Search - Rolling Stones :: Shine a Light - O.S.T.

Marti C. from CHEVY CHASE, MD
Reviewed on 2/4/2010...

Great CD if you love the Stones.

World's Greatest Rock band at its Best!

Whamo | San Clemente, California | 04/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the spotlight of Martin Scorsese's camera crew, the boys try to out play each other with spectacular results. The band runs through the same old hits out of respect for the audience, but also performs rare "live" gems for the hardcore fans. As usual, the boys play a tribute song to one of the old masters, this time, its Muddy Water's "Champagne and Reefer". Guest appearances by Christina Aguilera, Buddy Guy, and Jack White inspire Mick Jagger's sense of humor in the form of insults. Christina shines on "Live with Me"; Jack White appears on "Loving Cup"; and Buddy Guy highlights "Champagne and Reefer". "Some Girls" and "Faraway Eyes" all showcase Jagger's sense of humor. The band, thanks to the steady hands of Charlie Watts and Daryl Jones, the weaving guitars of Ronnie and Richard's, never sounded better. The bass player, instead of looking for [...] in the audience, like Bill Wyman used to do, concentrates on leaving a a straight track for the band to roll. It's buried in the mix, but a big, subtle improvement. The Stones have outdone themselves."

LATTER DAY STONES IN A TIME CAPSULE!

Christopher Gazzo | 04/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Rolling Stones have released many live recordings throughout the years and none of them have ever been 'bad' but the problem has been that, other than YA YA'S, they haven't been 'great'. They range from being merely 'good' to 'very good' and never quite live up to the reality of actually being there. The large stadium atmosphere just never translated to CD very well. Before you say "OH NO, NOT ANOTHER LIVE ALBUM FROM THE STONES", it is important to note that 'Shine a Light' really seems to benefit from playing the smaller and much more intimate venue at the Beacon in NYC. The performances are tighter as the band was able to concentrate more on the construction of the songs as opposed to playing the crowd in those (too) large venues. It almost feels as if the band went back and listened to what originally made these songs so good to begin with and took it from there. This is definitely their best live recording, next to YA YA'S!!



The disc has a good combination of the old warhorses (Jumping Jack Flash, Start Me Up, Sympathy..etc) and some not-so-often-performed songs (As Tears Go By, She Was Hot, Connection) and all of them catch the band playing at a latter day peak. The Stones still enjoy what they do and it is evident in this performance. The guest performances include Jack White on "Loving Cup" and he does a great job. However, the Buddy Guy appearance on "Champagne and Reefer" is pure blues heaven and Christina Aguilera actually rocks out on "Live With Me".



The one disappointment I did have was Keith's solo on "Sympathy" just wasn't up to snuff. I never considered him to be a great soloist anyway (his gift is rhythm) but he sounded as if he didn't know where he wanted to go with it. Other than that his playing is nothing but inspired. He lights up "JJF" with some vintage riffing and trades off solos beautifully with Wood on "She Was Hot". Keith's "Connection" and especially "You Got the Silver" are off key but heartfelt and doesn't rob them of their value.



Charlie is exceptional as usual and no, Jagger isn't going to be nailing every note like when he was 25 but he and the entire band sounds as confident as ever. The old fire has been replaced by a certain maturity as these guys continue to bring rock and roll to places it has never seen. Like Keith Richards said in an interview, "It's not our job to compete on top 40 radio. We've been there and done that and taught them how to do it. Our job is to see where we can take this thing so if those other bands behind us are lucky enough to get this far, they will know where to go." Yes, the Stones get ragged on too often about their age but let's remember, they won't always be here so, for me, I'm glad they are still around. Of course there will come a day when they will no longer be able to put on a show but, judging from this performance, that day is not here yet.



This single disc version eliminates the 4 bonus tracks ("Paint it Black", "Little T&A", "I'm Free", and "Shine a Light") as well as 3 other songs from the concert including "Shattered", Tumbling Dice", and "Satisfaction". If you have the few extra bucks go for the two disc set as these are some of their best performances. As of this writing there is only a dollar difference on Amazon.



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