Video: 'The Rolling Stones Most Overlooked ‘60s Album'

(Wednesday, August 3, 1966) — The Rolling Stones began recording their fifth British studio album Between the Buttons today at RCA Studios in Hollywood.

Reflecting the band’s brief embrace of psychedelia and baroque pop during the era, the album ranks among the Rolling Stones’ most eclectic works.

Multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones frequently set aside his guitar during the sessions in favor of instruments including organ, marimba, banjo, vibraphone, kazoo, and theremin.

Additional keyboard contributions came from longtime collaborators Ian Stewart (piano, organ), Jack Nitzsche (piano, harpsichord), and Nicky Hopkins (piano).

Between the Buttons also marked the end of an era: it was the last Rolling Stones album produced by Andrew Loog Oldham, who had managed the band and produced all of its studio albums to that point.

Sessions for the album would continue intermittently through Dec. 13, 1966, for release on Jan. 20, 1967.