There is something about the sound of this record.... it sounds much older than it should, in a good way. Like taking pictures on an old camera with an ancient film stock they don't make any more. The graininess adds to the charm. If you've listened to any Stones albums that preceded this you know how inconsistent they are. They'll have a solid-gold classic one song, a complete nothing the next, going back and forth until the 9 songs are up and hey, wow, that wasn't very satisfying! With Exile there are no "nothing" songs. And it's a double! All four sides kill. One of the greats from one of the greats. FIVE STARS