Rolling Stones

A Bigger Bang

After eight years or absence since their last LP, the Rolling Stones have returned with a new album. After the excruciatingly poor ‘Don't Stop' on their Forty Licks "Best-of", I was expecting a mediocre affair. From the opening chords of the first track ‘Rough Justice' I knew that my fears were not going to be realised this time around. In fact, A Bigger Bang is perhaps their best album since the 1970s. They have once again proven the critics wrong who until recently described them as a ‘cabaret tribute act'. The Rolling Stones have produced a record without over-pretentiousness, without trying to be relevant to their time. A Bigger Bang is simply a collection rollicking rock songs, and not many can do that better than the Stones. The album has already received heaps of praise from the music press and media with some even proclaiming that this is one of the best pieces of work that they have ever produced. Although this may be taking things a bit far.

The opening chords of 'Rough Justice' start off the record quite literally with a bang. The confident and almost defiant song puts the first-time listener into a frenzy of expectation for the rest of the record. The song has that stonesesque quality of magical beat intertwined with Keith Richards' riffs and Jagger's inimitable voice. What has been produced could be described as the bastard cousin of 'Brown Sugar'. Other songs along this train of thought include 'It Won't Take Long', 'She saw me Coming', 'Oh No Not you Again', 'Dangerous Beauty', 'Driving Too Fast'. All of them have the potential to become live favourites. It seems that the Stones have found their groove again.

However, this overriding groove occasionally makes the album feel like a bit of a one-trick-pony. Fortunately, A Bigger Bang also includes a number of songs which come into the funky-dory category. 'Rain Fall Down' could have been written in the 1970s, the jingle-jangle guitars and sexy lyrics combining to fine effect. 'Infamy' sung by Keith Richards is another example when the groove kicks in. While they do add variety, these songs are among the weaker on the album, sounding rather out-of-place. Although the songs in their own right are not bad, they feel like the band want to prove that they can still write songs which run the entire gamut. Perhaps this was unnecessary.

The album also has a number of mid-tempo pop-rock songs that will assure them of exposure on BBC Radio Two. These include 'Streets of Love' and 'This Place is Empty'. The latter is sung by Keith Richards and is perhaps his best ever vocal. The weariness in his voice perfect for the song's message. Whether this is done on purpose or is the result of years of abuse, is another issue.

Finally 'Back of my Hand' sees the Stones returning to their first love: Rhythm and Blues. The brilliant harmonica and vocals, coupled with some superb slide guitar make an almost perfect pastiche of an old blues song. This would have made a beautiful addition to Exile on Main Street. 'Sweet Neo-Con' has very clumsy lyrics but it has certainly provided the album with all the free publicity necessary. The song looks at Neo-Conservatism in the US and is said to be an open criticism of George W Bush. As I have said the lyrics are particularly clumsy but they do have some authority and gravitas coming from the Rolling Stones. A lot more than coming from a more "modern" band.

This is the first time that the Stones have toured with strong material to promote. As I write this review a week after having first heard it, I find myself liking the album more and more. Like all good songs and records, it grows on you. If this does become their last record then the Rolling Stones will have finished on a high. This album is the best Stones album since Some Girls. The only problem the band have is their monumental history. Without Exile on Main Street, Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers, etc... this would be viewed as a truly incredible album. As it stands it is a good Rolling Stones album. A Bigger Bang deserves higher praise than that

James Ketchell

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