Posted by Steve Cronen on February 19, 2000 at 19:38:16:
In Reply to: I'd Like To Discuss Exile on Main St.- The Greatest Album of All Time posted by Big Vic on February 19, 2000 at 13:04:49:
: Keno, I'm totally cool with your opinion. You have made it known that you think EOMS is overrated from the beginning. I respect that. I kind of see it in the same way as someone thinking, and really believing that the O.J is innocent, but it having nothing to do with him being black. I disagree 100%, but I respect your conviction.
: Anyway, Exile must be viewed as an album. Each song flows seamlessly into another. There is a true personality to it. The Stones (especially Keith) believe it's the best work they ever did. How can you argue with the band? Exile marks the end of the big 4 albums. Each one leading up to this masterpiece. Ironically, there were no Brown Sugars, Gimme Shelters or Sympathies on this one- no big Hot Rocks songs. That's the best part! In my opinion- and in many other serious Stones fans opinions- "Tumbling Dice" is the best single AND best song the Stones ever did. I think it's the greatest song of all time. And there are times where it's not even my favorite song on Exile!! I go through "Rocks Off" phases, "Torn and Frayed" phases and "Loving Cup" phases. In fact, for what it is worth, Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes no only called "Exile" the greatest album, but "Loving Cup" the greatest song ever written. It is hard to argue. I have a severe problem with the guy (2000 Man or Midnight Rambler) a few posts down that called "Loving Cup" a boring piece of crap. In all my years of back and forths with serious, serious Stones fans- I mean students of the band- no one ever called "Loving Cup" a boring piece of crap. Again, I respect your opinion, but you just don't get it.
I have to go with Big Vic on this one. From the moment I heard Exile, it changed not only my perspective on the Stones' music, but my perspective on life, as well. In the aftermath of something like a breakup, songs like "Shine a Light" and "Sould Survivor" really mean something. I used to think Exile was quite overrated; now I think it's the greatest rock album ever (just under the Beatles' Revolver, however).
But then, I totally respect Keno's opinion. I respect anybody's opinion. I myself am a fan of the more "underrated" songs and albums by the Stones. Give me "I'm Free" or "Child of the Moon" over "Brown Sugar" or "Satisfaction" any day. Satanic Majesties? Ten times better than Sgt. Pepper. Black and Blue? Short, but sweet. And personally, I LOVE Bridges to Babylon. So HA!
But, yeah, if I had my choice between Let It Bleed or Exile as the one album I could take to a desert island with me... bring on the Exile.