There is room for debate when it comes to The Rolling Stones’ greatest albums. Some would compare it to their early works’ blues. It’s the swaggering rock of the 1970s and beyond to others. For Keith Richards, however, the solution is clear-cut.
Regarding his assessment of The Stones’ musical output, Richards has never held back. Their Satanic Majesties Request, released in 1967, was previously deemed by him as “rubbish.” Mick Jagger, who also considers their groundbreaking album Exile on Main Street “overrated,” despises it.
Thankfully, though, they can also recognize the value in what they do. Fortunately, they can laugh about their mistakes and enjoy the success together. For Richards, their best work has been on one record in specific.
Richards cited Beggars Banquet as their best work for a particular reason during an interview with Marc Myers, the author of Anatomy of a Song. It felt like the band was putting out song after smash starting in 1968. Street Fighting Man was one of the singles that helped them become more successful on both sides of the pond. It was a top ten hit in the UK and America.
Though Richards gives full credit to someone else for the success, it’s possible that Jagger and Richards had developed as songwriters and musicians. Richards stated, “To his credit, Jimmy Miller, our producer, brought incredible enthusiasm to what we were doing on ‘Street Fighting Man.'”
The Stones started collaborating with Miller in the late 1960s. But soon, he was more than simply a producer. He contributed to the records by playing guitar, making song modifications, and basically becoming a member of the group. Charlie Watts asked Miller to play the drums for the song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” when he was unable to come up with a beat. The songs “Happy,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” and others feature the substitute drummer.
Miller not only produced Beggars Banquet, but also Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile On Main St., and Goats Head Soup.
According to Richards, this was the group’s best time. “With him, we made our best records.” “He always knew when to engage and when to step back,” he said, adding, “He knew I was going for something special on the song and interjected only when he thought we were losing it and needed a break.”
But, more than just a producer, Miller became an important member of The Rolling Stones’ family. Richards put it, “He was one of the warmest guys and an incredible friend.”
