Americas and Europe.

[@AU88]

@@fuchsiaswing8545 perfect. Thanks, dude.

[@nomorebushz]

​@@AU88Billie Preston played on the 1975 Stones tour. Piano and backup vocals.High energy concert tour, maybe the most drug induced as well. Uppers were a staple of the 70's too, so lots of faster tempos too, from listening to the live tapes, IMHO.

[@encoreunefois1X]

@@AU88 Sticky Fingers, Exile("Shine A Light"), Goat's Head, It's Only RnR, Black& Blue, Love You Live. He is also on Tattoo You ("Slave"). I read somewhere he was on "Worried About You" but I don't know whether he appears on the released version.

[@hpawebster65]

I can't express how great it is to watch you guys experience these timeless tracks for the first time. Your comments are spot on as usual. Rugged, gritty and soulful. Perfect description.I would add funky to that. One of the greatest Stones tracks. For me, Sticky Fingers, Let it Bleed and Some Girls are the best.

[@lathedauphinot6820]

Thank you! Keith Richards’ famous 5-string open tuning (He claims Ike Turner took him to his dressing room at gunpoint and said “Show me that five-string shit.”) and Nicky Hopkins’ piano makes for some of the best music the Stones ever did. Nicky Hopkins played on “She’s A Rainbow”, “Sympathy For The Devil”, “Stray Cat Blues”, “Gimme Shelter”, “Angie”, was all over ‘Exile On Main St’, played on their legendary 1972 U.S. tour, and even up to “Waiting On A Friend”. Can you imagine those songs without him? ‘Let It Bleed’ is the 2nd album in their great string of four, ‘Beggars Banquet’, ‘Let It Bleed’, ‘Sticky Fingers’, ‘Exile On Main St’. Five, if you include the live ‘Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out’…

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

No it wasn't here with the the five-string tuning on the Tele. That wouldn't come until 1 album later on the sticky fingers This was played with standard tuning and a capo in the 2nd fret watch of his stuff was done using a capo on this album for the most part.

[@mjhrpgiv]

That's incredible "this sounds like Mo-Town". I never heard that before, but it makes perfect sense.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Let It Bleed came out in '69. A great album. Nicky Hopkins on piano.

[@williamstlouis3368]

'69, a great year for classic rock. Peace out.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

@@williamstlouis3368 Yep

[@brianoneil9662]

"I hope we're not too messianic, or a trifle too Satanic..." That's just a brilliant lyric.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

Jagger was at his lyrical pinnacle circa Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed.

[@cameronpickard7456]

@@fuchsiaswing8545 yup best stuff ever,by anyone

[@trainman5323]

You said it.

[@KimLong-v4i]

Love to Play the Blues!

[@StevenCarinci]

Shot across the bow of Zimmerman.

[@virginiagentry7491]

They are musical geniuses. Stop and think a minute, they created so much great music at such a young age.

[@FranklinHitchens]

Glad to see someone who gets dynamic sound, especially in the opening. Piano, Bass, guitar, maracas, drums, vibraphone all in one pocket groove. While Brian doesn't play (he's still alive when its recorded in April 69), his multi instrumental energy is all over this track From 3:35 for the next 30 seconds just listen how the guitar and drums play off each other. All the way groove

[@ronaldelliott4373]

You nailed it. The Stones captured the vibe on the streets perfectly during the Classic Era. Let It Bleed is an awesome album. Monkey Man is one of several great cuts. Richards on guitar and Hopkins on piano, Rock Heaven guys. You’ve been killin it! 🤘😎

[@slickjames2541]

Mick Taylor doesn't play on this. All guitars are Keith.

[@ronaldelliott4373]

@@slickjames2541 Thanks for the correction. Will edit. 🤘

[@michaelfried3123]

One of the Rolling Stones deep cuts that I consider to be me my favorite by the band.

[@itsmedave81]

This and the Stones' "B*tch" are among the greatest rock songs of all time. Blueprints really.

