The Rolling Stones - Big Hits Vol. 2 (1969) [Full Album] UK Decca Version, Compilation

Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2), released on September 12, 1969, in the UK by Decca Records and September 2, 1969, in the US by London Records, is The Rolling Stones’ second compilation album, not a studio album. Clocking in at approximately 42 minutes across 12 tracks (UK) or 11 tracks (US), it collects their major singles and key album tracks from 1964 to 1969, capturing Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Mick Taylor, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Ian Stewart during their transition from R&B rebels to rock icons. Compiled to mark Brian Jones’ death (July 1969), include the hit “Honky Tonk Women,” and prep for their 1969 US tour, it features no new recordings and draws from albums like Aftermath, Between the Buttons, Beggars Banquet, and Their Satanic Majesties Request. Produced by Andrew Loog Oldham, Jimmy Miller, and the Stones, its distinctive octagonal gatefold cover and Jones’ epitaph poem add emotional weight.

The album bridges their psychedelic phase and rootsy return, differing between UK and US versions due to market preferences. Below is the track-by-track breakdown for both, focusing on the UK version (12 tracks) as requested, with notes on US differences.

Tracklist: (UK Version)
Side A
"Jumpin’ Jack Flash" - A 1968 single (UK/US #1), produced by Miller. Richards’ riff and Jagger’s devilish persona (“I was born in a crossfire hurricane”) define this rock classic. 0:00
"Mother’s Little Helper" - From Aftermath (1966, UK), a Jagger-Richards proto-psychedelic jab at pill addiction (US #8). Jones’ sitar-like guitar and Jagger’s sneer shine. 3:41
"2000 Light Years from Home" - From Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967), a Jagger-Richards psychedelic epic. Jones’ Mellotron and Watts’ drums create a cosmic vibe. 6:28
"Let’s Spend the Night Together" - A 1967 single (UK #3, US #55), Jagger-Richards’ provocative rocker. Jones’ piano and Jagger’s vocal were censored for US radio. 11:13
"You Better Move On" - An Arthur Alexander cover from their 1964 UK EP The Rolling Stones. Jagger’s soulful vocal and Jones’ acoustic make it a rare early cut. 14:52
"We Love You" - A 1967 single (UK #8), Jagger-Richards’ nod to their drug busts, with Lennon and McCartney on backing vocals. Jones’ Mellotron adds psychedelia. 17:34
Side B
"Street Fighting Man" - From Beggars Banquet (1968), a Jagger-Richards protest anthem (US #48). Richards’ acoustic riff and Jones’ sitar-tambura capture ‘68 unrest. 21:57
"She’s a Rainbow" - From Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967), a Jagger-Richards pop gem (US #25). Nicky Hopkins’ piano and John Paul Jones’ strings are vibrant. 25:12
"Ruby Tuesday" - A 1967 single (US #1), from the US Between the Buttons. Jones’ recorder and Wyman’s double bass back Jagger’s wistful vocal—a baroque classic. 29:21
"Dandelion" - A 1967 B-side to “We Love You” (US #14), Jagger-Richards’ psychedelic pop. Jones’ harpsichord and dreamy vibe make it a cult favorite. 32:39
"Sittin’ on a Fence" - A 1965 Aftermath outtake, released on the US Flowers (1967). Its folk-rock acoustic strum and Jagger’s reflective vocal nod to Dylan. 36:10
"Honky Tonk Women" - A 1969 single (UK/US #1), Jagger-Richards’ raucous hit. Taylor’s guitar and Miller’s cowbell make it a defining Stones track. 39:15