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recording
Keith Richards on recording the Rolling Stones’ first album
“Many of the English punk records sound like our early records and that is very hard to achieve nowadays with sophisticated technology, 24-track studios. We did our early records on a 2-track Revox in a room insulated with egg cartons at Regent Sound. It was like a little demo in Tin Pan Alley, as it used to be called. Denmark Street in Soho. It was all done on a 2-track Revox that he had on the wall. We used to think, Oh, this is a recording studio, huh? This is what they’re like? A tiny little backroom. Under those primitive conditions it was easy to make the kind of sound we got on our first album and the early singles, but hard to make a much better one.”
In an era of sophisticated recording technology, the early records of the Rolling Stones maintain an unparalleled raw and original sound. Keith Richards, the band’s guitarist, reflects on the unique recording conditions that contributed to shaping their debut album and early singles.
Richards recalls the primitive setup at Regent Sound, located in the heart of Denmark Street in Soho. The studio was a modest room insulated with egg cartons, housing a mere 2-track Revox on the wall. Contrasting with the common perception of a recording studio, the environment was akin to a “tiny backroom” in Tin Pan Alley. These humble facilities played a pivotal role in defining the characteristic sound of the Rolling Stones’ initial musical endeavors. The guitarist emphasizes the ease of creating their distinct sound under such primitive conditions, attributing it to the simplicity and authenticity of the setup. The limitations posed by the 2-track Revox and the humble space paradoxically facilitated the creation of the timeless sound that defined the band’s early work. Richards acknowledges the challenges of achieving a similar result in an age of advanced technology and 24-track studios, emphasizing the unique essence captured in their first album and early singles. The unparalleled impact of these primitive recording conditions is evident in the enduring legacy of the Rolling Stones’ early discography. The distinct and raw sound captured under such modest circumstances continues to resonate with audiences, standing as a testament to the enduring influence of authenticity in music. With a nod to an era characterized by ingenuity and simplicity, the recording conditions at Regent Sound played an indispensable role in shaping the sonic identity of the Rolling Stones. Their debut album stands as a testament to the power of creativity and resourcefulness in the face of constraints, demonstrating that true artistry transcends the limitations of technology. For more fascinating Rolling Stones quotes through the years, explore MORE ROLLING STONES QUOTES THROUGH THE YEARSon Rolling Stones Data.
