The three-disc box set
Singles Collection: The London Years contains every single
the Rolling Stones released during the '60s, including both the A- and B-sides. It is the first
Stones compilation that tries to be comprehensive and logical -- for all their attributes, the two Hot Rocks sets and the two
Big Hits collections didn't present the singles in chronological order. In essence, the previous compilations were excellent samplers, where
Singles Collection tells most of the story (certain albums, like
Aftermath,
Beggars Banquet, and
Let It Bleed, fill in the gaps left by the singles). The Rolling Stones made genuine albums -- even their early R&B/blues albums were impeccably paced -- but their singles had a power all their own, which is quite clearly illustrated by the
Singles Collection. By presenting the singles in chronological order, the set takes on a relentless, exhilarating pace with each hit and neglected B-side piling on top of each other, adding a new dimension to the group; it has a power it wouldn't have had if it tried to sample from the albums. Although it cheats near the end, adding singles from the
Metamorphosis outtakes collection and two singles from
Sticky Fingers, this captures the essence of the '60s
Stones as well as any compilation could. Casual fans might want to stick with the Hot Rocks sets, since they just have the hits, but for those that want a little bit more, the
Singles Collection is absolutely essential. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine