the new stones album -opinions

televiking · September 22nd, 2005, 03:51 AM

Hi all

I have not had a chance to check out the new Rolling Stones album. I heard one song on the radio and it sounded kinda good. Not really Exiles on Main St. but closer to that than their previous few albums.
Have you heard the entire album? What is your opinion of it?

Peace, love and all that happiness stuff
Televiking

petebradt · September 22nd, 2005, 09:17 AM

I have it and only one song (and I can't remember the title) is a clunker. the rest are very good. What I like about the Stones is their ability to apply a "less is more" philosophy to their guitar playing. No high-note-count solos here, just solid playing, songwriting and singing.

Some dislike Keith's singing (he has two tracks) but I think he's about the coolest musician on the planet. Not the best, but the coolest. The guy knows his stuff, and I like his philosophy.

gtrman911 · September 22nd, 2005, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petebradt

.....What I like about the Stones is their ability to apply a "less is more" philosophy to their guitar playing. No high-note-count solos here, just solid playing, songwriting and singing.

Some dislike Keith's singing (he has two tracks) but I think he's about the coolest musician on the planet. Not the best, but the coolest. The guy knows his stuff, and I like his philosophy.

yep, less is more.

and Keef is THE best. ...and i love his vocals!

not too bad for a dead guy.

Colo Springs E · September 22nd, 2005, 09:24 AM

and I do occasionally like his vocals. That said, they haven't had a decent album (in my opinion) since "Some Girls." "Tatoo You" had some moments, but other than that I've been less than impressed.

I'll give the new album a try.

jhundt · September 22nd, 2005, 11:46 AM

they are a victim of their own success. So many people compare everything they do to "Exile on Main Street" or some other old album. But the Stones didn't stand still or freeze-up at that point, they kept putting out fine records. If you're always looking for Exile you won't ever find it. Many of the more recent albums are real good, but you can't just sit and listen once looking for another "Exile on Main Street". Put 'em on while you work, play it a few times and you'll find there's some pretty good music on there.

I haven't heard any of the new record yet, I'm hoping to get paid this week so I can get me a copy Saturday.

Smokin' Joe Picante · September 22nd, 2005, 01:25 PM

Although I dislike most "latter day" Stones (particularly the Bridges to Babylon era stuff) I really liked "Voodoo Lounge" (the first album with Darryl Jones on bass), and caught that tour. It was great!

I'll have to give the new album a spin! Keef's the shiznit! The more he sings, the happier I am!

Skully · September 22nd, 2005, 03:32 PM

As I stated, in the Paul McCartney thread, I'm really enjoying the new Stones CD. I am compelled to listen to it. The songs run through my head when it's not playing.

It took me a few days of living with the album to fully appreciate it. At first, I was vacillating about the the songwriting, but I'm now convinced its good stuff. "Streets of Love" may have a cheesy title/central metaphor, but its otherwise well-written, very catchy and never boring, unlike other relatively recent Stones ballads such as "Out of Tears" from "Voodoo Lounge."

Similarly, the album's exercises in dance funk ("Rain Fall Down," "Look What the Cat Dragged In," etc.) have more grit and or substance than previous efforts like "Suck On The Jugular."

Mick's vocal performances on the album is nothing short of a tour de force. Singing ain't just about hitting the notes. He's able to convey more emotion and character than a dozen "American Idols" (or Linda Ronstadts and Trisha Yearwoods, for that matter).

It has no similarities to "Exile," save for its length and the rollicking energy of tracks like "Rough Justice" and "Oh No Not You Again."

IMHO, "Exile" gets too much praise. Don't get me wrong -- I like it. It's got some really good tracks ("Rocks Off," "Rip This Joint," "Sweet Black Angel," "Torn and Frayed") -- but no great ones -- and it has a great feel and sense of time and place, but the energy and focus dissipate in the second half. "Sticky Fingers" and "Beggars Banquet" are far superior.

I don't buy into the argument that the band hasn't hit any creative highs since "Some Girls." "Emotional Rescue" had a lot of good, interesting material, but its reputation suffers because it had a unusual lead off track ("Dance, Part 1") and a weird title track/first single.

"Undercover" has some filler ("Pretty Beat Up"), but its also got a wealth of good songs ("Undercover of the Night," "She Was Hot," "All the Way Down," "It Must Be Hell"). There's a lot of good stuff on the unfairly maligned "Dirty Work," too -- "One Hit Too The Body," "Fight," "Had It With You," "Sleep Tonight" and the title track. And "Bridges to Babylon" has the great "Out of Control," which was an absolute show stopper live. "Anybody Seen My Baby" from that album was also good.

Oster · September 22nd, 2005, 03:40 PM

Quote:

IMHO, "Exile" gets too much praise. Don't get me wrong -- I like it. It's got some really good tracks ("Rocks Off," "Rip This Joint," "Sweet Black Angel," "Torn and Frayed") -- but no great ones --

I agree on most points...but what about 'Tumbling Dice'?