[@frankingenito]

The Stones had a four album run of Beggars banquet, Let it bleed, Sticky fingers and Exile on main street which is their best work. Pick anything from those four or maybe do all four start to finish.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

Throw in one of the seminal live albums during that historic run, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out (1970).

[@Hessulo]

​@@fuchsiaswing8545 wish it included Gimmie Shelter...

[@pyrovania]

I like their very early work too, songs like "Mother's Little Helper". Also an album Mick Jagger did with Ry Cooder, the soundtrack to the movie Performance.

[@t.j.payeur5331]

If I could pick only one Stones album..I don't think I could. Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers are impossible to separate in my mind.

[@youreatoilet]

Easily their best 2 albums

[@lipby]

To me, Let It Bleed is the one

[@AU88]

I’m an Exile guy, but Let It Bleed had more high-impact singles. I really wish they had treated Mick Taylor better. The run of albums he was on were the Stones at their best.

[@paulprendergast3184]

Love them both. Love Exile on Main Street more.

[@flyingburritobro68]

Exile then Sticky Fingers but Let It Bleed is number 3 for me. Great album

[@PK1971PK]

My all time favorite Stones song.

[@MicheleJane]

I sit here watching you guys responding to this song with a smile on my face the entire time!😎 One of my favorite Stones songs. Love to see you young guys diggin' the Stones!

[@TreeFrogWillow]

One of their best , in my humble opinion . I knew the guy who is on the keyboards, Nicky Hopkins . He referred to his keyboard input on this as “ the twinkly bits “and more ! I think his keyboards gives it a mood . RIP , Nicky , he was such a nice guy .

[@terriertz5134]

I'm glad you liked one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs. This song is rarely mentioned as a "favorite" but whoever doesn't hear it is missing out on a banger.

[@kbrewski1]

You guys are rollin out the funky gritty tunes today!! I love this gritty Stones tune! Very R&B and old bluesman influenced. They were big fans of Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and Chuck Berry of course. Gotta be one of Keith's best guitar performances ever.

[@johndrx165]

Oh yeah! 1969-72 is Prime Stones!

[@snakeinthegrass7443]

You guys are hitting all the very best Stones songs. They have a lot and not all are great but whoever is sending these gems out, keep em coming.

[@Jimmy2time]

The stones man , good pick , anything from late 68 to 74 is when they were in they prime

[@JeanCollier-ps5qh]

I'm so glad you're reacting to the Stones. You should. listen to every song the Stones recorded in the sixties and seventies.. You will not be disappointed.

[@terrifitzpatrick1768]

Truth.

[@Mike-gn4un]

Great riff Great keyboards Great drumming and an awesome vocal that only Mick could deliver

[@dandanny6772]

No keys, it's a xylophone.

[@Mike-gn4un]

@@dandanny6772 Ok, that is a great sound, although technically it is a Vibraphone not Xylophone but this is splitting hairs, there are some keyboards on the track provided by the brilliant Nicky Hopkins who enriched the sound of the Stones so much I almost consider him the sixth Stone.

[@dandanny6772]

@@Mike-gn4un you're correct. Both Nicky, and Stu could be though of as such. Great players.

[@keithsparbanie2108]

World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.

[@SteveWilliams-y6q]

Greatest album ever made! By the greatest rock band ever!

[@darrenmaxwell1085]

That’s Rock and Roll!

[@mitchnauffts3939]

Probably the greatest intro to any rock song ever.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

I smiled a big smile at the song choice, and thought "they're going to love this!" Bingo! Let It Bleed is my favorite Stones album, because it combines their rawness with beautifully arranged, played, and produced instrumentals. Raw and cinematic. The entire album is worth covering. And yeah, once you know the stones, your recognize them immediately. Thanks for having me along.

[@ginnydominguez5493]

One of my favorites by the Stones. There early stuff is unbeatable.

[@hpawebster65]

I dont know if you guys fully appreciate how great your reaction to this is. So genuine. Like I'm hearing for first time again. Thanks

[@88pjtink]

leaving the song aside for a moment- these two guys are absolutely one of the finest reaction channels we have seen. bravo. oh, and great song!!

