“So after working for eight years I discovered at the end that nobody had ever paid my taxes and I owed a fortune. So then you have to leave the country. So I said fuck it, and left the country” -Mick Jagger
April in Paris conjures up images of tranquility; down in the south of France at Villa Nellcote during spring and summer 1971, not so much. Formerly occupied by Nazis trying to hide after WWII, the villa had a history of decadence. The Rolling Stones simply updated it with sex, drugs and rock & roll. Despite all their problems (check Robert Greenfield’s excellent account in the book, “Exile On Main Street: A Season In Hell With The Rolling Stones”) The Stones produced what many agree was their best recording and their only double-album. Even with all this music there was plenty left behind. On May 18th “Exile On Main Street” will be re-released in two deluxe packages: one with LPs, a book and DVD material, the other a CD-only package. Both contain ten songs not commercially available before: alternate takes of Soul Survivor and Loving Cup (perhaps the drunken Keith version), Pass the Wine, I’m Not Signifying, Dancing in the Light, So Divine, Following the River, Plundered My Soul, Title 5 and Good Time Women (which became Tumbling Dice). Although “Exile” is a great title (based on the band’s tax problems), it could have just as easily been called “Song of the South”. It has roots in American blues, country, rockabilly and R & B from our southern states, played better than most Americans ever will.
Hear the original radio ad for “Exile on Main Street” here
About the author
Michael Bryant - Michael believes in the three Rs: radio, roosters, and rickrolling. His powerful vision guides us on the perpetual path to perfection!