Tuesday, 15 Apr 2008
I caught Shine A Light at the Imax in Indianapolis last night. The film captures The Rolling Stones at the Beacon Theatre in New York (circa 2006) through the lens of Martin Scorsese and features guest appearances by former president Bill Clinton as well as Jack White, Christina Aguilera, and Buddy Guy. The latter’s contribution was probably my favorite as his guitar and vocals on “Champagne & Reefer” (Muddy Waters) really brought the some life to the film. As much of a fan as I am of Jack White in general, the film could have done without his guest appearance for a hollow version of “Loving Cup.”
Having never considered myself a full blown Stones fan I can say that there were a lot of really great points throughout the film. The opening minutes are filled with a frantic Scorsese being strung along with the promise of a set list which he eventually receives just as the house lights go down. The moments where the film gravitated away from the performance to a much younger version of the Rolling Stones, provided a reminder of just how long these guys have been playing rock and roll at the highest level. Despite his age, Mick Jagger has more stage presence than just about every front man in the business today.
It wasn’t as moving as U2-3D was for me, but that in part resides with being much more of a U2 fan than I am of the Rolling Stones. That being said, the film has me digging through my records as I anticipate I’ll be revisiting quite a few from the Stones catalog in the coming weeks.
Anybody else seen the film? Thoughts? What official live (album) release best captures the Rolling Stones live?
Youtube: Shine A Light Trailer
Myspace: The Rolling Stones
Find MP3′s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic
April 15th, 2008 at 9:18 am
The two (and maybe only) Stones live albums to check out are (in order of preference): “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out” and “Live Licks.” Here’s Lester Bangs’ original review for Rolling Stone on “Ya-Ya’s”:
http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/238845/review/6067337?utm_source=Rhapsody&utm_medium=CDreview
April 15th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I haven’t been too crazy about any of the live Stones albums. I do love the live version of “Midnight Rambler” included on Hot Rocks. It’s much better at conveying the song’s creepy sexual violence than the original.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Come check out Buckshot Bonanza’s interview with The Red Chord this week!!! He also has tons of other archived interviews with other bands from each week. Go to w w w . w o o z y f l y . c o m / b u c k s h o t z b o n a n z a to check it out!!!