Search - Rolling Stones :: Exile on Main Street

The best American music by a British band, ever

Daniel Kruger | Brooklyn, New York United States | 08/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sometimes when you're too close to the source of something (in this case American music -- blues, country, gospel, rock and roll, jazz), or too much in its thrall, you don't recognize all the wonder and the beauty that it is made of. The Rolling Stones -- addled by tax problems, drugs, love, celebrity, politics, death and disolution -- laid themselves bare on the altar to which they had dedicated their entire lives. Anyone who actually listens to, and tries to understand the beauty contained in the slurry vocals, the jam-like quality of the recording sessions, and the sticky and dank producing-style will be rewarded. This was a group of really smart and talented people attracted to an imperfect America that was caught in the grip of Nixon, race riots, Vietnam, addiction & etc. Anyone who compares this to "Tattoo You" is nuts and lacks any sense of context, or not listening in the right frame of mind. Rather than "Tattoo You," "Exile on Main Street" comparable to Sly & The Family Stone's "There's A Riot Goin' On" or to Hank Williams or to Robert Johnson. (It's hard to compare to any other Rolling Stones album because it's more rootsy yet less studied, and more sincere.) Sometimes it's hard to take in, but if you can listen through the slurry vocals, it's among the most beautiful and thoughtful rock and roll out there."

One of the Best Rock Albums Ever

Steven R. Seim | Beaver Dam, WI United States | 07/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Rolling Stones are one of the most important rock bands ever, and the 1971-72 period (covering "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main Street") was their musical peak. Together, these two albums represent the very best of British blues-rock. Essential listening."

Forget the nay-sayers--this album is spectacular!

Philip Eastman | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is understandable that because the Rolling Stones are, well, the Rolling Stones, there are going to be some highly uptight and stingy critics out there. But I am not one of those critics! I have been listening to this album since I was 4 years old, with a childlike interest that has grown into fullblown adult appreciation. You cannot go wrong on this record. Every track is a raucous, sonic blend of bluesy riffs, wailing vocals, and an overall theme of spontaneity and fun. Songs like "Tumblin Dice" and "Rocks Off" are great songs on their own, but when listened to in sequence with the likes of "Loving Cup" and "Happy" (with Keith on vocals, I believe) this album is a full blown sonic masterpiece that will pump you up and brighten your mood within the first seconds of hearing it. Largely underrrated in its day, this album is a unanonymous top 20 album of all time for hundreds of critics, and millions of rock music listeners. If you enjoy the Stones, it is simply impossibe for you to not be enamored with this record. A classic that everyone should own in their collection."