The Rolling Stones- Exile on Main St. (SIDE 1) (REACTION & REVIEW)

[@markspooner1224]

One of those albums that you can listen to every year over and over and stays very enjoyable. Good effort with the review.

[@-davidolivares]

He did fairly well, guess the info was thin. No Keef vocal recognition or Mick Taylor… Happy will change some. Love the album still also.

[@markspooner1224]

@@-davidolivares To do a review a viewing of 'Stones In Exile' would be very helpful.

[@chowyunfatbr]

Arguably the best rock'n'roll album ever made.

[@jeffryhammel3035]

Can't argue. I've got over a thousand albums. This one's the best.

[@Mark_McC]

This album is HUGELY influential on musicians. There was a underlying ‘you can do this too’ vibe about this album. It was the rocket fuel for every garage band formed after its release.

[@Yaktahbay]

I've always argued that Sticky Fingers, not Exile, is the best Stones' album, but over the years this one has at least grown on me. "Loving Cup" and "All Down The Line" are some standout bangers yet to come.

[@jessejordache1869]

I'm a Sticky Fingers man: it hangs together better and is just more... dense. All Down The Line is great though, but I always felt like Exile is a "Mick Jagger & The Stones" album while Sticky Fingers is the whole band clicking.

[@WTFungus]

I got this album when it first came out. Back then it came with a set of really cool postcards featuring some really great photography and a full size poster which went straight onto my bedroom wall. I wish I still had those postcards.

[@unkindestcut]

My favorite Stones album. Rough, raw and dirty.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

One of my Top 3 Stones songs is "Rocks Off" - it doesn't get enough play (IMO) Should be noted that though this album is now considered a "Classic" it was widely panned as their worst album to that date. ALSO: Check out the history of making this album. It's a worthy story all it's own.

[@jasonwebb71]

Once you've listened to this album, try to find the documentary "Stones in Exile" as it documents the entire recording of this album and also includes interviews with some of the additional musicians involved. It was shown here in the UK on the BBC, but I'm not sure who produced the doc.

[@gaiaeternal5131]

Afternoon Justin. Dave from sunny London, spending Saturday In The Park. The highlight for me is Tumbling Dice, a top 5 single in the UK. The other tracks (which I haven't heard for so many years) seem designed to go down a storm live, and as we know The Stones were the world's top live act for decades, and Jagger one of the great front men. Like you, I love their use of horns, and their trademark crunchy riffs. The thing is: are these other tracks really distinctive enough? I was a big fan of the Stones' singles and albums in the 60s, but gradually moved away during the 70s. Too many rather generic album tracks, but still some classic singles. P.S. my song ref Saturday In The Park is by Chicago.

[@lourenzi8820]

Some of the back up singers were called the Blackberries. They sang back up on the great Humble Pie album Eat It (Black Coffee). They also backed Ray Charles.

[@gidgetmaurer123]

This probably is their best album overall. It's not my favorite (i love some girls best i think) but it's their masterpiece.

[@RepublicOfUs]

I love this album so much. Tumbling Dice might be my favorite song of all time.

[@koltonk2713]

First time on your channel… man, I love the way you review and breakdown these tracks. I’m a millennial but love classic rock and Exile is a holy grail for me. You’re super intuitive and get so many things about these songs and the recording of them right off the bat (that took me years of listening and reading about to learn), and describe it all so well! Can’t wait for the rest of the album!

[@JustJP]

Thats incredibly kind of you Kolton, thank you so much for watching and im glad you enjoyed!

[@koltonk2713]

@@JustJP No prob! And subscribed, of course. Side 2 has a verse that'll make you do a double take. Jagger is playing a character to criticize stereotypes of the time. That's all I'll say without spoiling anything.

[@leedobbs9419]

I am surprised by the lukewarm reception by some. The entire album is the Stones magnum opus. The only two tracks from this album that I heard on the radio when I was growing up were "Tumbling Dice" and "Happy". They were two of my least favorite Stones songs but within the context of the album they sound wonderful!

