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Exile On Main Street

The Rolling Stones

1972

Buy At Rough Trade
Exile On Main Street
Album Summary

Exile on Main St. is the 10th British and 12th American studio album by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released on 12 May 1972 by Rolling Stones Records. Recording began in 1969 in England during sessions for Sticky Fingers and continued in mid-1971 at a rented villa in the South of France named Nellcรดte while the band lived abroad as tax exiles. A collage of various images, the album's artwork, according to frontman Mick Jagger, reflects the Rolling Stones as "runaway outlaws using the blues as its weapon against the world", showcasing "feeling of joyful isolation, grinning in the face of a scary and unknown future".Working with a mobile recording studio, the loose and unorganised Nellcรดte sessions went on for hours into the night, with personnel varying greatly from day to day. The recording was completed with overdub sessions at Los Angeles's Sunset Sound and included additional musicians such as pianist Nicky Hopkins, saxophonist Bobby Keys, drummer Jimmy Miller and horn player Jim Price. The resulting music was rooted in blues, rock and roll, swing, country and gospel, while the lyrics explored themes related to hedonism, sex and time. These newly recorded tracks were combined with some tracks recorded at earlier sessions from 1969 to 1971, resulting in the Stones' first double album. Exile on Main St. contains frequently performed concert staples and was a number one charting album in six countries, including the UK, US, and Canada. It spawned the hit songs "Happy", which featured a rare lead vocal from Keith Richards, country music ballad "Sweet Virginia", and worldwide top-ten hit "Tumbling Dice". A remastered and expanded version of the album was released in 2010 featuring a bonus disc with 10 new tracks. Unusual for a re-release, it also charted highly at the time of its release, reaching number one in the UK and number two in the US. The album was originally met with mixed reviews before a positive critical reassessment during the 1970s. It has since been viewed by many critics as the Rolling Stones' best work and a culmination of a string of the band's highly critically successful albums, following the releases of Beggars Banquet (1968), Let It Bleed (1969) and Sticky Fingers (1971). Rolling Stone magazine has ranked Exile on Main St. number 7 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003 and 2012, and dropping to number 14 in the 2020 edition, the highest Rolling Stones album ranked on the list. In 2012, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the band's fourth album to be inducted.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.59

Votes

15420

Genres

  • Rock

Reviews

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Jan 25 2021
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3

Apparently this is the most revered Rolling Stones album, near the top of lots of lists of all-time albums. I've always liked the Rolling Stones, but that's mostly based on singles. It's possible the only album I've listened to is Blue & Lonesome from 2016. Anyhow, this album is...fine. I like this kind of music, the style is very consistent, and nothing here is bad. Unfortunately it bored me. Where are the hits? Where are the hooks? Why are people calling this one of the greatest rock albums of all time? I don't get it. It's long, but it slipped into the background almost immediately so I hardly noticed the length. Exile me if you must, but I think I'd rather relisten to their 2016 album. This supposed masterpiece is simply a-okay. My review might seem harsher than my rating, but that's because it's the Rolling Stones and I was expecting to have my socks blown off. At least I can report that no Stuarts were involved in the making of this album. Favorite tracks: Shake Your Hips, Let it Loose, Shine a Light. Album art: I recognized it immediately, but it's not very interesting. Every time I try to look at the individual pictures and see if any are cool, I look away within five seconds, "I couldn't care less." Fits the album I suppose. 3/5

๐Ÿ‘
Jan 12 2022
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2

Will this be the album where I finally get the hype around The Rolling Stones...?? Nope. 18 tracks and none of them really excited me. Shine a Light at a push. It's all fine, if you fancy an hour of competent bluesy rock & roll, but 'competent' alone will only get you 2.5 stars, tops.

๐Ÿ‘
May 09 2021
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5

What always blows me away about this album is how American it sounds. Sure, the Stones had long been riffing off the blues but a song like Rip this Joint expands that into some New Orleans sounds and Sweet Virginia sounds like it was recorded in Nashville. Just an amazing sublimation of influences while transmogrifying them into something not new but altogether transporting.

