@@supermantra3437 Yeah I had a mate at school who was a big Kiss fan. He used to give me grief about being a Stones fan. Then Dynasty came out. In those days you'd seriously check out album covers and I found 2000 Man Jagger/Richards. Yup I know lol. I don't think the Stones ever covered Kiss did they? I rest my case your honour. As for this old stoner? Doo doo doo Heartbreaker is what he couldn't remember. The Police? Don't Bogart that joint my friend. Move on.
I love the cover and I am so glad they released another great album. Whats the opposite of having a new Rolling Stone's Album. Not having one. So Thank you Rolling Stones for still being there for your fans and not selling out and not selling your catalog of Iconic music.
Who would have thought we’d be talking about the Stones after all theses years. Almost 60 years of music and the Stones keep rolling. Just amazingly great !!! Enjoyed your review.
I came to the Stones relatively late (late seventies) and I find that aside from satisfaction, honky tonk woman and jumpin' jack flash my favourite stones era is the 70's. But this album, I absolutely love it. When I first heard Angry back in the summer Something just told me that these guys were back in the game and that this album was gonna be special. It just sounds so fresh, there's a definite vibe to it that harks back to the thrill I got on hearing an album of theirs for the first time. Tattoo You in particular. And the choice of guests on the album has been inspired. Elton, Stevie Wonder and Lady Ga Ga, but the one that does it for me is having McCartney on one track playing bass. A Beatle playing on a Stones album. This hasn't been done since John and Paul sang back up on We Love You back in '67 if I recall correctly. Many thanks for this video Norman, take care, stay safe and enjoy the album. Peace, love and good health to you and yours...
It's nice to hear that the Stones came out with a good listening album this time. The last album that I respected was Tattoo You, and maybe a few good songs on Undercover. Like you, I also was at Altamont to witness the tragedy when the Rolling Stones were playing. The first time I saw the Stones was at the Cow Palace before 1966, when I wasn't driving yet, and my mother gave us a ride. Still listening to them after all these years, and looking forward to giving this disk a shot. Thanks for keeping us informed.
+1 on Black and Blue. Among my favorites. The musical exploration while searching for their next guitar player opened interesting musical avenues for which, as it turns out, they have an aptitude.
After listening to this album a few times, I gotta say as a long time fan of the Stones, this is a really great album. A very much enjoyable album from start to finish. One thing you failed to mention and also other reviews is that this pressing sounds really good. I think the mastering is perfect, they got it right. I stopped at the pop up store in Union square NY and bought the alternate cover, I’m keeping that one sealed and the pressing with 9 Carnaby street red vinyl. It sounds dead quiet, very good detail in the mastering. Long Live the Stones..🎸🎼✌️
Love how you get right to the essence. You allay just about all of my concerns of what this album could have been. Instead it goes right to the top of my list.
Can't wait to get stuck into this. I love the title but hated the artwork. A smashed car window with the Stones logo and broken glass in a bluestone gutter and shuttered shop fronts in the back ground came to mind. Loved your review. Love your work. Long time watcher now a subscriber.
Great video! I'm a fan of the Stones and this album is def top 5. I've listened to this vinyl about 5 times already and it's still great every time. I agree the vinyl does sound better than cd or digital. It feels and sounds like a classic Stones album and I'm happy to have it in my collection. I even purchased the MLB version of it!! :)
Great review! I understand the trepadation about duets with "younger pop stars", but 1) Lady Gaga is a very talented artist who is both a genuine and kind person and who has earned both independence and credibility in the music industry 2) it was completely by chance that it even occurred, she happened to be in the same studio and it just organically came together... It's the best possible way for this sort of thing to happen. It wasn't hatched by a music studio. It happened through conversation, professional respect and human interaction. And the results are terrific.
Saw them on their last tour in Pittsburgh in 2022 and they sounded as good as ever. Have seen them five times starting in Philadelphia in 73 when we were all high as a kite including them. In my opinion this is a a well put together collection with a nod to their entire catalog in twelve songs. They clearly are appreciative of still being able to do it and it clearly cements their status as the Greatest Rock and Roll band!
