A Bigger Bang [PA] by Rolling Stones (The) (CD, Sep-2005, Virgin Records USA)

The Rolling Stones are back. And, back with a vengence.

In their first studio album since 1997's Bridges to Babylon, they've actually shown a vitality and edginess that's infused with love, loss, near death and renewal. Life has certainly taken its toll on these guys and recent years have definitely not been kind -- Charlie's throat cancer, Mick's break up with Jerry, renewed drug addiction, etc.. Back in the studio with Don Was and the Glimmer Twins producing, they've channeled all their life experiences into a simple, yet powerful album whose styles cover a lot of ground, range and diversity. As with some of their early masterpieces like "Sticky Fingers" or "Exile on Mainstreet," Mick and Keith are writing together again and draw a lot on their blues and rock n roll roots. And, the band is playing very tight and with a lot of confidence and verve.

Some thoughts on my favorite cuts from the album:

Rough Justice - The album kicks off with this rocker anthem tribute. Keith and Ron hold the rthymn while Mick sings out perhaps to Jerry, other lovers who've spurned him or perhaps his fans, "so put your lips to my head baby and tell me what's on your mind. I know you still stil got that animal attraction for me ..."

Let Me Down Slow - a nice soft tune with Keith and Ron's guitars dueling threads throughout. My favorite verse which could be as much a comment to a lover or critic, "Don't be too direct 'cause I feel a little fragile."

Rain Fall Down - this funk-inspired 70s throw back definitely steps out from the other rock and blues tracks on the disc. It definitely grew on me the more I listened to it.

Back of My Hand - classic blues riff with Mick drawing out the lyrics and blowing harmonica. This will play well if/when the band does an impromptu stop by at Kingstone Mine or Rosa's when they play Chicago.

Biggest Mistake - pop filler that's easy and fun. Nothing notable, but nice to listen to nonetheless. It's got some trite pop lovesong lyrics like "We've been living together for over a year. The harmony's perfect ... it rang loud and clear."

This Place is Empty - Keith's ballad backed by twangy accoustic guitar and an underline piano riff that's both melodic and somewhat haunting. Perhaps my favorite line from the whole album: "You and me we're just like the rest;
we don't want to be alone."

Laugh, I Nearly Died - Another slow, melodic tome to loss, loneliness and betrayal. "I've been traveling, but I don't know where. I've been missing you, but you just don't care; lost in the wilderness, so far from home. ... I've been to Africa, looking for my soul ... And I feel like an actor, looking for my role. ... Been sipping champagne on the boulevards... I'm so sick and tired,
trying to turn the tide. So, I'll say my goodbyes ... laugh, laugh, I nearly died."

I bought the disc at Costco for $12.99 right when it was released (needed that immediate satisfaction). But, I now see it on eBay and Half for $5-10 for those of you who want it now.

It's definitely a keeper!

A MUST HAVE FOR ANY ROLLING STONES FAN......Mick and the boys are like that little bunny; they keep on going, and going, and going....DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND BUY THIS CD, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!!

I think this was a very good effort by a band who could easily sit back on their haunches of success. They still are able to breath new life into their self forged style.

The raw energy of the Stones from the seventys and the eighty's are very reminisant on the entire cd.Great riffs from Keith ( and 2 really good songs from him ) Mick's mean harmonaca,great R&B and a little blues.If you like Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St. and Tattoo You you'll like this one. If you like Undercover and Dirty Work this one might not be up your alley.

These guys lost what they had left in 1977 with Tattoo You
but refused to retire peacefully
what a waste of media space

This was a concert that I saw and wanted to buy the cd but I could not afford it at the time so I waited, then I saw your listing and not only saved money but to say the least I saved time by shopping your ad and waiting. Thanks again.
Mike

This is a great album of a Rolling Stones collaboration that is the most recent with Richards and Jagger. Very surprised at the level of intensity of the lyrics get capturing the old Stones melodic flavor.

im a rolling stones fan,the price was right a good find.i recemend this seller to anybody great deal...

Bought this just to add another great addition to my *Rolling Stones* collection! It did not disappoint -- as the Stones never do! BTW, I was glad to find it available on eBay!

i decided to buy the product because of it's 'new' description and fantastic price ... the product arrived in the condition i expected ..

thank you! i'm a happy customer

The Stones keep on rolling, and this one is no exception. Rough Justice kicks it off in Street Fighting Man fashion, with in your face hard rock that is signature Stones. Their mixture of rock and blues has stood the test of time, with Mick's unmistakable voice, and Keith and Ronnie's smooth guitar playing. They mix it up a little with a good variety of tunes that kind of reminds me of Some Girls. Rain Fall Down is kind of a funky tune. They slow it down with Streets of Love, Biggest Mistake, and This Place Is Empty. Back of My Hand is an old sounding blues tune reminiscent of Willie Dixon. Then they speed it back up again with Oh No Not You Again and Driving Too Fast, which is kind of like Mixed Emotions. All and all, it takes a few listens to completely appreciate this album. It has a few songs that jump out and grab you, but the rest kind of grow on you after you hear them a few times. We've waited a while to hear this album, but I think it's worth the wait. I hope I'm alive as long these guys, much less have the time, energy, and creativity to put together a 16 track album with as much diversity and power as this one shows us. It just goes to show that you are as young you want to be. I hope the Stones never get old. Their music never does.

I'm going to see the Stones in my home town (first time in history) on Oct. 6, 2006, so thought I'd listen to the tour album.

In a word, awesome! They have gone right back to their roots, similar to one of the first album I ever purchased, "Beggar's Banquet", which was another another "tour de force".

Highly recommended!