๐Ÿ‘
Aug 13 2021
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5

Without a doubt one of the best rock albums of all time. Now, I've been known to give Rolling Stones albums 5 stars before, so what makes this one stand out as king? It's hard to hear an album more coherent and intertwined with crazy strong tracks. Note that this double album isn't full of radio hits like prior the prior album Sticky Fingers, but these songs work one after another and nothing sounds out of place. It represents everything that the Rolling Stones had stood for, and their massive influence on rock music, from their solid incorporation blues to gospel to psychedelia to country. "Rocks Off" is the perfect intro. It's one of the most melodic tracks, representing their psychedelic days. Every instrument is out of sync and vocals come and disappear almost randomly. The brass hits you like a truck but is a masterful display. The next track "Rip This Joint" is a homage to rockabilly, and although I don't recall them starting out with rockabilly (I don't listen to their first albums much and I thought they were heavy blues), it's another rocking fast-paced album that reflects the evolution that the Rolling Stones took music in the prior decade. Next we have a lofi blues cover that I believe pays homage to their origins in the early production age of relying on blues covers. Two songs later we get the lead single "Tumbling Dice" which is probably the only song out of this album that's a radio staple. But I assure you this is not a song you can forget. Nothing about this song is predictable. The structure of the melody and lyrics keeps varying so much to keep you interested. It is also a testament as the zenith of the Rolling Stones' work since Beggars Banquet, with a heavy gospel chorus and strong blues rock heavier and more melodic than any other song except maybe Rocks Off. The second side is dedicated to their impact on country rock, and this best reflects the coherency of this album. The segway from the hard rock first side to the country second side is still inherently Rolling Stones but changes the perspective to focus on a more folklike side of rock, demonstrating the range that Rolling Stones had touched the music industry. I just want to talk about the first track of these which is one of my favorites, "Sweet Virginia." I've never been a fan of country, but oh sweet virginia, from the lofi vocals, Jagger's harmonica in the background, and that amazing sax solo, it makes me feel nostalgic for a place I've never actually experienced. Third side we go back to classic rock n roll with another strong pop rock song, "Happy." The next two tracks are hard and loud songs that follow seamlessly, until we suddenly get a strange transition from "Ventilator Blues" to the lofi gospel track "I Just Want to See His Face." Despite the quiet outro, it is not the end of the side. The final track is an epic ballad of more than 5 minutes, this time paying homage to all the kind of music of the black community that Rolling Stones took inspiration from over the years. Their most soulful track, it is heavy in both blues and gospel. The final side starts off once again with another strong pop rock track "All Down the Line," which is melodic and rocks but yet for some reason did not chart. The last track I wanted to talk about is "Shine the Light" which I believe has the strongest lyrics. The pace keeps changing, starting off slow, picking up speed, and retaining the momentum all throughout. One of the best displays of their masterful craft of combining rock and gospel. Usually with double albums they're so long I lose attention from time to time until I song I like comes up. Not with this album. It doesn't stick to one theme for long. Skipping any track makes the experience feel incomplete. And after so many listens, you'll find there are no tracks to skip. No other album in history except maybe the White Album is able to show such diversity in talent while still sticking true to their character and influence on the music industry. I'm really happy this album exists, and I doubt a year will go by in my life without at least half a dozen listens.

๐Ÿ‘
Jan 25 2021
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2

Iโ€™m starting to feel like Debbie downer on my reviews,since again a strong band name, did not impress. I was excited when I saw the tile & band. I was expecting an explosion of fun but didnโ€™t even get a fizzle from this production. I have so many favorite Jagger songs and Rolling Stone Albums but this is one I will not recommend to others. I like Happy and Tumbling Dice but not impressed by the over all sound.... โ€œCanโ€™t get no Satisfaction (M.J.)

๐Ÿ‘
Sep 24 2021
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5

In which the Stones return to their 60's peak, take another look at the summit, then surpass it the only way a torn and frayed band knows how: by jumping head-first down the other side and dragging us with them. What else is the audio murk but dust and grit in the microphones? Why is Jagger garbling his words but he's got a gob full of rocks? In its ass-backwards way, Exile may pivot on its two most attenuated songs: I Just Want To See His Face--a barely decipherable religious plaint that sounds like a discarded 78 from four decades earlier--is a potash of manufactured and organic matter--Jagger's Black America vocals, the gospel backing, and washboard rhythms--and Sweet Black Angel-- an undercover protest song for the imprisoned Angela Davis. Also sung in Jagger's morally ambiguous Deep South imitation and containing the N word, its potentially offensive features are in fact a complex comment on the retrograde treatment of Black people filtered through a century of Black music. In other words, Exile is rich beyond belief, feeding and fed by the entire tradition of popular music. Its treasures may never be unearthed or understood. But like the very best art, the joy is in experiencing it, not interpreting it.

๐Ÿ‘
Sep 07 2021
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5

What a joy to find my favourite Stones album in the inbox today. I'm not even half was through the 1st tune and already three classic lines: 1) "The Sunshine bores the daylights out of me." (I use that one all the time) 2) "I come every time that she pirouettes on me." (I always think of that line when I meet a dancer but I wisely don't let it move from the brain to the tounge.) 3) and of course the line that I'm sure is also your favourite: "Plug in, flush out, and fight and fuck and feed." Then we move to the 2nd song which contains the classic line: "Dick and Pat down in old DC, they're gonna hold some shit for me." I could go on like this for every song. My ability to understand Mick's slur is no better than anyone else's but I bought the Japanese press of this album which included a loot bag of extras including a lyric sheet. In those pre-Google days this meant I was the only kid in town who knew the words. I remember an interview with Charlie where he said he didn't like being in the South of France for so long since he couldn't find Branston Pickles. Yeah that's the same reason I've never been to the south of France. lol This is the album, when Keith started playing his guitar with Open G tuning and only 5 strings - tossing the low E string (most bass string). This made it tough on the bar bands since they couldn't get the riffs to sound right on most Stones songs that followed. Side 2 is my favourite side. One hit and the rest is excellent jamming with all instruments on fire and really good harmonies, especially considering none of them knows how to sing. Tumbling Dice is an excellent example of how an opening riff can make a song. This was Keith's specialty. Torn and Frayed is a good example of Charlie's drumming prowess (RIP). Also Bobby Keys is at his best with Sweet Virginia being his highlight. I will never find too many live versions of this song from concerts in the Bobby days. (RIP). If you're a Bobby Keys fan check out the G rated version of Sweet Virginia on You Tube. It's an afternoon concert in front of the Nashville library (I think). Since there are lots of kids running around within earshot he changes the words to " Got to scrape the 'stuff' right off your shoe." Sweet Virginia is one of the few songs played with regular guitar tuning and all six strings so the guitar hacks can play something from this double LP. Although it really doesn't sound that good without the sax and harp solos. Side 3 is also very good starting with Happy, the best known song that Keith sings. When I saw him play it he couldn't remember the words which was hilarious given he only sings lead on one song. Oh well, at least he took his guitar playing seriously which is the main thing. Fabulous album!