[@pentagrammaton6793]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I never could stand the Stones very much. I sometimes suspect that Stones fans can't grasp the fact that people like me exist, haha

[@TONE11111]

Stones, my least favourite band/people. Dreadful noise.

[@jayburdification]

Magnum Opus?!? Negative. No, I’m sorry. Let it Bleed and Beggar’s Banquet are objective masterpieces. This is the one only the diehards love the most.

[@-davidolivares]

I think I love Sticky Fingers a bit more but, this stuff when paid proper attention to is just a total trip through the down dirty side of blues rockabilly. F**k it’s good. Another fabulous classic double album and a must have. Now back to Electric Ladyland please. Peace and electric church Music

[@markspooner1224]

I love Sticky very much too and can't do without Let it Bleed either. (or Jimi).

[@ChasBeauregarde]

This album (as a whole) is one of their best efforts and my favorite. That being said it took ME FORTY YEARS for it to grow on me, but now its in my top 10 best all time ever!!!

[@sylvanm4216]

Starting here is a bit like making Topographic Oceans your first Yes album! It's taken me a long time to slog through Exile to the point that I actually appreciate most of the (too many) songs. The three previous albums leading up to this one were all so much more tight, punchy, and approachable.

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

Yeah, especially Beggars Banquet. It's a solid masterpiece all around.

[@SPKdesign1]

I agree, I do prefer Sticky Fingers.

[@ryanbates9668]

This one is good, but side 2 is AMAZING.

[@ChasBeauregarde]

Let it loose is one of my all time favorite Stones songs.

[@maruad7577]

It's Deja Vu all over again. I forgot this had been on Patreon.

[@mrbrad4566]

First time hearing the album. It seems like real authentic Americana, nothing British about it, apart from where the band come from. Shows what a massive influence American culture was on Brits growing up in the 50's. 70's British bands repackaged it and sold it back to America big time.

[@Nick-yb9xz]

Obviously, Casino Boogie was influenced from them recording Exile in Villefranche-sur-mer, France a few miles away from Monaco and the casinos.

[@ohfour-seven6228]

There is a documentary out there about the recording of this album and I'd suggest checking it out. The album was recorded in the basement of Keith Richard's house in France. I believe there were dirt floors in the basement, it was hot and humid and really added to the atmosphere so brilliantly captured in the recording. Yes, that's Jim Price and Bobby Keyes on horns, ex members of the brilliant Delaney and Bonnie and friends ensemble which included Leon Russell, Rita Coolidge, the members of Derek and the Dominos and even Eric Clapton himself. Fine musicians all. This album was the last in the most incredible consecutive four album run ever produced: Beggers Banquet, Sticky Fingers, Let It Bleed and Exile on Main Street. It doesn't get much better!

[@zappa1952]

As a stand-alone, I would strongly suggest "Can't you hear me knockin". At the time it was a departure from their normal fare. Enjoy ☺️

[@jeffryhammel3035]

Yes. And all the "famous 4" albums from "Beggars" to "Let It Bleed" to "Sticky" to "Exile". These 4 made The Stones.

[@cat-o-matic]

The highlight of this tune is Charlie's drumming, Those fills coming out of the breakdown are magnificent.

[@bjwnashe5589]

Keith Richards is one of the greatest musicians and composers and producers of all time.

[@jeffryhammel3035]

Man, young Sir - I'm twice your age, and this (to me) is The Mona Lisa of Rock Albums. (Okay, 3 times your age.) Anyhow, you hit the beauty of this 2 set record perfectly, like many of us 60 plus year olds realized in our teens. You so caught the diversity and energy of the album tracks, the amazing rhythm section, and the raw production. God I love today's music; but like the Renaissance, this kinda stuff can never be replicated. Again, it's great to see a young person come to the same conclusions as us "old" folk after buying this seminal gem.

[@jeffryhammel3035]

P.S. Bobby Keyes was the sax catalyst on many of these tracks.

[@JustJP]

Thank you so so much Jeffry, I really appreciate that!

