Review: Rolling Stones "Exile on Main Street" Revisited

The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones this week released the re-issue of their legendary 1972 double album "Exile on Main Street" to a great deal of media fanfare. The album, in its 2 CD version, boasts 10 previously unreleased tracks including 6 new songs.

"Exile", from their rich and fertile 1970s work, came out when the Stones were at the peak of their creative prowess. "Exile" is regarded as the personal favorite Rolling Stones album by legions of the band's fans.

To focus on the new songs first, "Plundered My Soul" is brilliant and a revelation- the strongest addition here to the Stones catalogue. The song features a great Mick JaggerMick Jagger vocal and stinging guitar work by Keith RichardsKeith Richards and Mick Taylor. The chorus is positively addictive: "I thought you needed my loving, but it's my heart that you stole. I thought you wanted my money, but you plundered my soul." It's a wonder that it took a Stones song this good so long to turn up.

"I'm Not Signifying" is a simple blues based number with some great harmonica work by Jagger and a steady drum beat by CharlieCharlie Watts.

"Following the River" is an appealing ballad and a song of love and loss, with a rich chorus of backing vocals. "Dancing in the Light" is a playful rocker, and "So Divine (Aladdin Story)" features a hypnotic groove.

For the most part, the previously unreleased tracks are not on the level of the original "Exile on Main Street" songs, but are nevertheless worthy and compelling.

An alternate take of "Loving Cup", a song from the original album is still gorgeous in its fascinating and uniquely different version on disc 2.

It is a treat to revisit the whole original "Exile" album, fully present here as well, on both disc 1 or on the single CD version.

The opening number "Rocks Off" still washes over the listener from the get go, with a sound that is mesmerizing, including soul stirring vocals and instrumentals.

"Tumbling Dice" is a legendary rock song and a Rolling Stones concert staple. "Sweet Virginia" is a beautiful countrified tune and one of the precious songs that make this album so classic.

Other favorites are the down home "Torn and Frayed", the Keith Richards vocal centerpiece "Happy" and the astounding "Let it Loose".

If you have never heard "Exile on Main Street" before, you need to. If you haven't heard the album for a while, it is a good time to return to it.