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Ross
Not this again!
Exile is perfect…and has been etched in stone as such for 37 years. I have always thought of it as a concept album, with “Main Street” being a metaphor for America. Every song fits that agenda and the sequencing is perfect for an entertaining journey through musical Americana.
In addition to the classic Stones rockers (which are an amalgamation of American musical styles) there is gospel (Shine a Light, Just Wanna See His Face), country (Sweet Virginia, Torn & Frayed, Loving Cup), amped up bluegrass (Turd On The Run) even traditional blues tunes by Robert Johnson and Slim Harpo.
Even the themes of several songs, such as name-checking American cities and ‘Dick & Pat” in Rip This Joint, Sweet Black Angel about Angela Davis, Tumbling Dice – Vegas, etc; all contribute to the best “Americana” album of all time.
Then there is the execution. Mick and Keith are in perfect voice and the best lineup of the band is clicking on all cylinders. Nicky Hopkins is amazing. The arrangements which seemed kind of thick and clunky at first give way to the discovery of countless great riffs and licks buried in the mix. I still discover little nuances (or re-discover ones I forgot!) after nearly forty years of listening to this.
IMO Exile is an unequalled masterpiece. This is the one album in The Stones catalog that is not the least bit diminished by over familiarity to these ears.
Music doesn’t get any more thrilling than Exile On Main Street. No amount of tweaking could make it better.
Ross
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Come On
I thought it was 'Astral Weeks' by Van the Man but what the f...
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Chris Fountain
When it pops up on Exile, I feel like we suddenly take a detour through some Louisiana Bayou fever swamp.
Great Description.
L.O.
(JWSHF)
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Chris Fountain
Thanks! 'Just Want To See His Face' is such a cool sounding song. It sounds distant at first, but then gets louder, or closer, like we, the listeners, are journeying up that Louisiana Bayou Swamp to slowly start to see and hear some exotic campfire voodoo jam session occurring.
A very mystical sounding song. Percussion and background vocals lead you through a swamp into the campfire.
L.O.
That's it. End of thread.Quote
Gazza
Its as close to perfect as its possible to get.
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squando
I reckon "Rocks off" is a killer intro - behind BS and SMU it's the best I think they ever did intro wise. I think it would have faired very well had it been the kick off single.
I also agree however that Exile is greater in its entirety. From start to finish it is simply magnificent. I hear no filler and if there is filler it's filler that most bands would have traded their left nuts to have at the time. Even now rock bands would envy songs on there wishing that they were in their bag of tricks instead of the Stones.
And Come On - you are strange. Do you even like the Stones?
No doubt 'bout it.Quote
Gazza
Its as close to perfect as its possible to get.
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Baboon BroNo doubt 'bout it.Quote
Gazza
Its as close to perfect as its possible to get.
Quote
Ross
Not this again!
Exile is perfect…and has been etched in stone as such for 37 years. I have always thought of it as a concept album, with “Main Street” being a metaphor for America. Every song fits that agenda and the sequencing is perfect for an entertaining journey through musical Americana.
In addition to the classic Stones rockers (which are an amalgamation of American musical styles) there is gospel (Shine a Light, Just Wanna See His Face), country (Sweet Virginia, Torn & Frayed, Loving Cup), amped up bluegrass (Turd On The Run) even traditional blues tunes by Robert Johnson and Slim Harpo.
Even the themes of several songs, such as name-checking American cities and ‘Dick & Pat” in Rip This Joint, Sweet Black Angel about Angela Davis, Tumbling Dice – Vegas, etc; all contribute to the best “Americana” album of all time.
Then there is the execution. Mick and Keith are in perfect voice and the best lineup of the band is clicking on all cylinders. Nicky Hopkins is amazing. The arrangements which seemed kind of thick and clunky at first give way to the discovery of countless great riffs and licks buried in the mix. I still discover little nuances (or re-discover ones I forgot!) after nearly forty years of listening to this.
IMO Exile is an unequalled masterpiece. This is the one album in The Stones catalog that is not the least bit diminished by over familiarity to these ears.
Music doesn’t get any more thrilling than Exile On Main Street. No amount of tweaking could make it better.
Ross