Skully · September 22nd, 2005, 04:02 PM

I left out "Tumbling Dice" and "Happy," both fine songs, but I don't think they're in league with "Brown Sugar," "Street Fighting Man," "Honky Tonk Woman" or "Sympathy for the Devil." YMMV.

genelovesjez · September 22nd, 2005, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skully

IMHO, "Exile" gets too much praise. Don't get me wrong -- I like it. It's got some really good tracks ("Rocks Off," "Rip This Joint," "Sweet Black Angel," "Torn and Frayed") -- but no great ones -- and it has a great feel and sense of time and place, but the energy and focus dissipate in the second half. "Sticky Fingers" and "Beggars Banquet" are far superior.

I would probably agree with that. I do love some songs on Exile (the ones you mentioned, plus "Let it Loose", "Shine a Light" and some others), but I rarely sit down and listen to the album straight through (unlike, say, Beggar's Banquet which is one of my favourites).

I think Exile gets a lot of kudos because it has such a great 'Stones vibe' - the sense of decadence, etc. I think people like it because, though far from perfect, it's really cool.

"Happy" might qualify as a great song, though.

xStonr · September 22nd, 2005, 09:32 PM

New material wise, the Stones have jumped the shark.

Colo Springs E · September 22nd, 2005, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genelovesjez

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skully

IMHO, "Exile" gets too much praise. Don't get me wrong -- I like it. It's got some really good tracks ("Rocks Off," "Rip This Joint," "Sweet Black Angel," "Torn and Frayed") -- but no great ones -- and it has a great feel and sense of time and place, but the energy and focus dissipate in the second half. "Sticky Fingers" and "Beggars Banquet" are far superior.

I would probably agree with that. I do love some songs on Exile (the ones you mentioned, plus "Let it Loose", "Shine a Light" and some others), but I rarely sit down and listen to the album straight through (unlike, say, Beggar's Banquet which is one of my favourites).

I think Exile gets a lot of kudos because it has such a great 'Stones vibe' - the sense of decadence, etc. I think people like it because, though far from perfect, it's really cool.

"Happy" might qualify as a great song, though.

"Sweet Virginia" is one of my all-time favorite Stones songs. I also like "Rocks Off" "Hip Shake" and "Ventilator Blues" a whole lot too...

genelovesjez · September 22nd, 2005, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colo Springs E

"Sweet Virginia" is one of my all-time favorite Stones songs.

Yeah, how could I forget that one?

Plus, "Loving Cup", another inexcusable omission.

There is definitely at least one great Stones album in Exile IMO.

televiking · September 24th, 2005, 03:01 PM

First, thank you all for replying. I have to check the new record out.

I think I made a mistake mentioning Exiles on...
It is not my favourite Stones album. I just thought that since it is often cited as a high point of an era it would raise some kind of image about the kind of sound, sparseness etc. that the Stones were about in their early days. I did not try to praise the record or belittle their other work. Whew, got that off my chest..

So, the stones are still rocking and Lord Keef is doing what he does best? Indeed not bad for a dead guy. Not bad at all...

Peace, love and all that happiness stuff
Televiking

Cheese · September 24th, 2005, 03:23 PM

i saw a concert on dvd and i actualy like keith's voice better

Heather Anne Peel · September 26th, 2005, 11:20 PM

The new Stones CD is awesome, period. There's no point in comparing it to "Exile" or "Let It Bleed". Of course those are classics. But so is this new one. Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood play together better than anyone. When I saw them in 2002, the interplay between them was just magical, and the new album captures that interplay magnificently. Mick and Keith have written a great batch of tunes, and everyone sounds really energized by the new material. Charlie, in particular, really sounds incredible. From the classic opening riffs of "Rough Justice" all the way to "Infamy", "A Bigger Bang" is a keeper!
8) Heather

September 22nd, 2005, 03:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
televiking Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Finland, Helsinki Age: 37 Posts: 477 18 Photos	the new stones album -opinions Hi all I have not had a chance to check out the new Rolling Stones album. I heard one song on the radio and it sounded kinda good. Not really Exiles on Main St. but closer to that than their previous few albums. Have you heard the entire album? What is your opinion of it? Peace, love and all that happiness stuff Televiking __________________ "As soon as you start playing to impress other musicians, you have completely lost the whole point of playing music." Keith Richards

September 22nd, 2005, 09:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
Colo Springs E Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 5,173 5 Photos	Love Keef and the Stones and I do occasionally like his vocals. That said, they haven't had a decent album (in my opinion) since "Some Girls." "Tatoo You" had some moments, but other than that I've been less than impressed. I'll give the new album a try. __________________ Think I'll pack it in and Buy a pickup Take it down to LA...

September 22nd, 2005, 11:46 AM	#5 (permalink)
jhundt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Netherlands Age: 54 Posts: 2,989 9 Photos	Sometimes I feel sorry for them guys they are a victim of their own success. So many people compare everything they do to "Exile on Main Street" or some other old album. But the Stones didn't stand still or freeze-up at that point, they kept putting out fine records. If you're always looking for Exile you won't ever find it. Many of the more recent albums are real good, but you can't just sit and listen once looking for another "Exile on Main Street". Put 'em on while you work, play it a few times and you'll find there's some pretty good music on there. I haven't heard any of the new record yet, I'm hoping to get paid this week so I can get me a copy Saturday.

