"Gimme Shelter" is the sound of a frantically braking freight train about to crush the '60s under its wheels. Along with the tragedy at Altamont, Let It Bleed's opening salvo came to signal the end of a decade's optimism.
What better moment for the devil's house band to ascend the throne of rock 'n' roll? Refining the country and blues-print of Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed is less of an homage than its predecessor, as the songs begin to reflect the personalities that drive them. "Monkey Man," "Let It Bleed" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want" cast a sharp writer's eye on the decay seeping into the Stones' camp, proving that Mick had become more than a pair of lips and hips.
Likewise, Keef's musical vision is more intimate than ever, incorporating the restrained rhythm playing that would become his calling card, and orchestrating spirited, soulful contributions from Charlie, Nicky Hopkins, and new boy Mick Taylor.
It's thrilling to hear Keith's exuberance in the spare country settings of "Country Honk" and his first solo spot, "You Got the Silver." It's exhilarating, too, to witness Mick the evil impresario, growling "My best friend he shoots wah-ter rats," on "Live With Me" or driving "Midnight Rambler" with some steam-powered harmonica. It's all so exciting because they sound excited, finding a form that few bands have ever matched. "THIS RECORD SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD," reads the sleeve. That's good advice.
If you like The Rolling Stones, check out:
The Rolling Stones Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers
The Flying Burrito Brothers The Gilded Palace of Sin
Rod Stewart Every Picture Tells A Story
The Zombies The Singles Collection
