“Brown Sugar” was a number hit for the Stones in 1971, but what’s up with this 1984 shape disc?

Honestly, I don’t know. There wasn’t much going on in ’84 for the band. The previous year’s album, Undercover, wasn’t followed by a massive world tour, and their next album, Dirty Work, didn’t see the light of day until 1986. We know the Glimmer Twins weren’t getting along too well at the time–Keef was writing songs for his solo album, and Mick was working on his first solo record, She’s the Boss–so my hunch is that this little picture disc wasn’t much more than an effort to keep new Stones records in the bins while the band decided whether it was going to implode.

Whatever the reason, it’s a cool little novelty. Prices on this one can get a little silly, but keep your eyes peeled and you’ll find one in the 20 dollar range. Happy hunting.