Five By Five

This early EP was recorded at Chicago\'s Chess Studios, where The Rolling Stones met many of their heroes. It was released in the U.K. after the Stones\' debut album, and it shows how completely the early Stones had immersed themselves in American R&B and blues. Their take on Chuck Berry\'s \"Around and Around\" is generally considered one of the best covers of a Berry song, completely nailing the licks and the energy of \'50s rock \'n\' roll without merely copying their hero. \"If You Need Me\" is a vintage Wilson Pickett & The Falcons track, while Jay McShann and Walter Brown\'s \"Confessin\' the Blues\" was featured in Berry\'s own live repertoire. Two Stones originals round out the EP. \"2120 South Michigan Avenue\" (the address of Chess Studios) is a jam that features the group\'s rarely pictured keyboardist, Ian Stewart, leading the band. \"Empty Heart\" shows the Stones could write a decent R&B tune. All five tracks appeared on the band\'s second U.S. album, *12 X 5*. (Remastered versions include an extended version of \"2120 South Michigan Avenue.\")