[@jeffryhammel3035]

@@JustJP Hey, thanks! It's just that you had the same reactions I had back in the early 70's to "Exile". However, you picked up upon other things (changes in the song, horn interplay, lyrics) far before I ever did. There was a great quartet of albums from the Stones in the late 60's until "Exile On Main Street" that at least to me, was unparalleled. The first was called "Beggar's Banquet", a very unique homage to blues and gospel and folk. Then "Let It Bleed" and "Sticky Fingers", culminating in the (as u so carefully mentioned!) the loose oddity called "Exile On Main Street". I really hope you do some bits on artists like Curtis Mayfield (listen to "Mighty, Mighty", please - the live track first when googled) or Marvin Gaye or The Beatles or Prince's "Sign 'O The Times" or so many of these gems that have influenced today's music. Thanks for your reply, too! I'm honored.

[@lourenzi8820]

One of the greatest opening tracks ever!

[@sarahzentexas]

Left you a long comment on Patreon re: this album, these songs, and how they changed my life. 😊

[@yes_head]

Can you imagine a time when the Stones, Led Zeppelin and The Who were all at their peak? It would have been exhausting trying to keep up with all that energy.

[@blanewilliams5960]

I am surprised you have not heard more Rolling Stones, Justin. This is a fine album with lots of variety and great tracks. Not my favorite Stones album but one I always enjoy listening to. I am with you on Tumbling Dice, has a great feel and a favorite of mine from this album( although you didn't to mention the perfect drumming by Charlie Watts). Nothing flashy or crazy fills like Keith Moon but just what the song needed, more like Ringo. Anyway, thanks for this Justin. Looking forward to the rest, Peace!

[@mjp3186]

I like your reaction. You always deal with the lyrics. Hats off for that. I Saw a lot of your reactions. It makes me want to react. This is a masterpiece. Great music without sounding commercial. You follow the original vinyl double album. Look forward to your reaction on the rest. Lol

[@Lightmane]

Hi Justin. Here's my Long Song Saturday Requests : ) More Vangelis please : ) If you want to do more album sides, how about side 1 of the self-titled debut album by Gypsy from 1970. I think you'll greatly enjoy their music, which I affectionately refer to as 'Gypsy Rock' : ) How about side 1 of the second album by U.K. 'Danger Money'. 'Carrying No Cross' is their 12 minute piece that I know you're going to enjoy : ) How about the 20 minute piece 'Memoirs of an Officer and a Gentleman' by ELP. I just listened to it yesterday for the first time. I liked it : ) How about the 24+ minute piece 'Song of Scheherazade' by Renaissance, or their 23 minute version of 'Ashes are Burning' live at Carnegie Hall : ) These are just a few suggestions from your #1 fan. Ok ok, maybe I'm like #16 or something. Whatever... hope that was enough 'smiley faces' for you : )

[@bobholtzmann]

Gypsy is a phenomenal band -- they got lots of airplay on St. Louis' FM rock station, and appeared here many times. I've heard "Gypsy Queen part 1" and "Dead and Gone" many, many times! I also never tire of "As Far As You Can See, As Much As You Can Feel" - another great 10 minute track.

[@Lightmane]

@@bobholtzmann love their first album

[@frugalseverin2282]

Yes Linda Ronstadt did release 'Tumbling Dice' as a single, I hope you give it a listen. She was always a great singer and she sings more distinctly than Jagger.

[@ronniemac9255]

The Stones are great dude.., Period!... Yeah' their heavily blues oriented.. They hung out with alot of those old cats,(black artists) played with alot of them.. I love it, them, always have... Been listening to them bout as longest i can remember!🤘💞✌

[@bartstarr100]

Recordings of Keith Richards being loaded on smack 24/7.

[@kevind4850]

One of the last Stones albums I actually bought. After Brian Jones was ousted, the band slid into focusing on what I describe as "drunken white lecher blues". Although they continued to be extremely popular and produce sparks here and there, hedonism as a theme gets boring after a short while. They went from innovation to sticking to the same groove, so this album brings back sad memories for me.