September 22nd, 2005, 01:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Smokin' Joe Picante Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 499	Although I dislike most "latter day" Stones (particularly the Bridges to Babylon era stuff) I really liked "Voodoo Lounge" (the first album with Darryl Jones on bass), and caught that tour. It was great! I'll have to give the new album a spin! Keef's the shiznit! The more he sings, the happier I am! __________________ http://www.joecurtisband.com/ Overheard at a gig... "The guitar could be louder... I have no idea how, but I'm sure it can be done..." ;)

September 24th, 2005, 03:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
televiking Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Finland, Helsinki Age: 37 Posts: 477 18 Photos	About exiles First, thank you all for replying. I have to check the new record out. I think I made a mistake mentioning Exiles on... It is not my favourite Stones album. I just thought that since it is often cited as a high point of an era it would raise some kind of image about the kind of sound, sparseness etc. that the Stones were about in their early days. I did not try to praise the record or belittle their other work. Whew, got that off my chest.. So, the stones are still rocking and Lord Keef is doing what he does best? Indeed not bad for a dead guy. Not bad at all... Peace, love and all that happiness stuff Televiking __________________ "As soon as you start playing to impress other musicians, you have completely lost the whole point of playing music." Keith Richards

September 22nd, 2005, 09:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 3,423 12 Photos	I have it and only one song (and I can't remember the title) is a clunker. the rest are very good. What I like about the Stones is their ability to apply a "less is more" philosophy to their guitar playing. No high-note-count solos here, just solid playing, songwriting and singing. Some dislike Keith's singing (he has two tracks) but I think he's about the coolest musician on the planet. Not the best, but the coolest. The guy knows his stuff, and I like his philosophy.

September 22nd, 2005, 03:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
Skully Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Glamorous NoHo Posts: 3,982	As I stated, in the Paul McCartney thread, I'm really enjoying the new Stones CD. I am compelled to listen to it. The songs run through my head when it's not playing. It took me a few days of living with the album to fully appreciate it. At first, I was vacillating about the the songwriting, but I'm now convinced its good stuff. "Streets of Love" may have a cheesy title/central metaphor, but its otherwise well-written, very catchy and never boring, unlike other relatively recent Stones ballads such as "Out of Tears" from "Voodoo Lounge." Similarly, the album's exercises in dance funk ("Rain Fall Down," "Look What the Cat Dragged In," etc.) have more grit and or substance than previous efforts like "Suck On The Jugular." Mick's vocal performances on the album is nothing short of a tour de force. Singing ain't just about hitting the notes. He's able to convey more emotion and character than a dozen "American Idols" (or Linda Ronstadts and Trisha Yearwoods, for that matter). It has no similarities to "Exile," save for its length and the rollicking energy of tracks like "Rough Justice" and "Oh No Not You Again." IMHO, "Exile" gets too much praise. Don't get me wrong -- I like it. It's got some really good tracks ("Rocks Off," "Rip This Joint," "Sweet Black Angel," "Torn and Frayed") -- but no great ones -- and it has a great feel and sense of time and place, but the energy and focus dissipate in the second half. "Sticky Fingers" and "Beggars Banquet" are far superior. I don't buy into the argument that the band hasn't hit any creative highs since "Some Girls." "Emotional Rescue" had a lot of good, interesting material, but its reputation suffers because it had a unusual lead off track ("Dance, Part 1") and a weird title track/first single. "Undercover" has some filler ("Pretty Beat Up"), but its also got a wealth of good songs ("Undercover of the Night," "She Was Hot," "All the Way Down," "It Must Be Hell"). There's a lot of good stuff on the unfairly maligned "Dirty Work," too -- "One Hit Too The Body," "Fight," "Had It With You," "Sleep Tonight" and the title track. And "Bridges to Babylon" has the great "Out of Control," which was an absolute show stopper live. "Anybody Seen My Baby" from that album was also good.

September 22nd, 2005, 04:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
Skully Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Glamorous NoHo Posts: 3,982	I left out "Tumbling Dice" and "Happy," both fine songs, but I don't think they're in league with "Brown Sugar," "Street Fighting Man," "Honky Tonk Woman" or "Sympathy for the Devil." YMMV.

September 22nd, 2005, 09:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
xStonr Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Down in the Boondocks Posts: 1,342 4 Photos	New material wise, the Stones have jumped the shark.

September 24th, 2005, 03:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
Cheese Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 139	i saw a concert on dvd and i actualy like keith's voice better

September 26th, 2005, 11:20 PM	#16 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 45 Posts: 3,000 3 Photos	Classic Stones!!! The new Stones CD is awesome, period. There's no point in comparing it to "Exile" or "Let It Bleed". Of course those are classics. But so is this new one. Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood play together better than anyone. When I saw them in 2002, the interplay between them was just magical, and the new album captures that interplay magnificently. Mick and Keith have written a great batch of tunes, and everyone sounds really energized by the new material. Charlie, in particular, really sounds incredible. From the classic opening riffs of "Rough Justice" all the way to "Infamy", "A Bigger Bang" is a keeper! 8) Heather