Posted by Ladybear on October 08, 1999 at 16:25:22:
In Reply to: Why Exile is NOT a masterpiece posted by keef on October 08, 1999 at 10:52:34:
Ahh yes, give me life, liberty and Exile on Main Street...
Everyone who has responded to this post so far have made good points, and I wouldn't disagree with any of them.
It seems to me, from everything I have heard and read, that those of us who love Exile love it as a complete work, not as 'a sum of it's parts' as Mr. Ventilator said. Those who don't rate it quite so highly seem to pick it apart song by song. I could be way off base here, but it occured to me that Exile just might appeal to more 'emotional' types, while those who don't care for it as much might be the more analytical type of person. Like I said, I could be off base here, but I know it applies to me. Exile is an emotional experience, it strikes a chord way down deep inside. Like viewing certain paintings, it's like a lightning bolt, the feeling that the musician or artist is speaking directly to ME. A LOT of the Stones other work makes me feel this way, but not as much as Exile.
Anyway, that's my two cents worth.
"just as long as the guitar plays, just as long as the guitar plays..."