๐Ÿ‘
Oct 08 2020
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3

The Stones isolated themselves to come up with this double album and jamming out tunes using their unused riffs and songs plus adding completely new songs. The style is a combination of blues, rock, gospel, r&b, jazz and country, yet with so many genres and tracks, the music still manages to sound the same and get stale by the end. The Stones have done much better than this.

๐Ÿ‘
Sep 24 2021
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4

Would you believe me if I told you I've never listened to a Rolling Stones album before, nor have I even attempted to? Why not? Let me tell you a story: I returned to my primary school a couple of years after leaving, with a few friends. We wanted to say hi to old teachers, revisit the old stomping ground. Our old music and RE teacher, Mr Watts, marched past. An eccentric man. We tried to stop him and say hi, but he simply said "Too tall, too tall," and marched on. That was the last ever interaction I had with him. He's dead now. Point being, the Stones (and Dylan, and Bowie, and Nick Cave..., but especially the Stones) were always "too tall" for me. I couldn't bear to face up to the sheer volume of music I'd avoided. Better to march on blindly, and not engage. Well, just as I think Mr Watts was completely wrong on that fateful day 20 or so years ago, I am pleased to report I too was completely wrong. Not only are the individual songs vibrant, catchy, fun and booty-shaking - the album as a whole feels like a real celebration of a band at the peak of their powers. It has an unerring sense of utter self-confidence that is completely intoxicating. So. Why not 5 stars? Because I can't help feeling like a fraud of a Stones-listener; giving it 5 stars implies I've unpacked everything, and digested its meaning. Truth is, I got my groove on, found it so much more accessible than I'd ever have dreamed and am primed for this to grow into a 5 star. I just don't feel like I've earned it yet. After all, they are just too tall to take in on one listen.

๐Ÿ‘
Oct 06 2021
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5

You want their "hits"? You want their radio-friendly songs? Then go buy their "Best of..." albums. This album is them showing their blues roots, and paying homage to all the blues greats, without whom there would be no Rolling Stones. If you don't recognize what makes this a watershed album for this band, then you don't deserve to understand this album. How's that for a bit of rock snobbery?

๐Ÿ‘
Feb 29 2024
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4

hopefully mick donated to the NAACP after making this album

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Oct 04 2021
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5

This was a very 'soulful' type of rock and roll album. I enjoyed it quite a lot! Felt like the perfect mix between New Orleans and London.

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Sep 07 2021
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5

Exile on Main St, in all its ragged, full-on, rock'n'roll swagger, is all a young man needs. In places, this record does indeed sound, in the best possible way, like an album made by a bunch of drunks and junkies who were somehow firing on all engines. The Stones would never sound so sexy, so raucous and abandoned,ever again. Fave Stones album, by far.

๐Ÿ‘
Jan 08 2024
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5

Album defines rock in the early 70's, drugged out, drunkin sleazy mess. Sure the songs are all over the place and disconnected but this album is an absolute masterpiece.

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Sep 30 2022
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5

I think it's difficult to realize just how amazing it is for any band to sound this good and play this well together. Every single part of the instrumentation sounds magnificent - both in isolation and in the interaction with the rest. The runtime is daunting, but Exile On Main Street is packed to the brim with top-notch tracks: 'Tumbling Dice', 'Let It Loose' and 'Shine a Light' just to mention a few. "I know I play a bad guitar" Jagger confesses on 'Living Cup', but luckily Keith Richard sure doesn't play a bad guitar on this record - perhaps the greatest collection of rock and roll tracks ever.

๐Ÿ‘
Aug 26 2022
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5

What is the best Stones album and why is it Exile On Main Street? For starters, it's their White Album: Disjointed yet epic; Complicated but ultimately rewarding. It has Sweet Virginia, Tumbling Dice, Loving Cup, and Let It Loose. It allows a strung out Keith Richards to sing lead on a song. The joyful Billy Preston plays both the piano and organ on "Shine A Light". And it all adds up to the closest I'll ever get to the feeling of a heroin and cocaine Speedball.

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Jan 23 2022
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5

This is the fourth and last in what I consider to be the Rolling Stones peak period of creativity, from 1968 to 1972. An amazing rock album with a lot of gospel and swing references and great songs like Rocks Off, Tumbling Dice (my favourite Stones tune), Sweet Virginia and Shine a Light.

๐Ÿ‘
Dec 10 2021
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5

'Exile On Main Street' is earnestly performed and brilliantly made, making it one of the best albums of the 1970s namely in the field of rock and roll. The many riffs and chord arrangements residing in the spacious bars sound familiar because The Rolling Stones were their early adopters, popularizing it and leaving an everlasting mark. Tempo and pacing done right, this record features an attractive rock 'retro' quality to it - which combined with soulful performances from the members, creates a piece of work that will remain fundamentally influential.

๐Ÿ‘
Oct 10 2021
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5

If Sticky Fingers is the Stones' "Rubber Soul", this is their "Abbey Road." This is by and far the greatest record they have every put out. It's a left turn that veers into an Americana-gospel inspired record while maintaining a quality rock n' roll sound that pulls emotion from every corner of the room. There are some songs that could have been cut for precision sake...but that would detract from the wholesome experience afforded by Exile. Even when certain moments feel out of place, like "Shake Your Hips" or "Turd On The Run", you'll be able to reflect on the bigger picture crafted by Jagger, Richards and the gang and get swallowed back into an experience few records have been able to give in the past 50 years. Favorite Songs: Tumbling Dice, Sweet Virginia, Loving Cup, Shine A Light, Soul Survivor Least Favorite: Turd On The Run

๐Ÿ‘
Sep 14 2021
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5

You canโ€™t get more from this. Itโ€™s rock n roll the way the Stones mastered it, bringing in country, blues, gospel, and the attitude that makes them the best. RIP Charlie.