Seen the stones a few times,seen the Who a few more times..no comparison the Who blows the stones of the stage...stones very average in concerts...in studio,no one better,but not this new lp
First of all Congratulations again to the Stones for this new Masterpiece. It's mystical that the release of this is October 20 2023 in the middle of this heartbreaking war in the Middle East. Yet we remain the High ground of Classic rock n roll, Blessed Love and a culture of peace and love. ❤❤❤Woodstock Nation
Man I love your opening opinions on the Stones previous albums. Melody is the best song on Black & Blue and Beggars’ Banquet is my favorite album as well.
Having given the album a full detail listen from vinyl on a really high quality stereo system I have concluded that this new release by the Stones is like a modern-day version of a classic Rolling Stones. I actually do like the album cover very much.
Your cover comments are spot on. My toe tapped as if it was caused by the boot heel of the Gerontocracy on our musical throats. I felt I had heard "Heaven" at the cast celebration of every old Saturday Night Live episode. "Little Red Rooster" over "Rolling Stone Blues". And in the end, , , this album was like the last song of a live encore to cool people down before the audience lights come on. Still a big Stones fan, nearly their age.
The use of pitch correction on Mick’s voice on “Angry” is unfortunate. “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” absolutely knocks me out! That 6/8 gospel groove swings like a hammer, and Lady Gaga’s note choices are stunning. There is a long version (7+ minutes) that includes this sort of impromptu coda where she does an amazing key modulation of a line, then Mick says to Stevie Wonder, “Play me something sweet.” The interactions between Gaga and Mick are really moving.
..thanks so much Mazzy for your great revue - and I’m also really proud that they chose the London Borough of Hackney in the album’s title as I am a proud Hackney resident! The Stones also launched the album in the Hackney Empire - a glorious Victorian plush theatre..by the way, Hackney diamonds is slang for the smashed car windscreen glass that’s all over the road
Hey Mazzy good to hear all positive takes on the new stones album!! Very excited to hear that it rocks!!! Can't get enough of good ole rock n roll!!Glad to also hear that the stone's maintained their character sound throughout and didn't sell out by showcasing dull and boring duets with some of the other more current artists that contributed their talents...very nice review and thanks!!
My first encounter with rock & roll was a song from the band BIJELO DUGME (White button) from Sarajevo, Bosna & Herzegovina, Yugoslavia back then. The song was "Tako ti je mala moja kad ljubi Bosanac" . The other song that i remember was from that time (ca. '75) was Satisfaction. I was 8 years young, and still love both. And some more...
Well done as usual Maz. This is just the type of review I need to encourage myself to give this album a solid spin or 5. I've heard 3 songs as of this comment and will now dive big time into the entire album. I've read many comments on various online reviews, and besides the fact that we will all need to live with this album for 5-6 months to see if we all still feel the same, but there are quite a few, I M O, who have jumped the gun with excitement who need to listen to the album 3+ times before making any proclamation that it is phenomenal and on their top 10 Stones list of all time, which many are claiming. Thank again, sir.
Hey Mazzy! I was at Altamont too! Will look up your experience. We were blissfully unaware of the problems, being pretty far back, except for seeing Hells Angels throwing full beer cans into the crowd from on top of a bus. Could easily have killed someone. (Of course we got as close as we could...!)
Loved get your yayas. Out best live album still to this day great sound and raw performance especially midnight rambler and sympathy for the devil and honky tonk woman
Thanks for the review Mazzy. What I have heard, I have really liked. I am waiting on my copy which is a St Louis Cardinals baseball version in honor of my mom's favorite ball team. ♥️ I agree, the album covers aren't as good as they could have been. Take care.
Great review! I'm so glad that you also gave some love to Between the Buttons, Satanic Majesties, and Flowers. 3 underrated albums from my favorite Stones period. The songs overall are pretty good. I bought the cd with the 20 page booklet. I think that the Stones still look great and wish that they had used a picture of the Stones on the cover.
When I was a kid listening to the young Beatles, Stones and other favorites in the 60's, they often spoke about getting old (hope I die before I get old) - which to me at the time was in the 30's. But I also thought about how long they would last making this music, would they be as great and would I enjoy them as much. As often happens, tragedy and self destruction has taken too many. But I never would have guessed that I'd see these performers making vital music into their 80's as they are. It's a great gift and I intend to enjoy it.