[@frugalseverin2282]

They were less adventuress after Jones was gone, very true. I do like the Mick Taylor era though, plenty of memorable hooks. After "Some Girls" forget it, little is worth remembering.

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

@@frugalseverin2282 Tattoo You is still good. Otherwise, I agree

[@markphillips3186]

I remember, a long time ago, one of the chief Rolling Stone Magazine’s main reviewers (can’t remember his name) saying it was the best album by the best band in the world. The same reviewer also said on the same list that Who’s Next by The Who was the best album by the best band in world.

[@-davidolivares]

He was right on both accounts though there’s probably a few more bests.

[@TheCornishCockney]

Reminds me of a review by NME at the time of its “shit production” not understanding that the Stones wanted the loose,live feel plus sticking faithfully to blues structures. But who gave a fuck what snobby music critics thought anyway.

[@beatledad]

justin.....this was recorded with the rolling stones mobile recording truck ....the same truck referenced in deep purples smoke on the water

[@Mark_McC]

You have to listen to Linda Ronstadt’s version of Tumbling Dice! Btw, back in the day, every guy went through a phase of secretly, or not so secretly, being in love with Linda. There is a live version of her doing ‘You’re No Good’ on The Midnight Special that, well, rocked this young teenage boys world, lol!!!

[@14gilbertst]

RIP Nicky Hopkins. RIP Bobby Keys.

[@lourenzi8820]

The Mick Taylor era produced the greatest Stones albums. They fizzled after that.

[@thishappybreed6505]

In a way, it's a pity you started here, because this is The Stones at their absolutely filthiest!

[@ronniemac9255]

Also' id like you to cover, "Cant You Hear Me Knocking" by itself, in its entirety...👍

[@davidheiser2225]

If you never listen to another Rolling Stones song you at least owe it to yourself to check out "Gimme Shelter", if for no other reason than to hear Merry Clayton's famous backing vocal.

[@kevind4850]

Definitely! Merry Clayton is one of the best backups ever and shines brightly in any track to which she contributed. Her solo work is also great (including her cover of "Gimme Shelter").

[@novanights2chevy597]

Agree. Many consider Gimme Shelter their best.

[@asmahism]

Rocks Off is the best Stones song by a long shot and I love the band. The whole song has great lyrics but the delivery of “plug in flush out and fire the fuckin feed” is languid, it’s perfect. Then shooting straight into Rip this Joint is rock perfection. Tom Waits said it best 1-2 punch start to an album ever. Who’d argue with him?

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

Wham, bam, thanks for this, Jus-tin.Cannot reply further, it's into the opiate zone I am! But I'm tappin' my foot as fast as I can! It's Exile on Med-street, and for The Stones, I am a big fan! Too bad it's plastic or I would drum away on a bedpan! Peace to all, wish I was at Cannes! (or anywhere else for that matter!) Have a great weekend all.

[@claudeshwartz3175]

Have a listen to "Time Waits For No One" by the Rolling stones on the "It's Only Rock N Roll" album. Mellow song you can really sink into.

[@randyteta9170]

Rocks off is a great tune

[@johncagnettajr344]

Tumbling Dice was covered by Linda Ronstadt. Recommend you find it.

[@davidchaplain6748]

Marlene Dietrich was BRILLIANT. Check her out in "Witness for the Prosecution" as a movie review. Written by Agatha Christie. I wish someone could still write tight courtroom dramas like that.

[@novanights2chevy597]

Yeah, and Judgment at Nuremberg, her character especially.

[@jbstonesfan]

Greatest album ever recorded by the greatest band ever .

[@bjwnashe5589]

Great music. Makes me want to load up on cocaine and heroin. That's the vibe. But I don't do that anymore, and the music still works.

[@lourenzi8820]

Can't understand all the hate. This band ruled the rock world for a dozen years putting out incredible music. Do you realize how many artists they have influenced???

[@themanwiththegoldenweasle9193]

When does part 2 come out on patreon?