๐Ÿ‘
Feb 23 2021
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5

Excellent album; some classics among some great blues songs. Has most of my favorite Stones songs on it. Highlights: -Sweet Virginia -Tumbling Dice -Loving Cup -Happy -Shine a Light

๐Ÿ‘
Sep 07 2021
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4

I remember reading somewhere a long time ago that this was a โ€œheroin-fueledโ€ album, which I interpreted as meaning the drugs enabled them to hit a creative Zenith. Stuff I have read or watched since says the main effect of the heroin was that the recording sessions took longer because Keith Richards kept falling asleep. I keep thinking of them half-asleep or high, playing this sloppy mess of rock nโ€™ roll, blues, gospel, country and soul. There is some great piano-playing throughout and (go-figure) Mick is a pretty hot harmonica player. If I were the cherry-pick my 10 favorite songs (I would include the blues covers) it would be quite an album.

๐Ÿ‘
Jul 23 2024
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3

Iโ€™m surprised that Iโ€™m giving this such a low rating, but even though I liked the style, there wasnโ€™t really anything that grabbed me.

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Jul 22 2024
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3

While I respect what these guys have done over the last half plus of a century, I just don't really vibe them. You can hear a variety of styles on this album, and that's really their strength, their musical versatility. Jagger's voice just ruins it for me. I would listen to a music only version. Loving Cup is a favorite on here. I like the brass and piano.

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Nov 30 2023
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3

Nr. 52/1001 Rocks Off 3/5 Rio This Joint 3/5 Shake Your Hips 3/5 Casino Boogie 3/5 Tumbling Dice 4/5 Sweet Virginia 3/5 Torn And Frayed 4/5 Sweet Black Angel 4/5 Loving Cup 4/5 Happy 4/5 Turd On The Run 3/5 Ventilator Blues 3/5 I Just Want To See His Face 2/5 Let It Loose 3/5 All Down The Line 3/5 Stop Breaking Down 3/5 Shine A Light 4/5 Soul Survivor 4/5 Average: 3,33 I can understand and appreciate why a lot of critics regard this as the best Stones album. But for me a lot of the songs fehlt too convoluted and overladen.

๐Ÿ‘
Jan 25 2021
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3

I was wondering when we would see a Rolling Stones album come up since everyone loves them so much. I do include myself slightly in that โ€œeveryoneโ€ but when it came to rock, I had many other bands I liked more so Iโ€™ve never listened to a full stones album. I like the album cover, very scrapbooky but they also use duplicate photos so there is a touch of laziness to it but it was the 70โ€™s. This is another band where I struggle to hear what Mick is saying but donโ€™t mind too much because I love his voice and the music is really good. Iโ€™m noticing that right off the bat on Rocks Off. Rip this Joint is also really fun. Iโ€™m hopefully sensing a theme for this album with these easy to dance to type songs youโ€™d hear in a tavern with the pianos and brass. Woah, Shake Your Hips sounds a lot like La Grange from ZZ Top, who made it first? Uh oh, La Grange came out in 1973โ€ฆand it sounds better than this song. Casino Boogie! For some reason I really like that song title. Wish I liked the song, doesnโ€™t feel like the kind of Casino Boogie I was expecting. Despite me not being a huge stones fan, Iโ€™m really learning to appreciate them with this listen. Hearing the sound they are creating on this album really does feel like they could have been an old timey saloon band. I wonder when exactly they shifted to the more stadium rock they are known for now. Kudos for Turd On the Run, thatโ€™s an all timer of a title. Iโ€™ve been just cruising through these songs like they are on the soundtrack of Red Dead Redemption. After listening to the whole album, I really enjoyed it. My favorite songs were Tumbling Dice and Torn and Frayed.

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Feb 27 2021
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3

I have always respected this Stones album with it's diverse rock-n-roll, blues, and country flavours. There are some phenomenal songs on this record, especially the "non-hits" and slower tempo like Sweet Virginia, Torn and Frayed, Sweet Black Angel, Loving Cup, Let It Loose, and Shine A Light. HOWEVER, I am just not a Stones guy. Jagger's voice has always made me want to slap him. In the end, my respect for EOMS still doesn't translate to pleasing to my ears overall.

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Oct 19 2024
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2

This was longgggg. Longer than it needed to be? Possibly. Did we need the last 5 tracks? Iโ€™d argue not but maybe I was just ready for it to be over by then. I didnโ€™t mind it too much up until that point. I think if youโ€™d played me this without telling me who it was, I wouldnโ€™t have guessed the Stones. Probably says more about me than it does this record! Mid but docked a point for its unnecessary length

๐Ÿ‘
Sep 17 2024
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2

Start off very slow but gets better towards the back end, Don't see what makes this remarkable at all, I had actively stopping myself from skipping songs at points.

