Rolling Stones Stones In Exile
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
The Hard Rock and Metal genres are heavily influenced by the rock ‘n’ roll artists of the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Even if modern acts find their influences from the ‘80s and ‘90s, their heroes, most undoubtedly, were inspired from the quagmire of music, sex and drugs of the liberal and decadent ‘60s and ‘70s. The fact is that artists from thid time period were often separated from their fan base which produced an air of mysticism that surrounded many of these legendary bands.
In ’72, the Rolling Stones released the double LP Exiles on Main Street. Being the bands 10th studio album, the writing for the record came at a time when the band’s finances were in ruin. Spending almost a decade of recording and touring, the band’s misadventures with uncouth industry professionals left them in dire straits. Finding that they owed more taxes than they could pay, they left their home country of England before the government seized their assets.
The band and their entourage of musicians, family and friends settled in France, each member finding a home to place their hat across the country. Unable to find a suitable studio to write and record, the band setup their mobile recording studio at Keith Richard’s rented villa called Nellcôte in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The story of this legendary time period is documented in the DVD release Stone in Exile. The documentary follows the 40th anniversary release of the re-mastered Exile on Main Street.
Many dub Exile on Main Street as the Rolling Stones’ quintessential album, which has been described as dark, moody and atmospheric. The DVD sheds some light into the circus life that settled around and within Nellcôte. Sex, drugs and plenty of rock ‘n’ roll raged within and outside the villa’s walls. From the mouths of Rolling Stone members, comes the story in their own words. The band’s commentary that flows over the top of the archived footage gives some insight into the band’s this unique time period. There is extensive additional footage, which includes interviews with all the band members, Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts return to Olympic Studios and Jagger’s country house Stargroves, where they discuss the recording of the album. Also included is footage from “Cocksucker Blues.”
While Stones In Exile may be the closest visual introspective into Exile on Main Street, fans may never demystify the time that led up to the recording of the this landmark album. The DVD is a treat for those looking beyond the vinyl, seeking insight into the creative process and heart and mind of the band. Some will argue that there isn’t enough here to answer all the questions, while others may still want to hang on to the mystery of the unknown.
Release Information:
Studio: Universal (Music)
Release Date: 6/21/2010
Running Time: 145 minutes
Original Release Date: 2010
UPC: 00801213030699
Number of Discs: 1
Official Website: http://www.rollingstones.com/
Video Trailer: