Tune of the Week: Stones

“Exile on Main St.” is a defining statement of The Rolling Stones. It incorporates not just blues but gospel, country and swing influences. The double album was recorded a variety of difficult circumstances: living abroad as tax exiles, drug dependence, miscellaneous work schedules and in-fighting. Despite these obstacles, the Stones achieve a work that both defines and transcends the genre of Rock ‘n’ Roll. There is a looseness and swagger to the proceedings that is more common among jazz musicians. The unique surroundings and atmosphere of the sessions lend the entire record a feel of a different reality; one which reflects the mentality of its musicians feelings and attitudes about life and the nature of the music they are creating. Here, in the album’s closer, you can hear what sounds like a culmination of all that the musicians and the listener have been through while on the sonic journey. The layered vocals and guitars create what sounds like a prayer at the alter of Rock ‘n’ Roll and all the forces that helped create it.