Summer 1968: “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and best single cover photo ever!

Let me create a little controversy.

What’s the greatest rock song ever? Is it “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis? or “Hound dog”?

Or something from Chuck Berry, such as “Johnny B Goode”?

I am bias because I did not grow up with Elvis or Chuck Berry.

 
Or is it something from Motown or something closer to my generation?

I did grow up listening to The Rolling Stones. They are still playing although it’s a bit humorous to watch a bunch of grandfathers doing rock.

I love “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, a song that was released as a single in June ’68 with “Child of the moon” as the B-side.

 
It also featured one of the great “45-covers” ever! (see the above picture!). Wonder if anyone still has that sleeve?

 
Surprisingly, it was not not included in the “Beggars’ Banquet” album released in December ’68.

We actually had to wait until “Big Hits, Vol. 2” was released almost 18 months later!

 
I love Keith Richards’ guitar, Mick Jagger’s energetic vocals and some great work from Bill Wyman on bass, the late Brian Jones on second guitar and Charlie Watts on drums.This is my choice for the best rock song ever!

“Watch it!

I was born in a cross-fire hurricane

And I howled at my ma in the driving rain, 

But it’s all right now, in fact, it’s a gas! 

But it’s all right. I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash,  

It’s a Gas! Gas! Gas!

I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag, 

I was schooled with a strap right across my back, 

But it’s all right now, in fact, it’s a gas! 

But it’s all right, I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash, 

It’s a Gas! Gas! Gas!

I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead. 

I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled. 

I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread. 

Yeah, yeah, yeahI was crowned with

a spike right thru my head.But it’s all right now, 

in fact, it’s a gas! But it’s all right, 

I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash, It’s a Gas! Gas! Gas!

Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas…..”