Review 1 of 3

misterpfeffer writes:

5of 5 Stars

the boys hit rock bottom again, yet completely enjoy the turgid cesspool they inhabit-as beggars was the intro to the newly re-invented group this 1969 release codifies the very reason that they existed in the firstplace-there is no utopia to found on this one-from the opening notes of "gimme shelter" we know this is not going to ba an easy ride-a highly charged and propulsive observation of the absolute destruction of culture-rape! murder! it's just a shot away!the classic robert johnson number"love in vain" is sung with a passion so great you'd never think mick even knew the word "sincerity"-"midnight rambler" with newly recruited slide-extrordinaire mick taylor chugs along quite nicely until all of your plate glass windows have been shattered--even most people who cannot stomach richards' bob dylan vocal style can appreciate "you got the silver"-this song rocks ever so gently-"live with me" and "monkey man" have the guys "rockin' with their cocks out"-the former a plea for more nubile babes to join mick's harem-the latter a quick confession of a low rent bed-stuy wiseguy!"country honk" is a wonderful backwoods cover of one of their own-but of course, all things must come to an end-"you can't always get what you want" not just closes this album perfectly it is also the perfect coda to the most important decade in western history-hopes, aspirations, and dreams were dashed to pieces-with the doris troy led choir, nicky hopkins' tinking piano, and the group's further descent into darkness gives only a burning ember that hope may soon be coming-but that hope is pessimistic-play this one at 11!

Dec 25, 2007 01:21:44

Review 2 of 3

briantalyorrichards writes:

5of 5 Stars

Opening with the apocaliptic 'Gimmee Shelter', this record is a perfect summary of the darker side of the "era of love and piece". Gimmee Shelter provides an incredibley intricate rhythm guitar intro, possibly Keith's finest moment. Discussing, or yelling, the nucleur warfare that was The Vietnam War, "Gimmee Shelters' finest feature was Merry Clayton, whose intense performance gives an incredibly eerie and intense feel to this already scary song. 'Love In Vain', the next track, is a cover of a mournful Robert Johnson song, and the band does him justice. 'Country Honk' follows, and I, probably the only person to feel this way, prefer it to honky tonk woman. The Stones prove here they are so diverse that they can countrify this ballsy classic. After that crashes in 'Live With Me', my favourite song on the album. A straight forward rocker, this tracks key is the extended sax solo in the middle, contributed by the terribly underrated Bobby Keys. After that 'Let It Bleed' comes, a country-raveged tale of sex, drugs, and rock n roll which crosses all the lines of what was considered appropriate which is what makes it great. Enter 'Midnight Rambler', the seven minute long epic heavy on harp that never meanders. 'You Got The Silver' Keiths finest lead vocal performance (and his first), complimented by his dynamic slide playing. The riff-heavy 'Monkey man' is just plain weird, which is why i love it. Wailing guitars, and Micks most diverse vocal perfomance, are what keeps this track from being just another rocker. This album concludes with the neo-classical 'You Cant Always Get What You Want', A philisophical piece that is argueably the albums centerpiece. Opening with a choir singing the first verse, this song immediatly captures your attention. After they conclude there singing, Keith's strummed acoustic guitar enters, with Mick singing some of his most thoughtful lyrics. A little while later, the drums enter and the song kicks off into full throttle. The Chorus' are especially delightful, as the choir enters again, and turns in one The Stones catchiest sing-along choruses. With an ending that intensely fades off, the song keeps your attention for its full 7:28.

Nov 16, 2007 22:25:27

Review 3 of 3

Darwin writes:

5of 5 Stars

I suggest to copy this album on a new CD and to replace Contry Honk by the original Honky Tonk Woman.
That gives one of the best album of all times.

Or put in a stream the following cuts:
- Gimme Shelter
- Love in vain
- Let it bleed
- You got the silver
- Monkey man
- You can't always get ..

That gives something in the same class as the B side of Abbey Road.

Aug 17, 2006 14:25:09