Undercover

Mick and Keith learned fast. Initially Rhythm 'n' Blues purists who believed that only ageing black Americans could write decent songs, they released their first original song 'Stoned' (a group-composed near-instrumental) as the UK B-side of their version of Lennon-McCartney's 'I Wanna Be Your Man' in November 1963; within 18 months they had written and recorded '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction', and had become The Beatles' biggest musical rivals. Now that is fast! In the 60 years since they started, there have been thousands of Rolling Stones cover versions. Music historian Peter Checksfield listened to most of them (so you don't have to), and came up with the best 500, in a staggering variety of genres: Rock, Blues, Soul, Garage, Psych, Prog, Beat, Reggae, Ska, Pop, Funk, Disco, Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Glam, Metal, Punk, New Wave, Indie, Gothic, Grunge, Rock 'n' Roll, Bossa Nova, World, Gospel, Electronica, Boogie Woogie, Jazz, even Cabaret, Polka and Classical. Also included are a mammoth 130 exclusive interviews with many of the musicians involved. Which former Rolling Stone recorded 'Play With Fire' in the 90s? Who's favourite album is 'Jamming with Edward'? What legendary Punk group wanted to cover the entire 'Their Satanic Majesties Request' but ran out of time after 1 song? Read on...