The Rolling Stones
Exile on Main Street (1972)

Review by: Mike Webb
Date: 7/13/00

I hate the desert island disc question because there are way too many records that I can't live without, and I have way too many moods and needs for different types of music. So I've never even attempted to come up with a list. But when I'm asked that dreaded question, there's always one album that I know would be on the list - Exile On Main St.

From 1968 to 1972 the Stones released 4 of the most brilliant albums ever created. Each one saw the band dabble in music genres outside of rock, and outside of the band itself. The last of the four releases is the most complete collection of songs ever assembled.

"Rocks Off" is probably the catchiest and most energetic song to ever start off an album. Then the trip begins - to old style Eddie Cochran rockabilly, to John Lee Hooker blues, to drunk in the studio Keith riffs, and to the "hit" "Tumbling Dice". Then, just to show off, they pull off a mimicking country song, then some faux acoustic island music, and on through to soul & gospel songs that it's amazing the Stones could even pull off. And that's just the first side of the double album set! Then, to prove it wasn't a fluke, they lead off the 2nd side with what has the be the 2nd catchiest and energetic song to hit the grooves - "Happy" - Keith Richards tribute to having a good time.

All in all, it's a journey through music as seen through the drug induced haze of Mick & Keith and the boys, and never has rock'n'roll been more clearly articulated as on Exile On Main Street.