๐Ÿ‘
Sep 17 2024
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2

2.5 never really got the hype around the stones. Sure they have some great hits, but Iโ€™ve never listened to a whole album so I assumed I was just missing something. This album didnโ€™t do much to change my opinion, in fact it probably hurt more than helped. This album wasnโ€™t bad but it was boring. 90% sounded the exact same throughout and there wasnโ€™t a single song that stood out. How people can say theyโ€™re even in the same conversation as the Beatles still blows my mind

๐Ÿ‘
Jul 22 2024
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2

And here it is. Probably one of many that will be on this list. I'm probably going to take some heat from big Stones fans on this one. I am not a big Stones fan myself. I know they are legendary rock royalty and everything, it's just that Mick's voice to me is just not that special. I feel like as far as the whole British invasion deal, the Stones and the Beatles got a lot comparison. The Beatles to me are so much more interesting and creative. It's not that I find the Stones to be terrible, although some of the songs I really don't care for its just that I find them kind of meh. If someone were to give me tickets to a Stones show I feel like I would go moreso out of historical factors rather than loving the music. Probably my two favorite Stones songs are Paint It Black and 19th Nervous Breakdown. This particular album was ok for me. A very bluesy rock album. I could see how something like this would influence other artists in the future. It seemed like a celebration of whatever southern blues musicians they listened to growing up.

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Jul 05 2023
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2

The Rolling Stones' "Exile On Main Street" has long been hailed as a classic rock album, but upon closer examination, it falls short of the lofty praise it often receives. Released in 1972, this double LP is often revered for its raw energy and supposed authenticity, but unfortunately, it fails to deliver a cohesive and memorable listening experience. One of the major drawbacks of "Exile On Main Street" is its lack of focus. With 18 tracks spanning various genres such as rock, blues, country, and gospel, the album feels disjointed and unfocused. While variety can be a strength, in this case, it becomes a weakness as the songs struggle to form a coherent whole. The lack of a clear direction or thematic consistency leaves the listener feeling disconnected and unsure of what the album is trying to achieve. Additionally, the production quality of "Exile On Main Street" has often been praised for its rawness and lo-fi aesthetic. However, the poor production values only serve to undermine the potential impact of the songs. The muddy mix and overall lack of clarity detract from the musicianship and make it difficult to fully appreciate the intricate details and nuances of the performances. It feels like a missed opportunity to fully showcase the talents of the band. While there are a few standout tracks like "Rocks Off" and "Tumbling Dice," much of the album falls into a repetitive and uninspired pattern. The songwriting often lacks depth and originality, resulting in forgettable melodies and generic lyrics. Even Mick Jagger's usually charismatic vocals seem lackluster and uninspired throughout much of the record. Furthermore, "Exile On Main Street" suffers from pacing issues. The length of the album, combined with the lack of strong hooks and memorable moments, makes it feel like a slog to get through. Tracks blend together in a monotonous haze, and the album becomes a background noise rather than a captivating musical experience. It fails to hold the listener's attention and lacks the dynamic shifts and surprises that make a great album truly engaging. In conclusion, while "Exile On Main Street" may have achieved iconic status within the rock music canon, it ultimately falls short of its reputation. The lack of focus, poor production quality, and repetitive nature of the songs make it a forgettable and uninspiring listening experience. While it may hold nostalgic value for die-hard Rolling Stones fans, it fails to stand the test of time and does not live up to the grandiose claims made about its greatness. It is a mediocre effort from a band capable of so much more.

๐Ÿ‘
Dec 18 2024
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5

The greatest rock n roll album of all time

๐Ÿ‘
Dec 16 2024
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5

One of my favourite albums of all time. Probably the best double album on this list. It just keeps giving, song after song. When you think you know it go back and look at the lyrics, so rich and clever, more that you expected from some rock and roll tunes.

๐Ÿ‘
Dec 13 2024
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5

The Good: album #199 on the list is my first The Rolling Stones album to listen to, and that made me excited! The Bad: that it wasnโ€™t Goats Head Soup The Ugly: me realizing that I should have listened more critically to this album decades agoโ€ฆ Funny how time changes tastes. When going through a phase of listening to all albums in a bands repertoire several years ago, I did not understand why this album is considered one of the greatest rock and roll albums period. Today, I am still a bigger fan of Goats Head Soup, but I really enjoyed the listening experience and will keep enjoying it for days/weeks/months to come Just not certain if I can give it 5*โ€ฆ. but 4 1/2* for certain!

๐Ÿ‘
Dec 09 2024
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5

Amo este รกlbum de los Rolling.

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Dec 05 2024
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5

For me this is the greatest Stones record. It's long, and the sameness has been cited as a negative. But I see differently. This is just a complete work that accomplished everything the band set out to do. I have sentimental attachment to Beggars Banquet but even I can admit that this is peak Stones

๐Ÿ‘
Dec 05 2024
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5

The best Stones album, for me. More grit, I suspect as Keith had more input with the recording in the basement of his (then) chateau.

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Dec 05 2024
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5

Probably the best album I've been sent so far, the other truly great one was Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home. From the opening of Rocks Off to the ending of Soul Survivor there's a lot to love. Side two is the best of the four, I still think of this as a double album. It's hard to beat Sweet Virginia, Torn and Frayed, Sweet Black Angel and Loving Cup as a side of any record, not just one by the Stones. Supposedly panned by the critics on release, Exile has stood the test of time. 5 Stars probably isn't enough.

