Rolling Stones – Exile On Main St (2LP Vinyl)
Polydor / Rolling Stones Records (1972 / This Pressing 2010)

2 reviews for Rolling Stones – Exile On Main St (2LP Vinyl)
Polydor / Rolling Stones Records (1972 / This Pressing 2010)

1. 

   5 out of 5

   AMG – December 27, 2015

   Generally regarded as the Rolling Stones' finest album. Rich and masterful, it sets a remarkably high standard for all of hard rock. Greeted with decidedly mixed reviews upon its original release, Exile on Main St. has become generally regarded as the Rolling Stones' finest album. Part of the reason why the record was initially greeted with hesitant reviews is that it takes a while to assimilate. A sprawling, weary double album encompassing rock & roll, blues, soul, and country, Exile doesn't try anything new on the surface, but the substance is new. Taking the bleakness that underpinned Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers to an extreme, Exile is a weary record, and not just lyrically. Jagger's vocals are buried in the mix, and the music is a series of dark, dense jams, with Keith Richards and Mick Taylor spinning off incredible riffs and solos. And the songs continue the breakthroughs of their three previous albums. No longer does their country sound forced or kitschy -- it's lived-in and complex, just like the group's forays into soul and gospel. While the songs, including the masterpieces "Rocks Off," "Tumbling Dice," "Torn and Frayed," "Happy," "Let It Loose," and "Shine a Light," are all terrific, they blend together, with only certain lyrics and guitar lines emerging from the murk. It's the kind of record that's gripping on the very first listen, but each subsequent listen reveals something new. Few other albums, let alone double albums, have been so rich and masterful as Exile on Main St., and it stands not only as one of the Stones' best records, but sets a remarkably high standard for all of hard rock.
2. 

   5 out of 5

   Geoff (verified owner) – January 13, 2015

   Originally released in May 1972, 'Exile on Main Street' innovatively wove varying musical genres, instruments and even artists into a compelling rhythmic masterpiece, with guest appearances from an electric array of talent such as Dr. John, the late Billy Preston, pianist Nicky Hopkins and guitarist Mick Taylor. This is the World's Greatest Rock 'n' Roll band doing what they do best. They blend blues, country, r&b, and even gospel and it still sounds like Rock 'n' Roll. The thing that makes it all so excellent is the live emotion that resulted from a good portion of it being recorded in Keith's basement. It almost feels like it is something from some garage band not caring about money but just wanting to make amazing music. It is more of a complete album than any of their other releases, covering every aspect of what the Stones are all about. "Rip This Joint", "Rocks Off", "Sweet Virginia", "Tumbling Dice", and "Happy" are all exquisite Rolling Stone favourites, but when you hear it in its entirety you realise that the only way to truly absorb and enjoy the multifaceted elements of this album is to listen to it from start to finish. 'Exile on Main Street' is an amazing album that everyone with a pulse should own.