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Don’t put me on/ It’s over now, it’s no good looking back…
Written by: Oldham/Richard Recorded: Decca Studios, West Hampstead, London, England, Feb. 24-28 1965 Guest musicians: John McLaughlin (guitar), Joe Moretti (bass), Andy White (drums) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
From the The Rolling Stones – All the Songs book: “I’d Much Rather Be with the Boys” is one of the very rare songs credited to Andrew Loog Oldham and Keith Richards. There were others in the early days of the Rolling Stones, but with the odd exception, such as “All I Want Is My Baby,” (the A-side of “Each and Everyday”), covered by Bobby Jameson in 1964, they either progressed no further than draft stage or disappeared into a drawer at Decca. These lyrics wander off the beaten track a little, at least by comparison with the very first Jagger-Richards compositions. Following a disappointment in love, the song’s protagonist prefers to hang out with the other members of his gang rather than embarking on a new affair of the heart.
In composing “I’d Much Rather Be with the Boys,” Keith Richards was probably responding to the urgings of Andrew Loog Oldham, who was keen to emulate “Be My Baby,” the seminal Ronettes hit produced and cowritten by the brilliant Phil Spector. The final outcome had little to do with the Stones, who, with the exception of Mick Jagger, were probably not involved in the recording of the song on February 24. The production was carried out within the context of the Andrew Oldham Orchestra, and responsibility for the arrangements was entrusted to the indispensable Mike Leander and his orchestra. The backing vocals, solo female voice (presumably Christine Ohlman, overdubbed later), flutes, organ, and numerous percussion instruments (woodblock, maracas, hand claps) create a saturated environment in the manner of Phil Spector’s wall of sound. The identity of the other musicians can only be guessed at: Andy White is probably on drums, the fantastic John McLaughlin (future guitarist with the Mahavishnu Orchestra) on guitar, and perhaps Joe Moretti, better known as a guitarist (having played with Gene Vincent and Vince Taylor) on bass. Mick Jagger merely lays down a guide vocal, rather than looking for a definitive take.
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