[@AirplayBeats]

Thank you!!

[@88pjtink]

@@AirplayBeats you guys know your sh*t. most reaction channels are hosted by half-wits. excuse me, but it's the truth.

[@christianmarler2253]

This is my favorite Rolling Stones song. It's also my favorite Stones album.

[@gillesmorin9439]

Greatest band on Earth!

[@Leeron93]

Never was huge Stones fan, but this song is a favorite of mine!

[@steveb501]

It's so great to watch 2 new Rolling Stones converts. You guys have so much great music to listen to Enjoy Yourself.

[@KennyCamaro2364]

I’m a flea bit peanut monkey, all my friends are junkies, that’s not really true. What a funkin’ opening line! That’s cold brother!

[@cynthiasmith5144]

I’m so Happy you’re getting into the Stones. Keith Richards is a True Great on The Lead guitar. How has these Dudes survived this long for the lifestyle they lived? If you like to read “Up and Down with The Rolling Stones” is a Must read. Gimmie Shelter is a Must See Movie. *****

[@leebay6093]

Nicky Hopkins on piano , just brilliant

[@heavynettle6605]

Great reaction guys 👍 This one of their best tunes .

[@stephaniekaminsky7497]

I can’t believe I forgot how awesome this is!

[@ALD56]

Love your reactions. Rolling Stones merging funk, rock, r&b, soul in this song. They really do any genre well. Give Far Away Eyes and Dead Flowers a listen for a more country flavor from them. My ballad picks from the Stones are Fool to Cry and Wild Horses. Saw them in 75 at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium with the J Geils Band and Tower of Power warming up. One of the best shows I've ever seen, both for the music and just the experience. Billy Preston was playing with the band on keys and they did a couple of his hits as well, Nothin' from Nothin' and Will It Go Round in Circles.

[@jacqueline4514]

“Rugged, gritty and soulful” PERFECT description for this song and so many others! For their soft sound that can make you cry on the right day is Wild Horses, and another sound is what I call the Stones’ disco ❤ song is “Miss You”. My favorite Rock band.

[@cletushouse906]

You guys have really been hitting some of the Stones greatest. Keep up the good work.

[@peterjonas4971]

Charlie Watts on the drums, the boiler room!! He was the secret sauce of the Stones. Rest in Peace, Charlie.

[@itsmadfar]

One of the most entertaining songs in the Stones' playbook. Never fails to make me wanna rock out! The Stones are masters at throwing the best of musical parties!

[@randyallaben9900]

Awwww Hell Yes! Great request! Excellent reaction because you guys are Real! Epic tune by an epic band!

[@Cicero207]

You guys are the best! ❤

[@Mike-rk8px]

You guys need to listen to The Rolling Stones 1970 album “Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out!”. It’s a live album recorded on their 1969 North American tour, and one of their best albums. This was when they really were one of the best live bands in the world.

[@waterlec8718]

You guys look totally IMMERSED in this one ✅👍💥

[@csedrivers2850]

Hey man, that cat is wild. 🙃

[@JohnLancaster-b5x]

One of the top ten albums of all-time.

[@Gordy63]

This was the “Keith” album because he played most of the guitar work on the album, as well as some bass. So freaking awesome! 🤘

[@Redd_Fawkes]

Thanks fellas! It's like you heard me screaming for this reaction.

[@mikecaetano]

Underrated masterpiece. The interlude showed Clapton et al. where to take "Layla" a few years later. And those drums! Charlie Watts, RIP!

[@marksiracusa6114]

Wow! Amazingly rare reaction here guys!! You said it. “gritty dirty and grimy!! Vocals amazingly unique but, Keith’s nasty, Open G guitar tuning puts that groove in your spine like no one else. Brilliant

[@heidihoot]

My voices agree with you and me. Stone's rule rock❤❤❤❤❤!

[@AU88]

Probably the best example of Mick Taylor-Keith Richards guitar interplay. One plays a riff, the other answers. It’s magic.