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Dec 03 2024
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5

For me it's the classic documentation of Rolling Stone's French phase

๐Ÿ‘
Nov 20 2024
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5

Not as good on a re-listen The quintessential album for born late in the generation boomer who had kids at a really young age. This album is not the first of any of its respective genres but its some of the best showing in them. 9/10 Fav tracks - All of 'em

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Nov 18 2024
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5

Exile on Main Street is the tenth studio album, and the first double album from the Rolling Stones. They were literal exiles at the time, in a sense; they recorded the album while in "tax exile," which the band spend in the south of France. While holed up in a mansion, in what was described as a months-long party. the Stones recorded these songs on rudimentary equipment, while likely excessively inebriated. The result is raw, edgy, and in some way, perfect. At the time, the critical reception was lukewarm, at best. Over time, the album's repute has improved considerably: Exile on Main Street is regarded as one of the greatest albums - rock or otherwise - ever recorded. This is the Stones at the height of their confidence - bluesy and rebellious - with Richard's catchy guitar riffs and Jagger's brash swagger. The album does not contain any of the bands' biggest hits, but is still regarded as their best work because of the strength and range of this set of songs. This is an incredible collection, recorded as the Stones were becoming the greatest rock and roll band in the world.

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Nov 18 2024
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5

Rocking, the baby liked it too

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Nov 18 2024
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5

Not for the Start Me Up RS crowd. The culmination of maybe the greatest 5-year four album run. Quite simply a Masterpiece. Every song flows together so well. No just a collection of great music. Itโ€™s amazing how all these different genres work as one.

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Nov 18 2024
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5

I went back and forth on this one as their honky tonk ramblings don't usually grab me. However, this album is different and it's great all the way through. For the record, I don't think it's as good as Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville. But watching a performance by Phish covering the whole album opened my eyes to how solid it really is. And Happy, Tumbling Dice, and Sweet Virginia are so good. Also love Loving Cup.

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Nov 14 2024
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5

I love the rolling stones, no mistake.

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Nov 12 2024
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5

Exile On Main Street is possibly the Stoneโ€™s most consistently good album. Itโ€™s also arguably their greatest artistic statement, an elegiac take on their signature heavy Blues Rock sound that was by the time of recording, being replaced in the mainstream by early Heavy Metal, Glam Rock and Bubblegum Pop, that is nonetheless full of life, beauty and humour. The point that itโ€™s their most consistent album is, I think, the most interesting part of the albumโ€™s reputation. It has less classic songs than the preceding three albums, Iโ€™m not sure Iโ€™ve ever heard an Exile song out in the wild, but the quality of the songs on here is all top-notch, fun and loose Blue jams with a good smattering of acoustic and R&B tracks. Iโ€™ve made it clear that I prefer consistency over greatness, writing one great song is easy, writing a consistently good album is the sign of a true great. And Exile is the capstone of the tetralogy of great albums the band released in the late 60โ€™s and early 70โ€™s, a monumental, twisted work, dedicated to sex, sin, and soul

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Nov 09 2024
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5

They were so honky took on their early albums

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Nov 01 2024
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5

# Album Name: Exile on main st # Artist: The Rolling Stones # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: Starts off brilliantly with rocks off. This was Such a fun album. You can really feel the vibes coming through on tracks like sweet virginia. I'd imagine they were all getting off their tits having a great time. Maybe an orgy or two. Theres a great mix of influences on the album. Blues, rock, country, gospel. The band is tight as fuck. You can feel it on the record. I can see why people dont think its a banger because its doesnt have the stones' biggest hits per say. But for me, its such a good album overall. I would agree its a tad too long. Thats been a common problem for any long album on this project, i do tend to get ear fatigue. This album beats the shit of most of the stuff on this project though. Nuff said. Its a banger in my eyes. A sleeping giant. It gets a low 5 for me. # Top Tunes: Rocks off / Shake your hips / Tumbling Dice / Sweet Virginia / Loving cup / Happy / stop breaking down / turd on the run / shine a light # Would I listen to it again? Definitely.

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Oct 30 2024
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5

An inevitable classic - feel good, full of swagger and while not the one with the most hits - itโ€™s a solid end to end well paced fun record.

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Oct 21 2024
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5

When you look at the individual tracks, there's not much that is amazing but collectively they seemlessly work together making it greater than the sum of its parts. The music is very much like taking a drive through ultimate America with elements of rock, country, blues and gospel. I like the rolling groove, the murky, swampy sound and Jagger's voice being slightly under rather than on top of the mic. The other noticeable thing is how on the last few tracks the album builds up to a euphoric climax that almost feels spiritual. It's by no means a perfect album and I don't play it often but it is one that I consistently enjoy when I do.

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Oct 19 2024
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5

Favourite tracks: rocks off; rip this joint; tumbling dice; sweet Virginia; torn and frayed; happy

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Oct 19 2024
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5

A classic Stones albums, as were many in late โ€˜60s and early โ€˜70s. A great mix of blues, country, rock, with the remix in the 2000โ€™s, sound is great too!

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Oct 17 2024
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5

Absolute classic. Tumbling Dice is my favourite

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Oct 15 2024
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5

This is another example of an album that makes no many other albums sound like they don't even have the same tools to make music as these guys. The playing, mixing, vocals, it's all so cohesive and high level. I don't think I can pick a better double album to listen to it and barely notice a song to stand out. It all works so well together and almost demands to be listened to straight. Easy 5/5. If I was forced to pick a song, Shine a Light is fantastic.

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Oct 15 2024
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5

This all sounds very familiar. At first I was ready to dismiss this as a generic rock and roll album. It's all solid music done by experts at their craft. With pretty good production. They obviously studied the musical genres on display and made their own great versions of them. Part of me doesn't want to give this a 5, just because it feels strange that The Rolling Stones nailed these sounds. It feels not that dissimilar to what AI does. It is a great sounding album that I would like to further explore.

