The Rolling Stones ‘A Bigger Bang’ (Virgin)

Well they’ve been rocking since the Jurassic age, but uncharacteristically for rock‘n’roll legends they just won’t quit, die or turn into spaced out reclusive acid casualties. But are they still the pick of the bunch, or simply a wheezing, piss – stained parody of their glorious youth? If the mainstream music press is to be believed, there recent live shows have been outstanding, but then they have a lifetime of classic hits to rely on. This month has seen the release of a new album, and I was somewhat dubious as to how good it could be. Old people generally make music for old people, and for me rock is all about energy and rebellion and other teenagery type stuff.

The album kicks off with the excellent ‘Rough Justice’, and after a few bars I was already limbering up to eat my words. This track has everything you need – energy, catchy chorus a barnstorming riff and a bit of cheesy innuendo. It is a bit of a false dawn though, as from on the album reverts to more like what I was expecting. There isn’t a particularly poor track on there, but it’s all a bit old and tired sounding. No doubt Mick and the boys can write decent rock’n’roll songs in their sleep by now, they’ve has enough practice. A lot of this sounds like it was written in their sleep, or at least just before an afternoon nap. The naff repeat and fade out ending to ‘Rain Fall Down’ is just embarrassing, as close to the musical equivalent of Alzheimer’s you could imagine.

There are highlights to the album other than ‘Rough Justice’ – the two tracks featuring Keith Richards’ lead vocals ‘This Place is Empty’ and ‘Infamy’ show of what a fine singer the lead guitarist is (so if Jagger had ever done the proper rock legend thing and choked on his vomit, they wouldn’t need to waste time with auditions before cashing in). ‘Back of my Hand’ is a decent enough return to their Blues roots, you just can’t help thinking someone like Jack White would make it sound better with a bit of youthful zest and vigour.

All things considered, this if far from being a poor album, as the Stones are simply too talented and proficient at what they do to produce anything that bad. However, if you are expecting the next ‘Satisfaction’ or ‘Gimme Shelter’ I fear you will be disappointed with this album.

words: Harry Harris

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