Posted by Sir Stonesalot on October 08, 1999 at 19:33:05:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Why Exile is NOT a masterpiece posted by Syph on October 08, 1999 at 18:25:08:
: Although I voted for Gimme Shelter as the best opening song, I do see where people are coming from with Rocks Off...In fact I almost voted for it myself. It embodies everything the Stones have ever stood for to me. Given, Gimme Shelter sets a mood that is a once in a lifetime shot...It's the most ominous thing ever recorded...anything similar since can only be compared to this...But the sex, the indifference, the drugs, the nasty intro guitar the nasty "oh yeah" from Mick etc. - completely says in one tight little song - here's the fucking Stones in a nutshell, complete with piano, a killer bridge etc. etc. It kicks ass...Like someone else said - the lyrics sometimes help a little. Check this shit out:
: ROCKS OFF
: (M. Jagger/K. Richards)
: I hear you talking when I'm on the street,
: Your mouth don't move but I can hear you speak.
: What's the matter with the boy?
: He don't come around no more,
: Is he checking out for sure?
: Is he gonna close the door on me?
: I'm always hearing voices on the street,
: I want to shout, but I can't hardly speak.
: I was making love last night
: To a dancer friend of mine.
: I can't seem to stay in step,
: 'Cause she come ev'ry time that she pirouettes over me.
: And I only get my rocks off while I'm dreaming,
: I only get my rocks off while I'm sleeping.
: I'm zipping through the days at lightning speed.
: Plug in, flush out and fire the fuckin' feed.
: Heading for the overload,
: Splattered on the dirty road,
: Kick me like you've kicked before,
: I can't even feel the pain no more.
: But I only get my rocks off while I'm dreaming, (only get them off)
: I only get my rocks off while I'm sleeping. (only get them off)
: Feel so hypnotized, can't describe the scene.
: Its all mesmerized all that inside me.
: The sunshine bores the daylights out of me.
: Chasing shadows moonlight mystery.
: Headed for the overload,
: Splattered on the dirty road,
: Kick me like you've kicked before,
: I can't even feel the pain no more.
: But I only get my rocks off while I'm dreaming (only get them off, get them off),
: I only get my rocks off while I'm sleeping (only get them off, get them off).
: Fuck. Now THAT IS SOME GOOD SHIT! The bridge even gets that ominous feeling that Gimme started...it's the early 70's and the Stones at it's finest...I'm at work and I'm flipping out that I can't hear this song right now! Why the hell did I vote for Gimme Shelter again? Anyway, I thought it was cool that a song like this finally won a poll...considering almost everyone here pisses and moans about the warhorses - it was good to see that people put their vote where their mouth is...:)
: Syph
No doubt, "Rocks Off" is one of the ultimate album openers. Gimme Shelter is first rate too, but "Rocks Off" just hits me right smack dab in the gonads. Maybe some Stonesaholics overlook this tune, but I say pound for pound, RO gets yer money's worth and then some. It might even be the best tune on the album.