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Oct 01 2024
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5

Another classic and the last of the Stones classic run. I didn't like this album when I heard it years ago but over time it grew on me and now I love it, southern rock, blues and country, even a bit of gospel this album is soaked in the southern states. Tumblin' Dice, Happy, Sweet Virginia, Torn & Frayed, All Down The Line & Shine A Light are all highlights but if you listen to deluxe version there is a song called Following The River that is a real hidden gem.

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Sep 28 2024
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5

This is The Rolling Stones at their best for me. I love how every songs ends in a groove and Iโ€™m a sucker for the sloppy saxophone that shows up just the right amount. A great party/hard work album that Iโ€™ll be putting on in the future for sure.

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Sep 26 2024
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5

Dude, itโ€™s the freaking Rolling Stones, dude.

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Sep 26 2024
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5

Great album enjoyed every track

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Sep 21 2024
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5

The question of whether the Beatles or the Stones are better is indisputable with the Beatles clearly being better. Song for Song, they are stronger. But when the Stones are on, they can't be touched. And this album, more than their collective hits, showcase how much joy there is in good old rock and roll. And it is the album that always make you question the Beatles comparison.

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Sep 17 2024
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5

Itโ€™s hard not to conclude that less woulda been more here โ€“ both in terms of length/number of cuts and within cuts (why so many horns and so much backing vocals on so many cuts?). And itโ€™s too scuzzy and muddy in production, with too many same-y, borderline filler-ish tunes (two of first four could be cut, plus "Turd" and one or two others late) to be among the very first rank of albums. All that said, this is great, the world is way better off because this is is still great, a triumph of mood and tone and vibe (or sub-genre [which would be raunchy country blues with a British accent]), the kind of album about which books are written and should be read. The "overrated" question is interesting but rather straightforwardly answered by saying it's not as good as Beggar's Banquet or Let It Bleed, and that's largely down to length. The "should it have been a double album" is the more interesting (if a little tired) question. It does lack hits and less woulda been more, but still a milestone and more than a minor masterpiece.

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Sep 04 2024
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5

An album full of decent efforts in the format of deep cuts, with the most notable being 'Rocks Off', 'Rip This Joint', 'Tumbling Dice', and a few others that pretty much sound exactly like them. However, there isn't really a bad song on this entire album, and it's enjoyable all the way through. It's 18 songs of good vibes and nostalgia, and I don't know what's much better than that.

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Sep 04 2024
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5

I think โ€œBeatles or Stones?โ€ as a personality test-type question is silly. The Rolling Stones are a great band but the Beatles are so far beyond the Stones that itโ€™s not even a contest. I donโ€™t agree with Paul McCartney saying the Stones were just a blues cover band, but I donโ€™t think thatโ€™s completely wrong either. Not only am I not a big Stones fan, but I also have an intrinsic suspicion - bordering on full on dislike - for double albums. They are almost always just missed opportunities to make a really great single album. They are typically boring and self-indulgent and way too long. All that being said, this double album by The Rolling Stones is my favorite album of all time. This album is what spinning out of control and coming apart at the seams sounds like. Fast and hard and joyous and raucous; and then decadent and lascivious and louche; and then exhausted and cynical and a paranoid bundle of nerves and depression; and finally transcendent. If you canโ€™t get into this album then you have to ask yourself if youโ€™ve ever even run a slight temperature in the funkhouse, much less had a full on fever up in that mother. I also love albums with completely mundane origin stories. Started in London, then recorded over months In the basement of Keithโ€™s villa in the south of France with a revolving door of contributors, then Mick leads overdubs in LA with a bunch of session musicians inspired by Aretha Franklinโ€™s gospel singing. There is no overarching theme or plan. They were mostly just drunk or high or broke or running from the law or trying to cheat the taxman or their previous manager or the French police and these songs happened to be recorded at some point in that years long fiasco. This album should not be good. And it isnโ€™t good and it certainly isnโ€™t perfect, itโ€™s just - to me - the greatest album of all time.

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Aug 27 2024
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5

One of my favorite albums of all time, and definitely my favorite Stones album. Recorded during a famously drug-fueled, debaucherous period for the band while in tax exile in France, the album sounds like a near-constant party. Itโ€™s the raunchiest, dirtiest, messiest, and rawest sounding of any of the Stones albumsโ€”perhaps as hedonistic to listen to as it was to make.

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Aug 26 2024
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5

Havenโ€™t listened to this in years, but is in my top 10 albums of all time. Update not top 10 of all time- but still a great record and in my top 50. I mean itโ€™s a double album, but the flow and mood of the album make it 5 stars, not to mention the terrific songs.

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Aug 23 2024
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5

I don't even need to listen to this again (but I will), it's one of my favorite albums of all time. Love everything about it, even the mixing (love those low vocals in the mix for minimum Mick). Near perfect.

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Aug 20 2024
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5

i love this album would listen to it again

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Aug 17 2024
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5

Another slice of genius from the period in which they could do no wrong

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Aug 16 2024
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5

One of the best albums in the list.

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Aug 12 2024
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5

I have heard of this album. I have seen it on many lists. I finally saw the stones live this past summer (2024). Looking at the track list I donโ€™t recognize one single song. Looking forward to listening. Ok I know a few. Tumbling Dice is a song I forgot all about. Love that song. There are a lot of songs. Was worried about bloat. This record is fucking awesome. Itโ€™s a 5.

