The Rolling Stones – Blue & Lonesome (2016) review
The Rolling Stones – Blue & Lonesome (Polydor, 2016)
Beginning their career as young bluesmen back in the 60’s, The Rolling Stones have finally, and I mean finally returned to those earthy roots, along with the sound that returned America to its roots during those early years. Blue & Lonesome is filled with insinuatingly hot liquid lyrics, matched only by an equal amount of guitar affection, sounding effortless and spontaneous as they roll through numbers by their early heroes.
While those early Stones’ recordings where sensational and inspirational, it’s here at this stage of their life and career that they’re as old as the legends that inspired them … meaning that at this point in their lives they’ve achieved the right to present like the elder statesmen they are, and with a little help from friends likes of Eric Clapton and others, they manage this feat flawlessly.
The most elatious part of this album is the fact that it was recorded over a mere three days during December of 2015 with no overdubs or studio gimmicks. It’s a hands down keeper, the album from the boys I’ve been waiting on for nearly my entire life. The only drawback is that Mr. Brian Jones could not be a part of this edition. Nevertheless, thunder is gonna crack and the sky is going to pour blessed rain down on you.
– Jenell Kesler
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Are we listening to the same album? It sounds forced to me. After hearing this uninspired, rehearsal (warm up) type jams, I think Brian would have held his own head under the water. Blues is 75% feeling and 25% from the gut. I hear neither
I also found this tired and uninspired.
Even the so so recording quality seems less like an homage to the records they listened to in their youth, than simply "can't be bothered.
Their heroes were not only old and many times in poor health, but also not millionaires.
As the third album from the Stones this year, ( the bbc disc may be a bootleg), they seem to be showing us that they fail in all areas of music. However they have the biggest Las Vegas act in the world.
John
Most essential Stones album since….Black & Blue, in my opinion.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/dec/01/keith-richards-rolling-stones-blue-and-lonesome
In this Guardian interview, Keef looks forward to Volume 2. Me too.
Not only Brian is missing……but Bill Wyman too!!!!
With a couple of exceptions like "Just Your Fool," this is a typically souless Don Was production. And no vocals by Keith? Wassup with that?
this is an awesome return to their roots…..bill wyman? give me a break, he quit the band, time to move on…..i think don was was a non factor, the production is raw….love this record
I give it 3 stars out of 5. TOO much mick on harp. His harp is well done, but just too much of it…..every song is too much. Also, not enough guitar….likely because keef really can't solo much anymore. Finally, while mick sang really well on this, on the final track he puts on the old blues guy schtick way too thick…he sounds like a blues parody act on cant quit you baby.
Some of the comments show that people live in the past, are full of disdain, and cannot enjoy this album for what it is : " A hell of good album"! The Rolling Stones were/are the best rhythm and blues band ever. I am almost certain that this album is going to fire up a blues revival of some sort.