[@craigfazekas3923]

First vocal ? "Oh, yeah !!" Kinda says it all, don't it ?.... 🚬😎

[@stephendennis8739]

Just wondering have you listened to a recommended song and find that you didn't like it as much as others you've heard without mentioning what the song was

[@SPKdesign1]

I prefer "Sticky Fingers" but this ones pretty good too.

[@Eric5M]

Sticky fingers is their very best IMHO, not Exiles

[@jessejordache1869]

DON'T MOVE YO LIPSpspsps.........

[@novanights2chevy597]

I hope when Justin gets to Tommy and The Wall that he listen to the whole thing through (all sides) and then does a second listen giving his comments. He cheats himself out of real first listen by stopping between songs and sides. I'd hate to see someone who obviously appreciates good rock music to lose out on that experience.

[@sphericalharmony1603]

I like the Stones but find this album a bit underwhelming compared to some of their earlier music. Apart from Tumbling Dice, which is a great track.

[@jfergs.3302]

Yeah, it's not bad. A selection of blues, rock n roll tunes, and cos of that it's pretty timeless. The band are tight, but some of my fave parts are from the additional muso's. The honky-tonk piano on track 1, the sax on track 4. Yeah, a decent side..

[@-davidolivares]

Starts off the album nicely and with a bang.

[@triciasomogyi5431]

Sweet Virginia

[@0Theco]

Side 2????

[@jayburdification]

Once you hear Let it Bleed, Beggars Banquet, and Sticky Fingers in their entireties, you’ll understand why this album is so overrated. I mean it does have a great beginning and a great ending to side one, but the songs in between are just filler. I just don’t understand why this album gets so many accolades. It’s good, but not even close to being great.

[@KingOfNebbishes]

I'd say because of it being the last album of that classic run, as well as being a double album, there's been a reappraisal of it into their defining statement. I myself also prefer Sticky Fingers because of it's more focused tracklist.

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

I remember hearing the album online because a list called "greatest rock albums" featured the album in 2nd place, before "Led Zeppelin IV". And hearing the first 5 tracks... and then thinking: "this is fine". It has some really good songs, like Tumbling Dice, Shine a light, Ventilator blues, etc., but it isn't as flawless and fluid as many people think

[@jayburdification]

@@joaquinlezcano2372 it’s one of those things where only the critics and the diehards love it and they talk it up so much that it becomes overblown. I felt the same way about Graceland by Paul Simon.

[@stephensuddick274]

It's great because of the sheer span of genres covered with such aplomb and impressive authenticity. Additionally, it freaking rocks and is the most musically dense record they ever did. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard Tumbling Dice. I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever heard in my life. Haven't heard anything since that gave me that same feeling.

[@jayburdification]

@@stephensuddick274 What genres? I’m not hearing the variety that you’re hearing.

[@anthonyjagger7021]

You skipped a verse in Rocks Off : plug in flush out and fire the f@$king feed Owwww

[@a.k.1740]

The Rolling Stones leave me cold. Generic blues rock and nothing more. Not for me.

[@kevtruth]

I definitely cannot relate to that, but I suppose it is all subjective

[@a.k.1740]

@@kevtruth All art is subjective and that's why I only spoke for myself. That said, I don't hate the Stones, it's just that their music generally doesn't speak to me, except when they do baroque pop or psychedelic pop such as "Lady Jane", "Ruby Tuesday ", "As Tears Go By", "We Love You", "Dandelion", "In Another Land", "She's a Rainbow".......

[@pentagrammaton6793]

@@a.k.1740 same for me. I always thought of Jagger and Richards as pretty much the worst singer and guitarist, respectively, in the world.

[@a.k.1740]

@@pentagrammaton6793 Yes, Mick and Keith always gave me the feeling that they were going to collapse any moment, both for the vocals and the guitar playing always on the edge of the precipice ! .-)

[@pentagrammaton6793]

@@a.k.1740 I reckon that just owning a guitar and having a van in London in 1964 was enough to get you famous (with a bit of luck)!

[@Alix777.]

Most overrated album in rock history.