Many of The Rolling Stones’ pre-1966 hits were never released in stereo. For example Satisfaction, although originally recorded in stereo, was released only in monophonic sound.

In the mid-80s a true stereo version of Satisfaction appeared on Japanese and German editions of Hot Rocks 1964-67, which are long out of print. They’re available from collectors, but expensive.
 
In this true stereo version of Satisfaction, you can hear instruments that were mostly inaudible on the mono version. Brian Jones acoustic guitar (left channel) and Jack Nitzsche’s piano are now much more present, particularly Brian’s guitar.

We’re so accustomed to hearing the mono mix, that at first, the stereo mix seems too airy, the stereo spread too wide, the result slightly flabby and lacking punch. We miss the stripped down, punky, intense edge of the mono version. But, after repeated listening, the stereo version yields its own charms, a different but satisfying (pun intended), experience.

If for no other reason than to hear Brian’s guitar with such clarity, the true stereo version of Satisfaction is a great discovery.
 

Wow, it’s like hearing it for the first time and I’m old enough to remember it when it first came out. Thank you.

The greatest rock and roll song of all time.

Wow this a lush to hear,
A great contribution to the younger generations (90’s my case), since we didn’t have the opportunity of experiencing first hand the rise of legend rock bands.

One of the best sources for 60s Stones singles in stereo is the Through the Past, Darkly (Big HIts Vol. 2) SACD (i.e. the 2002 digipak release and NOT the newer one in the jewel case, although it’s from the same sources. It’s just not an SACD in later pressing).

Honky Tonk Woman is another track that’s kind of astonishing to hear in stereo. You can hear the two guitars very distinctly. I always thought it was just one guitar there, but it’s two.

I also recommend the mix of Memo from Turner on the ABKCO singles set. It’s the Ry Cooder version and you can hear this low level keyboard (maybe a clavinet?) way down in the mix that gives it an ultra funky underpinning. I’d never heard that before in any other versions out there and it adds much to the enjoyment of the song, like a 70s Rufus riff has been added!

I love the marimba waaaaay down in the mix.  And the prominent acoustic guitar.  But the mono version still rules.