Marianne Faithfull – “As Tears Go By” (1964) Review | Like a Lady in Waiting to a Virgin Queen

Kronomyth 0.1: Maid Marianne and the rolling hoods.

As legend has it, Andrew Loog Oldham was so smitten with this kitten that he signed her to a record contract sound unsung. To launch her new singing career, Marianne Faithfull was gifted a recent composition from Messrs. Jagger and Richard, As Tears Go By, and quickly became a London sensation. It’s a great song with tasteful orchestration from Mike Leander and Jimmy Page on the 12-string guitar; honestly, Faithfull’s voice is the least interesting thing about it. I wouldn’t say she butchers it, but a philly mignon she ain’t. The B side features the evergreen Greensleeves with Oldham as arranger. Faithfull hands in a stultifying performance. Clearly, as a singer her assets lie elsewhere.

The Product

A1. As Tears Go By (Mick Jagger/Keith Richard/Andrew Loog Oldham) (2:35)
B1. Greensleeves (arr. by Andrew Loog Oldham) (2:40)

1983 7-inch single reissue
A1. As Tears Go By (Mick Jagger/Keith Richard/Andrew Loog Oldham) (2:35)
B1. Come and Stay with Me (Jackie De Shannon) (2:25)

The Players

Marianne Faithfull (vocals), Mike Leander (arrangement on A1), Jimmy Page (12-string acoustic guitar on A1). Produced by Andrew Loog Oldham.

The Plastic

Released on 7-inch single in July 1964 in the UK (Decca, F.11923), in November 1964 in the US (London, 45 LON 9697) and in 1964 in Canada (London, L.9697). Reached #9 on the UK charts and #22 on the US charts (charted on 11/28/64 for 9 weeks).

1. Re-released with “Come and Stay with Me” on 7-inch single in October 1983 in the UK (Old Gold, OG-9335).