The recent release of The Rolling Stones’ Live 1965: Music From Charlie Is My Darling offers an interesting audio snapshot of this legendary band in its original incarnation.  It is a time when they are definitely in the process of becoming a hot item, as one can tell from the constant roar of screaming girls throughout the recording, but have yet to truly conquer America.  This pre-Satisfaction era set captures the band performing in Ireland.  The entire recording clocks out in at under 28 minutes, but such was the standard set during those early tours.  The song selection is heavy on blues covers played by the band at proto-punk speed.  Each tune segues nicely into the next.  The guitars come through with raw intensity and were recorded a little "in the red", but the extra distortion only adds to the fierceness of the music.  Mick’s voice sounds great.  Performances of “Route 66”, “The Last Time” and “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” are exceptionally electrifying.  All in all, it’s pretty freakin’ cool.
 
Essential tracks: “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love”, “Route 66” & “The Last Time”.