Posted by Steve Cronen Child of the Moon (206.159.113.35) on November 28, 2000 at 17:16:07:
In Reply to: rambling posted by casino on November 27, 2000 at 18:20:22:
: I've spent a good part of the day trading angry e-mails with a writer in NY over whether the Stones are still meaningful . His position is the same old argument that the Stones haven't mattered since Some Girls and the '78 tour. Rather than rehash my long defense of the boys, I wanted to put forth the following question: Why do the Stones matter to you? Everyone has different reasons. For me it is not only the tremendous music and live performances they've delivered over the years, it's also the fact that they have endured. They have been with me constantly for almost 4 decades. They are a part of my life. The part of life that is fun and exciting. The Stones have always represented an attitude that I could identify with. They had a way of looking at society that cuts through the bullshit and lays it on the line. And now that they are aging...gracefully I might add...I'm glad I was a fan at the beginning and that I've gotten to follow the Stones on their long journey to living legends status. The trip has had its ups and downs but the Stones have remained the same. They are the greatest rock and roll band of all time.
The Stones matter to me because, on several different occasions, they saved my life.
First of all, on that hot, early-July day in 1998, the Stones were introduced to me, via Hot Rocks. My life would never be the same, 'specially after hearing "Ruby Tuesday." The Rolling Stones showed me that rock music was not all just smiles and happy guitar licks, nor was it tuneless dirges. They took the early spirit of rock and roll - rebellion and a fuck-all attitude - and added their own smattering of sex, drugs, and violence to it, all the while keeping it sounding crisp and timeless.
They showed me the dark side of rock and roll.
Each album I've heard from them - and damn near every song - has taught me something new or has helped me in some way. For example:
Exile On Main Street kept me from doing something I may have regretted afterwards. I bought it in the aftermath of my first real breakup with this really special girl, whom I loved dearly. I felt so down and dejected, but when I heard this album, it was like the Stones were talking to me, reassuring me, making me want to forget my troubles and get up and dance. "May the good Lord shine a light on you, make every song your favorite tune."
Let It Bleed, in addition to introducing me to some of the greatest songs ever made (Gimme Shelter and Midnight Rambler, for example), taught me two invaluable lessons: "It's hard to tell when all your love's in vain," and "You can;t always get what you want."
Aftermath prompted me to write more of my own songs. I had already been writing long before I bought the album, but the darkness reflected in some of the songs on there influenced me heavily.
Beggar's Banquet was like a religious awakening, except, it, like, was anti-religious. Sympathy, SFM, and so many others made me question any faith in organized religion or other such establishments I may have had in the past. (I'm currently, if anything, embracing Buddhism as my "religion," but I'm really just non-partisan).
Last of al, the Stones made me want to BE a rock and roll star. To be Keith Richards - Keith-friggin'-Richards, mind you! - is still a dream of mine. Brian Jones was such a beautiful man (who also happened to indirectly teach me the consequences of drugs), and he was so talented. Jagger is a rock icon. Charlie Watts amazes me every time I hear him.
That's just part of what could be an entire essay. Hope I kept you entertained.