LP Review: Exile on Main St.
Love Me Do reviews Exile on Main St., the 2-CD with tracks like Tumbling Dice & Happy that became one of the Rolling Stones’ most admired records of all time.
Exile on Main St., released in 1972, is often regarded as the Rolling Stones’ magnum opus, a sprawling double album that captures the band at their most raw, unfiltered, and creatively ambitious. Recorded during a tumultuous period marked by tax exile, personal upheaval, and a hedonistic lifestyle, the album is a gritty, soulful, and deeply textured exploration of American roots music. It blends blues, gospel, country, and rock ‘n’ roll into a chaotic yet cohesive masterpiece that has stood the test of time as one of the greatest rock albums ever made.
Exile on Main St. was the Stones’ 10th studio album and released on 12 May 1972.
Production of Exile on Main St.
The album’s production is deliberately rough around the edges, mirroring the chaotic circumstances of its creation. Much of Exile on Main St. was recorded in the basement of Keith Richards’ rented villa in the South of France, Nellcôte, where the band lived and worked in a haze of drugs, alcohol, and creative energy. This loose, almost anarchic atmosphere permeates the record, giving it a lived-in, organic feel that contrasts sharply with the polished studio perfection of many of their contemporaries. The result is an album that feels alive, unpredictable, and deeply human.
At the time of recording, the Stones were all tax exiles and chose to live in the South of France, except for Mick Jagger who chose Paris. In 1971-72 the top tax rate in the UK was 75%, plus an extra 15% on investment income. You can hardly blame the Stones for wanting to hold on to more of their earnings by moving to France.
Rocks Off and Rip This Joint
One of the standout tracks, Rocks Off, opens the album with a burst of energy, its jagged guitars and Mick Jagger’s snarling vocals setting the tone for what’s to come. The song’s lyrics, which touch on themes of disillusionment and excess, reflect the band’s state of mind during this period. Similarly, Rip This Joint is a frenetic, high-octane rocker that channels the spirit of early rock ‘n’ roll, with Jagger’s rapid-fire delivery and Charlie Watts’ relentless drumming driving the track forward.
Tumbling Dice and Shine a Light
The album’s bluesy heart is best exemplified by tracks like Tumbling Dice and Shine a Light. Tumbling Dice, the album’s most well-known single, is a swaggering, groove-heavy anthem that showcases the band’s ability to blend blues and rock into something entirely their own. Jagger’s vocals are both playful and world-weary, while Richards and Mick Taylor’s guitar interplay is nothing short of magical.
Shine a Light, on the other hand, is a gospel-tinged ballad that offers a moment of redemption amidst the album’s darker themes. Its soaring harmonies and heartfelt lyrics provide a stark contrast to the raucous energy of much of the record.
Sweet Virginia and Loving Cup
Another highlight is Sweet Virginia, a country-tinged track that features some of Jagger’s most soulful singing and a memorable harmonica solo. The song’s laid-back, almost ramshackle vibe captures the essence of Exile on Main St.—a record that feels like it was made by a group of friends jamming late into the night, with no regard for commercial success or critical acclaim.
Similarly, Loving Cup is a tender, piano-driven ballad that showcases the band’s softer side, with Jagger’s vocals dripping with vulnerability and longing.
Exile on Main St. Disc 2
The album’s second half is equally strong, with tracks like Happy, a Keith Richards-led rocker that has become a fan favorite, and Ventilator Blues, a gritty, blues-heavy track that features some of Mick Taylor’s finest guitar work. The closing track, Soul Survivor, brings the album to a fittingly chaotic conclusion, with Jagger’s defiant vocals and Richards’ slashing guitars encapsulating the album’s themes of survival and resilience.
Keith Richards was often late or even absent for many sessions because of his drug use at the time, even though the recordings were made at his own home. One time he arrived early for a session, and so was happy, and came up with a riff that became his song Happy.
Not an Easy Listen
Exile on Main St. is not an easy listen; its dense, layered production and sprawling tracklist demand repeated listens to fully appreciate. But for those willing to dive in, it offers a rich, rewarding experience that reveals new depths with each play. It’s an album that captures the Rolling Stones at the peak of their powers, unafraid to take risks and push the boundaries of their sound. More than just a rock album, Exile on Main St. is a testament to the enduring power of music as a form of expression, escape, and connection. It remains a landmark achievement in the Stones’ catalog and a defining moment in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.
The album didn’t get rave reviews when it was first released, but over the years people began to realise what a great album it was. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 7 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in both 2003 and 2012.
The Eclectic Mix of Exile on Main St.
When examining the pantheon of rock music, The Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St. stands as a formidable classic that has captivated listeners since its original release in 1972. Known for its raw energy and eclectic mix of rock, blues, and country influences, this double album showcases the band’s exceptional ability to fuse various musical styles while capturing the spirit of a turbulent era. Critics and fans alike continue to celebrate this work, and it has been subject to numerous reissues and deluxe editions, each adding to its storied legacy.
Exile on Main St. Super Deluxe Edition
Over the years, various editions of Exile on Main St. have surfaced, providing fans with a treasure trove of additional material. The 2010 Super Deluxe reissue was particularly noteworthy, as it not only remastered the original tracks but also included a wealth of previously unreleased songs. This deluxe version offered a fascinating glimpse into the recording sessions, featuring a mix of outtakes and live performances that enriched the listener’s experience. Additional selections, like Plundered My Soul, demonstrate the band’s creative depth and willingness to experiment during their golden era.
2020 Anniversary Edition
In more recent years, the album has continued to receive accolades in various forms. The 2020 anniversary edition brought a fresh digital remastering, further enhancing the sonic quality without compromising the album’s gritty charm. The remastered tracks maintain the raw essence that fans cherish while also inviting a new generation to explore this landmark recording.
The added bonus of live recordings from the era connects them with the rocking concert scenes that defined the Stones’ legacy. They evoke the energy of the live performances that shaped rock history and showcase the band’s evolution over the decades. Exile on Main St. remains a seminal project within the rock genre, and arguably the greatest album by the greatest rock and roll band in the world.
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