“Now, the album is the thing”: a look at the contents of the Super-Deluxe “Exile on Main St.” Re-issue
That picture is a page from picture book, with photos by Ethan Russell, on the making of the “Exile on Main St.”. It is included in the whiz-bang edition of the “Exile” release. The quote is from the Riff Sorcerer himself, Keith Richards. Oh, Keith…if you only knew then what would become of the album now. Not only are we back to singles…most of them are shit. The album, pity the poor album. Only a few dedicated fans of it left…so they say.
I don’t believe them though, dearest Keef. I am on the album’s side…a true Champion, in fact. I love the album…so much so that I have reverted back to the black circle, where the album was born. You would be proud, Keef…I have a rule now. When I buy a new album I have to listen to it straight through, first song to last, at least ten times before I start cherry picking songs.
By dong this, I get the flavour of the set…the way the artist intended it. Plus, I get a better feel for each of the songs as they were sequenced…they were done so for a reason, right? Who’s with me? Who will fight he good fight…?
Newcomers, now is your chance. Go out and buy one of Keef’s children: The “Exile” re-issue. It doesn’t have to be the super-deluxe package, it can just be the CD. The important part is that you get it and listen to it front to back. If you have virgin “Exile” ears, believe me and millions of others, you will be floored at the diversity and dynamism of this collection of sounds, riffs, honks and yelps.
This is an album in the truest sense of the word. It demands to be listed from start to finish in its entirety. You will thank us, the Album Champions, later for it.
Here are some snaps of the super-deluxe “Exile on Main St” re-issue package. It just showed up at my office. I am definitely sneaking out early to get home and devour this tonight…from start to finish.
