Artist: The Rolling Stones
Album: Exile on Main Street (deluxe edition)
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: The Rolling Stones’ 1970s material, Gram Parsons, Mick Taylor’s solo recordings.
Tell Me More: From the time you hit play on the opening salvo of track one (the loose and rollicking “Rocks Off”) on The Rolling Stones’ 1972 classic “Exile on Main Street,” you’ll know the long wait for the remastered release was well worth the wait.
And of course that initial impression of the supremacy and firepower of the British band while positioned at the height of their musical and creative powers is displayed on each song featured on the original 18-track double-album release recorded in spring 1971.
From the fiery rocker “Rip This Joint” to the driving swampy blues of “Shake Your Hips” and Delta shuffle of “Casino Boogie” and extending to the commercial luster of “Tumbling Dice” and “Happy,” “Exile on Main Street” displays how singer Mick Jagger, drummer Charlie Watts, bassist Bill Wyman and guitarists Keith Richards and Mick Taylor expertly wove blues, alt-country, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll together across a timeless collection. Guest players are also showcased across the classic set, including the late Billy Preston, pianist Nicky Hopkins and Dr. John.
But it is the addition of newly-uncovered material included on several versions issued by Universal Music Group on May 18, 2010 that has long-time fans of the Stones so thrilled. After listening to six of the uncovered songs from the “Exile” era included on the reissue, rock aficionados will not be disappointed.
Because the digital streams were available to me on a limited basis (understandably, due to concerns about pirating, etc.), here are my observations on the six tracks new tracks (produced by Jimmy Miller, The Glimmer Twins and Don Was):
“Pass the Wine (Sophia Loren)”: A blissful blues-rocker with Jagger’s distinct vocals featured against a groove of dancing rhythm and lead guitar work. The song builds as female gospel vocals blend with horns and harmonica to enhance the rhythmic track.
“Plundered My Soul”: Jagger sings passionately about a recently-lost love (“I thought that you wanted my money/but you plundered my soul”) while the rest of the band wraps up the song via a straight forward but effective countrified blues ballad. Female gospel vocals are also used efficiently here, supporting Jagger when he sings the title line in the choruses. Nice.
“I’m Not Signifying”: This song kicks off with a solo piano before the lead vocals come in. One of the biggest sonic surprises on the disc, “I’m Not Signifying” features slide guitar work, harmonica and a heavy New Orleans blues vibe. Listening to this song it’s obvious that the Stones’ enduring love affair with the blues was one that set them apart from many of their rock ‘n’ roll contemporaries.
“Following the River”: This song also begins with a piano, but the sound of the song is very different. “Following the River” boasts a mature approach centered on an emotive tale of loss, set against a sparse musical style that slowly builds to a big climax. The use of slight choir vocals in the early part of the song works just as magically as the big full-force gospel approach in the last half of the tune. A truly wonderful song enhanced by a performance to match.
“Dancing in the Light”: An infectious and loose bit of folk-rock blues, “Dancing in the Light” is anchored by Jagger’s sassy, ample vocals and a wonderfully-cluttered arrangement that never goes off the tracks.
“So Divine (Aladdin Story)”: Mixing neo-psychedelic rock, folk and soul genres in the same song might not seem like a winning formula, but let’s remember this song was crafted long before rules were the rule of the day. This song, with its meandering course linked by Jagger’s confessional and characteristic tone directed at romantic rebellion, offers the flip side to some of the more accessible tracks recorded during the “Exile” sessions.
Nearly 40 years after its recording, the deluxe edition of “Exile on Main Street” proves the collection remains the jewel of The Rolling Stone’s impressive discography, as well as testimony to the power of rock ‘n’ roll.
What about the packaging? I have only been able to review download the digital stream provided to me by the label. But according to the label, “Exile on Main Street” is being released in a trio of commercial packages. There will be a simple CD edition that includes the original 18-track disc, as well as a deluxe double CD edition (also available as a double vinyl set) that also features the 10 special bonus tracks. For super fans, there is a super deluxe package that includes vinyl, a 30-minute documentary on DVD, and a 50-page collector’s book with photos from the “Exile” era. The retail price of $160 for the super deluxe edition is likely warranted for Rolling Stones fans that recognize the importance and simply love this album.
Robert Kinsler 05/14/2010
Recommended tracks to download: Are you kidding me? Everything!
Get the regular edition here
Get the Deluxe Edition (with bonus tracks) here
Get it on Vinyl Here
Super Deluxe Edition here
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