Ok, I know I've been on a Stones kick lately but I just HAVE to write about this one since it FINALLY got its official release today.
This film chronicles the Stones 1972 "Exile on Main Street" Tour which many people, myself included, think was the peak of the bands touring career.
After the horrors of Altamont at the end of the 60's, the Stones regrouped in Paris and came up with the masterpiece which is "Exile on Main Street". Logically, a tour followed. This was the first time the Stones had toured America since Altamont and they were definitely back with a vengeance.
This was the early 70's. Large P.A. systems were just starting to be used and arenas and stadium tours were still relatively new. This was the Stones before the backup singers and before the blow up props and gigantic stage sets.
The band was basically stripped to its core. Mick, Keith, Charlie, Bill and Mick Taylor, along with Nicky Hopkins on piano and the horn section of Jim Price and Bobby Keys. That's all. That's all they needed.
The movie is actually a compilation of 4 shows in Texas in 1972. The movie itself was actually released in theaters in 1974 but that was the end of it.
Aside from bootleg copies that have been floating around (I have mine), this is the first time this has been seen in years.
Eagle vision did a fantastic job of restoring the audio and video.
Anyway, let's get to the actual show. What can I say really? It's all here, Brown Sugar, Gimme Shelter, Tumbling Dice etc. etc. The band tears through 15 songs like a well-oiled machine.
Highlights for me are: "Dead Flowers" with Keith and Mick sharing the mic, something that probably hasn't happened since then. "Love in Vain" with Mick Taylor playing some amazing slide. "Midnight Rambler" with Mick blowing some awesome harp. And smoking versions of "Rip This Joint" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash".
Another highlight is when Keith solos. He doesn't do it much anymore so you sometimes forget how good of a guitar player he really is. This will refresh your memory.
The addition of some nice bonus footage really makes this dvd shine.
First up, we get some rehearsal footage filmed in Switzerland. "Shake Your Hips", "Tumbling Dice" and an unreleased song called "Bluesberry Jam". Really cool although it makes you wish it was longer than the 11 or so minutes we get here.
There are also two interviews with Mick Jagger tacked on at the end. The first is from "The Old Grey Whistle Test" show from 1972, right before the release of "Exile". The second is from 2010.
That's about it. Picked it up at Gallery for $10. Can't beat it.
