I’m doing chores today, so threw in a two-CD “Best of the Stones” album that a friend gave me. Damn, I love the Stones, so I’ve been bopping around happily to one great song after another. (Plus some shit I’ve never heard before – must be post-Tattoo You.)
Anyway, I’ve determined what the best Stones song ever is: “Gimme Shelter.”
Thought you might like to know.
Yep. No doubt about it.
That’s what I came in here to post as well. Great song, made into legend by Merrie Clayton’s wailing at the end.
Well, that was easily settled. 
I really like Can’t You Hear Me Knockin and Fool To Cry, but yeah, Gimme Shelter just kicks ass.
How about the worst Stones song ever?
I vote for Emotional Rescue. “I’ll be your knight in shining armuuuurrrr…” 
For me, their best is a toss up between “Gimme Shelter” and “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” which doesn’t seem to get much air time around here. I’m always excited to hear that opening riff-- so raw and unrefined. It’s a great example of the Stones’ unique sound.
Dang it, I should have previewed. Roonwit beat me to it.
The only song of theirs that I bothered downloading from iTunes is “Wild Horses,” and it’s one of their best.
Another vote for Gimme Shelter and Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’.
“Moonlight Mile,” by a mile.
Here is my thread on the Rolling Stones album.
Tumbling Dice gets my vote as best song.
Oh, and the best cover of Gimme Shelter?
Grand Funk Railroad on their Caught In The Act album. (Granted, Mark Farner ain’t Merrie Clayton, but he gives it a helluva shot.)
It’s between “Gimme Shelter” and “Tumbling Dice” for me.
Gimme Shelter is the best Stones cover, as performed by the Sisters of Mercy. However, the only good Stones songs period are Sympathy for the Devil, Paint it Black, and Girl I Miss You: you’d think that after dozens of albums they’d have more decent songs
:::::::totally D+R’ing::::::::
Okay – how about “Best Underappreciated Stones Album”? I’d nominate Some Girls.
Kill it kill it kill it!!
Sweet merciful crap, if I wanted to hear “woo-woo” over and over for 6 minutes, I’d get a frigging owl.
This is what makes the pseudo-fascist Laibach cover(s) so good - no woo-woos.
I’m actually quite partial to Sympathy, Paint It, Ruby Tuesday and Nervous Breakdown, but the OP nailed it - Give Me Shelter is the best. And Ludovic is right, the Sisters cover is the best cover version (Sisters did such brilliant covers - their version of Hot Chocolate’s “Emmaline” is sublime, and the reason for my daughter’s name).
I really like Street Fightin’ Man and Dear Doctor.
I never really cared for all that overwrought stage-slapping in Midnight Rambler.
I’m just glad no one nominated I Can’t Get No Satisfaction ! It seems to always turn up on the Top One Hundred lists, but its not even a good Stones song. Maybe when it first came out it was alright, but it hasn’t held up at all.
Another vote for Gemme Shelter here, but I really enjoy Sympathy .
“Moonlight Mile” for me, with a sly vote for “Crazy Mama” from “Black and Blue” on the side.
mm
I’m hard pressed to pick one favorite. I guess Honkey Tonk Women does it for me, narrowly edging out Wild Horses, Angie, and Street Fighting Man.