[@MrGardlarsen]

All the guitar parts is Keith Richards. Mick Taylor was not involved on this song.

[@garybalranald6323]

All guitar parts on the whole Let it Bleed album is Richards. Jones was gone, and Taylor came after and helped rework Country Honk into Honky Tonk Woman.

[@effdonahue6595]

@@garybalranald6323Brian Jones played Autoharp on You Got the Silver and he played percussion on Midnight Rambler

[@donnafongheiser3450]

So glad you reacted to this song. I knew you'd enjoy it. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@cogit8er]

When Keith wants to punch you in the face with a guitar riff you might as well resign yourself to the fact that you are about to get MOVED! The interesting thing about this one is that unlike Gimme Shelter, You Can't Always Get What You Want and Let It Bleed is that it's played in standard E major tuning but Keith uses his famous Open G tuning fingering for the money note on this tune---which is probably why it took me years to figure it out! That Keith is a wiley fellow. Love the slide guitar overlay on this one too. For a good example of Keith's slide work see Let It Bleed. You guys are the best! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Go Tigers!

[@kso808]

I just added this track to my Stones’ workout playlist, along with some others.

[@pcariola1]

Glad to see you guys do this one. It it just hits right

[@gregcable3250]

It always puzzled me a little bit when the black kids my age were not listening at all to the music I was listenting to. I thought that they would love it the way I did while growing up. I guess by then that most of radio had completely segregated the R&B music from rock--but we knew those songs, too!--Temps, 4 tops, Stevie Wonder, OJays, Spinners, etc., so we had a lot to choose from and listened to a greater variety. I see from your reactions that I was right and the kids who did not listen to rock would have liked it! Very gratifying.

[@epicurhyss4014]

Props for getting to one of my favorites that too few have reacted to. Please do the Stones' "All Down The Line", one of 5 bangers from their legendary "Exile On Main St." album. I'm sure you'll love it!

[@cynthiasmith5144]

One of my Fav’s. Cold chills. Great Pic. Your entering the Awesome Rolling Stones Collection. Im a just a Monkey Woman and I’m Glad you are a Monkey Man. I can envision Mick strutting across the stage flapping them arms. Great Pic Gents. You thought LED Zeppelin was Great. Welcome to another Great. ❤

[@jimmoore8951]

That intro…so cool. I could see the wheels spinning like “we got to sample this one.” And why not?

[@456012]

The most underrated stones song

[@RichjojoCehura]

I played this at so many parties..back when 🎉😊😮

[@cherylnelson4259]

My favorite Stones album is Some Girls. Every track is a great. There aren't too many bands that have such great albums. ❤❤❤❤

[@ThomasRoiloup]

I love the Stones, I think this is my favorite song of theirs. If I had to pick one, this is it.

[@josephtedrick7706]

PLEASE do a reaction for my favorite rock song Bitch by the Stones. It’s on the album Sticky Fingers. I still get goosebumps when I hear the Keith hit the first notes.

[@joescott8877]

That tickling of the ivories at the beginning...

[@sheiladrucker6872]

You guys are headbangers!

[@slimpickins9124]

"Let It Bleed" is my desert Island album.

[@RichardDickson-to7zg]

Oh Yeah! Take The Rolling Stones, put Nicky Hopkins on piano and Organ, add Bobby Keys on Saxophone and...LET IT BLEED!! This album starts with "Gimme Shelter" and ends with "You Can't Always Get What You Want". Throw "Midnight Rambler" in the middle and sprinkle it with gems like "Monkey Man". Try "Live With Me" either the album cut or there's a live version from the Beacon Theater with Christina Aguilera that Really Rocks. I've been enjoying the hell out of your posts.

[@jennifermclaughlin5222]

This entire album is incredible, guys. You would not be disappointed if you gave it a go. Glad to see you react to this one.

[@emilymartinez6961]

Awww!, this is one of my favorites from them, nice way to start my day👍🥰 you guys are soooo cool 🤟🤩

[@NinaSiciliano]

I'm obsessed with this! You guys are on to it freaking big time..love it!!!