Post by rtbuck on Jun 3, 2008 11:43:10 GMT -5
Rolling Stones – Shine a Light
Label : Interscope (US) Polydor (UK)
Review by : Bucky for Rock n Roll Universe
The Stones are back to shine a light on their career with another live album. ‘Shine a Light’ marks the band’s 9th official live album. The album is a soundtrack to the 2008 film of the same name directed by Martin Scorsese & features appearances by Jack White (White Stripes), Christina Aguilara, & blues legend Buddy Guy. ‘Shine a Light’ is a song by the Stones that appeared on the classic 1972 ‘Exile on Main Street’ album & was rewritten at least 3 times since 1968 before ending up on the album. The song’s lyric dealt with Jagger’s outlook on the sad downward spiral of the drug addiction of Rolling Stone’s guitarist Brian Jones & was originally titled “Get a Line on You”.
I’ve always been a fan of the live albums that the Stones put out over the years & ‘Shine a Light’ doesn’t disappoint as the band rocks through a set that features their regular concert staples such as “Satisfaction”, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, “Brown Sugar”, “Tumblin’ Dice”, & “Sympathy for the Devil” & also features a few tunes that haven’t been played on any live albums such as “Little T & A”, “Far Away Eyes”, “Some Girls”, “Connection”, “Loving Cup”(featuring Jack White), “All Down the Line”, & “She Was Hot”. Christina Aguilara’s duet with Mick on “Live With Me” sounds great as Aguilara put everything she had into her vocals proving she could really rock out. “Champagne & Reefer” is an old Muddy Waters tune that takes on a whole new life with the help of classic bluesman, Buddy Guy & is one of the main highlights of the album as the overall musicianship is amazing. Guitarist Keith Richards may never have had the best singing voice in the world but on the 3 tunes he takes over the lead vocals on(“You Got the Silver”,”Little T & A”, & “Connection) his voice sounds better than ever. Ronnie Wood’s guitar playing is great as always throughout the album as is the tight rhythm section of Darryl Jones & Charlie Watts. Saxophonist Bobby Keyes cuts loose on the album especially on “Live With Me”.
Overall the CD is great & it’s available in a single disc or double disc (which I would highly recommend for the dollar or two more as it gives you 5 or 6 extra tunes). This set of pure rock & roll proves once again that the Stones haven’t lost a step as they near their 6th decade in this Rock “n” Roll universe.
Bucky