Disco de The Rolling Stones: “Shine A Light (Deluxe Edition)”

When I first heard that The Rolling Stones were releasing a double live set on CD, I thought "here they go again with yet another live album." In the '90s they actually released more live albums than studio albums. Fans already owning the Four Flicks DVD set didn't need the Live Licks collection for sure. But being the Stones fanatic I am, I went out and bought it anyway. It opens with 'Jumpin' Jack Flash,' a typical concert opener. But then along comes 'She Was Hot,' the first surprise of Shine of Light. It's from the harshly criticized Undercover. This one is filled with concert rarities-'Loving Cup,' 'As Tears Go By,' 'Some Girls,' 'You Got the Silver,' 'Connection,' 'I'm Free,' and 'Shine a Light.' This is the best live Rolling Stones album since Get Your Ya-Yas Out.

What other band on the planet could do what the Stones do with Muddy Waters' Champagne & Reefer? This is one of the hottest blues rocks this band has covered in a long time.

Plus the best Stones albums (Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile, Some Girls, & Tattoo You) are well represented. This is the kind of set you want to hear.

Must listens/Favorites: Lovin' Cup, Champagne & Reefer, Faraway Eyes, Just My Imagination, Tumbling Dice, Live With Me (ok Aguilera overdoes it but I think we would be disappointed if she didn't). And Keith's You Got the Silver, Connection and Little T & A.

The critics have been pronouncing this band dead since the early 70's; but these same critics have, on occasion, been silenced by a stunning performance on an inspired night. This is one of those nights and one of those performances.

Mick's southern twang on Faraway Eyes and Keith's soulful strumming on Just My Imagination are enough to make even a music critic smile.

Yes, you are reading this right.

While most Rolling Stones may consider it blasphemous to name anything other than 1969's classic "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" as the band's definitive concert recording, this hardcore fan of TGR&RBITW honestly believes that they have outdone themselves nearly 40 years later with the soundtrack to their magnificent Martin Scorsese directed rockumentary, "Shine A Light."

This 2 disc set captures the band at the height of their powers and proves that after 40 years, they still are better than any other band currently going. Mick, Keith Ronnie & Charlie (as well as their ace team of supporting musicians) sound tight, energized and youthful (not bad considering they're all over 60), and the setlist reflects their unbeatable musical legacy.

The old warhorses ("Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Tumbling Dice," "Sympathy For The Devil," "Start Me Up," "Brown Sugar," "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,") are all present, and while they've been done before, the versions done here make them sound new again, as The Rolling Stones put an extra amount of raw, unbridled passion that has defined their music for 46 years into these performances. In fact, the version of "Satisfaction" is the best version of the song I've ever heard.

But the real highlight is the rare performances that for the most part make up the majority of the set. "Shattered," "She Was Hot," and "All Down The Line" sound fresh and furious while "Just My Imagination" and "Faraway Eyes" are soulful and invigorating. Keith's "You Got The Silver" from "Let It Bleed" makes it debut in a Stones show and is marvelous. Keith also tackles "Little T & A" and "Connection," both of which sizzle. Of the bonus numbers, which are all great and should've been in the finished film, the highlight is a magnifcent, emotional "Paint It Black," which sounds even better than it did in 1966.

The guest spots on the album are indeed welcome and they all blend in well with the band. Jack White make a great younger counterpart to Mick on "Loving Cup," while Christina Aguilera brings down the house on "Live With Me." The best of the three, however, is Buddy Guy, who performs on the blazing "Champagne And Reefer."

This is a wonderful companion to the film, which is excellent. And while there's some songs that should've been included ("Honkey Tonk Women," "Get Off My Cloud," Street Fighting Man," "Midnight Rambler" and the Scorsese fave "Gimme Shelter"), it's hard to find much fault with this collection.

Like many fans of the "good ole' days" of the Stones, I also thought they were past it...until seeing the movie over the weekend! Scorsese has redefined the rock concert video! Absolutely brilliant. Had the good fortune of seeing it in IMAX so maybe that's what gave it something extra. It was almost like being at the show. Just My Imagination is a revelation. To some they may be a bunch of old geezers, but they can still blow most youngsters off the stage. Went out and bought the CD...not quite the same experience but still worth a listen. But can't wait for the DVD to come out!

I had an original idea! Lets's judge the music for the music. If anyone can give me a list of contemparary bands that match this amazing live performance, please come forward with your list. Even if you do, you will probably end up including The Allmans, Skynyrd, Petty, and others from an earlier era. Rock and Roll will die. When people forget Led Zep, The Stones, The Who and numerous others. The template is out there, follow it or get out of the way!