Great review, Mazzy . I share your views on the cover and gatefold. I've yet to hear the album as I await to experience the LP first. My pre-order sadly fell through, so I was able to hold my store's last copy. I've only heard Angry so far. Great to hear your your appreciation of the album. Thanks for sharing your Winterland photos. Excellent stuff. Cheers, Jeff
I have listened to the album through about 6 times now. It takes a while to distinguish a lot of the songs and what they have to offer as they're quite similar. Depending On You stuck out early, and I liked Angry and Sweet Sounds of Heaven straight off. Listening to the album made me want to listen to A Bigger Bang; I like Back of My Hand, Biggest Mistake, Rough Justice and Driving Too Fast. I've had 18 years to enjoy these; I just wonder which songs from HD will do the same.
First impression was this is a really good Rolling Stones album and for each listen after, it gets even better. I don't know where this album will eventually end up in my Rolling Stones album rankings, but if I had to say now it would be around the #10-13 range. For it to make my top 10, it would have to knock Tattoo You out of the top 10 since I have that one ranked at #10. I currently have England's Newest Hit Makers at #11 and Voodoo Lounge at #12. So, where this one ends up will be around those, maybe slightly higher. Of the modern albums (i.e. since the late '80s with Steel Wheels,) this new one is probably the most consistent album of the modern albums. There is no weak track on this new album. Steel Wheels, which is my 6th all-time favorite Rolling Stones album kind of tails off with the final 3 songs or so. I think the highs of Steel Wheels, Voodoo Lounge, and even Bridges To Babylon are higher than anything on the new album (as of now, but could change after more listens,) but the lows of those albums are also lower than anything on the new album. There isn't a single song on the new album I dislike; I like them all. My obsession with the Rolling Stones (and fearing this could be their final real album, even though they currently have enough material to make another,) I went overboard in buying various versions of this album: 1. HDtracks Hi-Res FLAC Digital Download ("Bite My Head Off" is the censored version on this one and I didn't know it at the time when I bought it at midnight on release day.) 2. Qobuz Hi-Res FLAC Digital Download (Had to have the explicit version and Qobuz's version has the explicit version of "Bite My Head Off".) 3. Barnes & Noble Exclusive Digipack CD with the 20-page booklet with black and white photos of Mick, Keith and Ronnie, lyrics to each song and track-by-track credits. Also, this one contains the explicit version of "Bite My Head Off". 4. Target Purple Vinyl. I walked in my local Target soon after they opened on Friday and grabbed me a copy. My purple vinyl looks great with no flaws. Played it once so far. Still waiting for the following orders to arrive over the next week or two: 5. CD/Blu-ray Box set with the Atmos version on the Blu-ray. Reason for getting this is the Blu-ray and the big book that comes with it. 6. Blue Vinyl with an alternate cover from the Rolling Stones Shop 7. MLB white vinyl version for my local team (Cincinnati Reds) 8. Paul Smith Exclusive Alternate Cover Black Vinyl (Best cover artwork of all the versions.) 9. Amazon Green Vinyl with the "Legs" alternate cover. 10. Jewel Case from Amazon (though, the Jewel Case version only contains a 12-page booklet, unlike the Barnes & Noble 20-page booklet.) And still debating on getting: 11. Japan SHM-CD (digipack or jewel case) version with bonus track. But I really don't need this because "Living In A Ghost Town" is the bonus track and I bought that back in 2020 when it was released as a CD-Single. If I do decide to buy the Japan SHM-CD, it won't be for a while. Maybe in a couple months for Christmas or Birthday. Of the 10 versions, I bought, 2 of them were unplanned purchases on release day. 1. The censored Hi-Res download was unplanned. Didn't know HDtracks was only offering the censored version because nowhere did it say it was the censored version. Soon found that out after downloading and listening. So, that caused me to buy the explicit version too on Qobuz. Qobuz specifically stated on their download page that "Bite My Head Off" was the explicit version. 2. The Barnes & Noble Digipak CD version was unplanned because I really wanted just the Jewel Case CD version. Amazon Prime was supposed to deliver it on release day, but one day prior they switched the delivery date to October 31st. That ticked me off. So, yesterday, I went to various stores looking for the CD Jewel case and was just going to cancel my Amazon order for the jewel case. Couldn't find the Jewel Case anywhere. So, I broke down and bought Barnes & Noble Digipack version, even though I prefer jewel cases and the price for the B&N Digipack was about the same cost as a normal 2-CD release. I really wanted a physical copy I could play in the car right away. LOL I didn't cancel the Amazon Jewel Case order because I do want the jewel case and the booklet isn't the same as the Digipack version booklet.
