Cusp Song of the Day: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

"You Can’t Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones was released as the B-side of "Honky Tonk Woman" in 1969. It opens with a choir singing "I saw her today at the reception" and goes on to tell an R-rated story about what happened next. "Honky Tonk Woman" stayed at number 1 for four weeks, and while that's a great song, I think the B side had a lot to do with its success. For singles purchasers, it was always gratifying to get two for the price of one!

In Chapter 5 of Cusp, Karen is on the phone complaining that her mother has a better love life than she does. While talking to her friend Gwen, she goes over to the stereo console and looks through the stack of old 45s, unplayed for several years. Along with Tom Jones' "Delilah" she finds the Rolling Stones single and one other (check back tomorrow to find out what it was).

I always include a link to a video with the Cusp Song of the Day, but today's warrants two. Check out the Stones performing "You Can't Always Get What you Want" on David Frost's show in 1969. Jagger is, as always (including his recent SNL appearance!) mesmerizing. So is Frost's comment at the end: "A new form there, a slightly different form there of choral music with a slight difference. We'll be back with Prince Charles in just a moment." Ah, to have been backstage that day!