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Aug 04 2024
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5

I have not been the kindest to The Rolling Stones. Listen, I didnโ€™t want to dislike them and give them as much shit as I did. But I was presented nothing by their debut or by Aftermath that warranted a positive reaction from me. I sat around wondering where the praise was coming from. But I also acknowledged in that most recent review that the only albums left on the list were supposedly the good ones. I wanted to be given a reason to like this band. I needed something. I was sort of hoping the trend would continue in semi-release order. But instead, I skipped ahead to 1972โ€™s Exile on Main St.. And man, it makes me so happy that I can sit here and genuinely write positive things about this record. Very positive, mind you. Any complaint or criticism I may have had about their older music is almost entirely fixed or no longer an issue. In the six years between Aftermath and this, they refined their own sound and identity into exactly what it needed to be. This is a blues rock album that finally feels worth a damn. Itโ€™s wild these are the same guys who made those other records. I mean, the potential was always there. Paint It, Black is a prime example of that. But with this I can see it come to fruition. This album is a mess. In its execution, and in its production. But I can embrace that, simply because of how good the music actually is. Compared to their earlier releases, everything here feels so much more lively. I wish I had a way of showing how much emphasis Iโ€™m putting on that word lively. I really mean it. This is such a good time from start to finish. Iโ€™ve seen it described as having a party-like atmosphere, and I couldnโ€™t agree more. The energy is completely different. Especially with Mick Jagger. His performances really feel like they make a difference on the music. I can finally understand why everybody wanted to either meet Mick Jagger, or be Mick Jagger. Because THIS is the version of him they grew up with. The way they incorporate gospel into the music, particularly with the backing vocalists, makes the band sound free and alive. And even though Iโ€™ve already spoken about it ad nauseam in past reviews, the horns and saxophone just bring the energy up one level higher. Itโ€™s something I didnโ€™t realize they needed until I heard it, and now I canโ€™t imagine their music without it. It seems the consensus is that this is the culmination of the rest of their catalog up until this point. I really hope that doesnโ€™t mean the other three big albums arenโ€™t as good, but I am more optimistic now that they will be then ever before. Rating: 9/10

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Jul 31 2024
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5

This album rocks so hard and kicks so much ass right out of the gate. It's easily my favorite Stones album. There are maybe 2 or 3 filler songs (Turd On The Run and Just Want To See His Face), and even those are still tolerable.

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Jul 27 2024
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5

This is a great jump off record if you want to get into the Stones. It has a lot of their influences and sounds like their earlier work enough, all while showing you a glimpse of what's to come.

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Jul 25 2024
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5

I see alot of hate in the comments here on the 1001 generator. And I don't outwardly disagree with it. Is this the best Rolling Stones album? No. Is this a smash hit sensation of rock n'roll classics that the Stones are known for? Also no. But in no way is this a bad or bland album. Its uniquely authentic to the sounds in which united the great rock group to begin in the first place. American blues, soul and Americana. It is an absolute gem in consideration with the entirety of the Stones catalogue. So raw, and so rare of a band to strip it all back down to just good easy to listen to and emotional songs. There is not much the hate here, so when I say I don't disagree. I'm open to dialogue, but check your anti- mick jagger bias and listen to this album during a mundane day and consider its authenticity in your preamble of hatred. I might add consider the context, these songs were written when the Stones had toured the world, played almost every day for years, strung out on drugs and whilst dodging tax issues in England. The low value writing and production lend to its overall authentic sound. Good old fashioned blues, soul, and Americana done by a british band deeply inspired by American music at a time where all they had was eachother and music.

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Jul 22 2024
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5

Every time I'm walking all down the street Some pretty mama starts breaking down on me Stop breaking down Baby please stop breaking down Still I'm gonna bust you brains out dear Yeah I'm gonna make you lose your mind You Saturday night women now you just ape and clown You don't do nothing but tear my reputation down Stop breaking down Mama please stop breaking down Still I'm gonna bust you brains out dear Yeah it's gonna make you lose your mind I love my baby ninety nine degrees But that mama got a pistol and laid it down on me Stop breaking down Baby please stop breaking down Still I'm gonna bust you brains out baby Yeah I'm gonna make you lose your mind Yeah, this is a pretty amazing album. 5/5

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Jul 22 2024
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5

This has been made by a band having a good time in the South of France. Amazing what a bit of sun can do. It sounds like they were doing what they liked and didn't care about the hits, which is refreshing. The junkies and drunks probably got on Mick's nerves but it's rock and roll mythology at its best.

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Jul 10 2024
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5

A classic. It's boisterous, swampy, stinky and has no class, but it's fully alive. Like your 8 year old self and your cousins after an afternoon of fighting each other with rotten fruit.

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Jul 09 2024
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5

The second best Stones album of their golden era. No track misses.

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Jun 25 2024
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5

Simply awesome album. Still one I love after all these years.

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Jun 24 2024
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5

Stones in Exile in France - somehow a chateau basement becomes the site of pure musical genius (with a trip to LA for tuneups). Rocks off (that horn line), Rip This Joint (tear down the union hall!) Torn and Frayed (always for a certain guitar player). Ventilator Blues (Charlie sounds good tonight, right?) Happy (Keef!), Turd on the Run (she knows what she did) and the last 4 songs on the album might be the best??? Thatโ€™s a band powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline. Excellent album - no filler.

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Jun 17 2024
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5

This era of The Stones makes my soul happy. They're so good at doing American blues and rock. I flippin' love this band.

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Jun 15 2024
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5

i loved it it was very unique

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