I am three years older than you Norman and have never heard of this band before (I live on a desert island called Australia)....WOW, thanks for introducing me to this CUTTING EDGE Album!!!!!!....the singer fellow looks like PETER PAN and the unbelievably hideous guitar player slightly resembles CAPTAIN HOOK!!!!!......COOL!!!!!!
The 1st time I saw the Stones was in 1972... 2 shows afternoon and evening. That was an event ! Music wise - Beggars , Bleed, Satanic, Flowers , Sticky and Exile was the best this band could roll out. Quite an achievement. Putting out consistently great Lp's in a row . I also dig the " Pop " period prior to that period , but for different reasons After Exile , Their output was inconsistent at best. Although Some Girls and Steel wheels were the best . I am looking forward to Diamonds, as I have heard very positive comments . I think I will start off with deluxe CD / BLU RAY edition mainly because there is additional artwork and I am interested in hearing the hi rez version. With my surgery Lp playing is nearly impossible but in aboit 3 months I should be able to do that. At that point I can buy the vinyl . Thanks for review Mazzy.
“Sounds of Heaven” also caught my ear. I find it to be a concise, honest song with a great arrangement and soulful performances by all involved. Though I’m woefully unfamiliar with the Gaga repertoire she was a significant, tasteful addition. In a recent interview she recounts that being invited to make a singing contribution came about as an unexpected surprise. 14:56
Spot on review. I agree with almost everything you said, and for me it’s at 4.5 stars. Dreamy Skies and Rolling Stone Blues, the two tracks that sound most like classic Stones, are actually my favorites. But even a dance track like Mess It Up is pretty good. And you’re right, there’s a different feel when Charlie plays on a track, it’s subtle but noticeable, of course, one has to add. Even his snare sounds a little better.
I’m glad that someone finally mentioned the album cover. I think it’s a disaster. As you said it doesn’t match the music and the artists. And that gatefold is entirely pointless, financially and aesthetically. Now I haven’t bought a Stones album for decades now. At 73 I’ve been a “long time gone” in regards to the guys. But what I’ve heard - not overly impressed. It is certainly the Stones, full of decibels and brashness… It’s not bad, but I have really heard it all before from them. And you’re right - that’s perfectly fine really. Just not for me. And the album’s title - I know it’s London slang for “broken glass” but I think naming an album “hackney” anything is - in my opinion - a PR misstep. Especially in light of what I - and probably a few others - think of the boys’ output of the last 4 to 5 decades. So for me - a no go. But it sounds like them, and at 80 plus this is certainly a marvel.
Good review, Mazzy. I preordered mine and actually got it on Thursday. Is it up with their best? Of course not. A couple of tracks aren't great but I really like it overall. Bloody heck, Mick's voice is still amazing. (and yes, Black and Blue deserves more love). Oh, and I agree about the cover; it's not good at all. Best Stones cover? Between The Buttons
Balanced review and appreciated the preview of you attending 69 and 72 tours. Jagger said of Hackney Diamonds that he wasn't trying to remake Sticky Fingers and without Charlie Watts and Mick Taylor they couldn't. My opinion, it's more like the faster tracks and ballads from the Emotional Recue album. Personally I'm pleased that it's out there but I dont find this appealing. That said it just went to no 1 in the UK so what do I know.
I called my local music shop to see if they were going to order in the new Rolling Stones CD. They said no because no one had expressed an interest. I had them order 2 CD's, one for my best friend and me. Didn't want to wait until Monday to hear it through Amazon. Totally agree with your review and appreciate your comparison of the CD to vinyl but wonder how much better the Blu-ray sounds.
I started with 12 X 5 and ended with Undercover. So, I'm a bit leery of the Rolling Stones. I mean they were so great in their prime, I don't want to ruin those memories. Beggers Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main Street is possibly the greatest run of Rock/Blues albums ever made. I appreciate your honest take on Hackney Diamonds, Mazzy, and maybe will give it a shot. I mean "It's only rock and roll but I like it."
