Songs That Changed Music: Rolling Stones - Get Off My Cloud

In the fall of 1965, The Rolling Stones found themselves overwhelmed by the immense popularity of their hit single, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and the pressure to follow that accomplishment with another great track was mounting. In a remarkable feat, the band took that demand and turned translated it into, not only just another #1 hit, but one of their most lasting, popular tracks of their 50-plus year career -“Get Off of My Cloud.”

The song opens with Charlie Watts’ iconic drums. They set the tone and illustrate his classic sound. Watts had learned his technique observing the world of jazz – the records of Thelonius Monk, Jelly Roll Morton and Charlie Parker. Inspired by the drumming of Chico Hamilton (who had played with Charles Mingus and Dexter Gordon) Watts had created his first snare drum out of a banjo head:“I wanted to play like that, with brushes. I didn’t have a snare drum, so I put the banjo head on a stand.” “Get Off of My Cloud” may not employ that brushed, drum sound, but it does perfectly illustrate the elegant swing of his heavy pulse.

“Get Off of My Cloud” was recorded at RCA studios in Hollywood on September 6 and 7, 1965. RCA’s original location had been near NBC studios since 1959, but in April of 1964, the studio had moved to its new location on Sunset Blvd where it remained until the late seventies. This was the space in which the Rolling Stones would record many of their classic tracks, as would Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, Eartha Kitt, Elvis Presley and Henry Mancini.

The song was produced by Oldham with Dave Hassinger as the engineer. The sessions were quick, trying to capitalize on the band’s immediate popularity. The track was released only a few weeks later, on September 25 in the US and October 25 in the UK. It immediately became a hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 on November 5, 1965. It also held the number one spot in the UK, Canada and Germany and the number two spot in several other countries including Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the Netherlands.

And it remained a hit – a staple of classic rock radio and a beloved classic for generations. In 1989, the Stones were inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll hall of fame, and they remain active performers to this day. As one of the band’s biggest early hits, “Get Off of My Cloud” helped establish The Rolling Stone’s legacy as rock’s original bad boys, and certainly one of the biggest (and longest lasting) bands in rock history.

Written by Caitlin Vaughn Carlos

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What other songs do YOU think changed music? Comment them below!

[Producelikeapro]

What I love about this song is the fact that Charlie’s Drum Part is a HUGE Hook of the song!!

[chantduplantier]

One of the greatest drummers of all time. Any blues, soul, r&b band would kill for a groove like that. He sits right in the pocket and locks down the bass without overpowering anything. Not to mention his personal style. Always looked smooth and un-phased by anything. His focus was holding it down with feel and class.

[rebeccawagner]

The rock world 🌎 is forever changed cause of the Rolling Stones 🎉🎉

[deannilvalli]

I love the early recording of their rehearsal. Amazing how Mick's voice already had that swagger at such a young age.

[ZigbertD]

Those early Stones singles are some of the best mono mixes I've ever heard. This one and Jumpin Jack Flash are like the gold standard of how a mono mix should sound.

[edalder]

Mick was the smart one, the business man. Keith was the heart and soul. Charlie Watts was the glue. Classy jazz and swing underlining maximum volume and attitude.

[stevewest]

It was a great time for music. I'm pretty sure there was a week towards the end of 1965 when Get Off my Cloud, My Generation and Day Tripper were all in the UK Top 10 at the same time.

[busywl]

Black people have contributed much behind the scenes with the Stones as other bands. The Stones always tried to acknowledge their roots all through their career, never hiding it. Mad respect for them. Incredible band that ALWAYS make my headphones swoon. Nice vid!

[stephenjazz]

Charlie was such a blend of styles and music knowledge. Very few drummers could match him, and he probably could have boosted the paths of many bands, but we're forever grateful he filled out the Stones.

[thomasnussbaum]

Love the kind and true words about Charlie…it still hurts but your words are giving me some comfort. Thanks Warren.

[tanukibrahma]

That's been an important song to me since I heard it when it first came out. Yeah, I think the drum hook was really important to its success. Glad you had a drummer demo it!

[D_Tuned]

Great song by the Stones. As much as I love Charlie's drumming. I have to say Mitch Mitchell is my favorite British blues/rock drummer. "Fire" still gets under my skin.

[littleglimmer]

Great vid, Warren. Just a shout out for the little heard Brian Jones contribution on the track. The whole track is a perfect example of musical teamwork; beautiful sound.

[thore]

Charlie's drumming is so subtle and so substantial to the Stones sound. Great example! Great hommage! Great video! Thank you!

[andyyouell]

A great exploration of the early music of the Stones - and great stuff from Pete about "that hook".

Charlie might be gone - but his legacy will live for many years to

[mrinalkundu]

Great video.
It's a cluché, but Charlie was one of the architects of popular music as we know it.
Not too many drummers around now who have anything close.
With greatest respect to Steve, John Marshall has the chops and the background to fill the vacancy. The Stones must go on.

[elmolewis]

I was in a garage band at the time playing these tunes on weekends in church basements to local teens. Great memories.

[gregdicrosta]

I was incredibly fortunate to do some work with ALO some years ago. What an interesting guy!! The best stories!

[willemmoller]

Great video, thanks Warren! I learnt to play drums as a kid playing along to Stones records . . . no one like Charlie. What a legacy he left!