It’s a nice album but once the new shine fades so will this album. And it fades fast! It is really hyped and has a few really nice songs on it but it is not what all shoddy reviews want us to believe: “the best album since Some Girls”. And fully agree with Norman on the artwork. It’s pisspoor and does not fit the age of the Stones. That gatefold should have had a beautiful band shot. The photos in the Deluxe CD book are really great and would had deserved that place. I played it now 8 times since Thursday night 00:00 and find it enjoyable but this morning at breakfast I already opted for another album to play. And like you say: “Heaven” with Gaga is a (to me, sole) highlight and harks back to late 60’s, early 70’s Stones and indeed reminds me of Gimme Shelter. This song feels like it is dug up from the vault. It’s nice having a new Stones album and sonically it sounds amazing, great production, but it is a lot of hype and in the end it will end up like most post 81 Stones albums: collecting dust on your shelf. And when you play the Stones you’ll pick Exile, Sticky, Bleed or Beggars again to spent your precious time on. BTW Winterland 72 @Norman Maslov is now out on double CD as ultimate Winterland 72 in Japan and is a great show in great quality when you have “bootleg ears”. Highly recommended! You’ll definitely will play that more often than Hackney Diamonds after a few weeks!😄
@@christianmay3959 it indeed has something to do with age. Older music represents a part of your life and you have memories with that certain album or song. That is different with (most!) new albums. Hope you enjoy this album as much as I did with those albums and as many years to come as I enjoy those albums.
I've never been a huge Stones fan...I do love Sticky Fingers...Goats Head Soup and Beggers Banquet. ..but I have to say that I'm really impressed with this album. For a band who are long pass their due date..this is a pleasant surprise. ..the two singles are strong and the rest of the album is like a tribute to their prior albums..well done guys.
@markkopernicky3489 This Hackney Diamond is crap! It has grunge or alt rock influences mixed with their sound that has more in common with Some Girls or Tattoo You and there is some Exile On Main St. sounds thrown in for the mix to deceive people to buy the hype that this is a classic vintage retro sounding Stones album. This is no different than Voodoo Lounge or Bigger Bang. Don't be a sucker and fall for the hype! Go back and listen to their golden era from 68-72 from Beggars Banquet to Exile On Main Street instead!
Massy - every word you say is true here - for me, this is the Stones just naturally being themselves and having fun - they are not trying too hard and it shows.
Love the LP, kind of Pop Rock ( some tunes) with all the stones elements, Steve Jordan holding down the fort on majority of the tunes, the new Engine, after Charlie Watts, it's has grown on me already, all tunes are awesome, Mick always wanted the latest technology unlike typical stones fans expect some girls or Let it Bleed or Exile..I love the record., the recording doesn't have that dirty stones feel, but I love the Record, not for audiophiles tho., the production is kind of compressed. The last tune, Muddy Waters, Rolling Stone, is from analog tape. Yes, the centerfold is a joke, they could have added the pics of all the musicians contributed. Steve Jordan feel and Swing has his own character with some Charlie touch., love it.
I had a good listen and it's a mixed bag. There are a couple standout tracks and a couple that aren't so good. None are awful though. Mick's vocals are overly processed but I guess that is to be expected, as he's 80 now. The mix, as is the case with pretty much everything these days, is basically "EVERYTHING LOUD!" ... Overall though, the album sounds like The Rolling Stones. Definitely worth a spin or 10.
Oh, Mazzy, I love Goat's Head Soup... and, like you, 1965 and Satisfaction is a starting point for me. So glad you mentioned "Flowers" - it is indeed a fantastic album, one of their best. Getting back to the new LP though, I'd say the album cover art is at least better than Blue and Lonesome, which is totally generic (and as you said, "lazy"...). Wish they had the fellows on the cover as with A Bigger Bang. Oh well.... I'm glad you explained the Lady Gaga appearance on the LP and the comparison to Merry Clayton, so I'll keep that in mind when I order the album. Glad to see there's only 12 songs here (Bigger band was WAY too long - which ruined it...) Thanks again for the review here - can't wait to get it and digest it and appreciate it. I'll keep your "B+" in mind as I listen. Peace out. East coast.
Hi mazzy good but too much about you up front - you're an old dude who bought all the classic records back in the original day - cool but you don't need to trot out your bona fides every time.... and it took you until 11 minutes in to provide the key opinion about the music. You are as nearly always right - it is an excellent record - and will prove a grower. I personally thought a bigger bang was also very good - "streets of Love" - a classic stones song. Agree about the odd cover but hey - books, covers and judgements - that's a riff thats been around forever...keep up the good work...
Glad they didn’t give us another hour-plus album like the last few…I really like A Bigger Bang, but there are just too many songs, and with the ear-fatiguing compression it’s a chore to get through in one sitting. This one hangs together better as an album and also provides some relief with the acoustic songs.
Mazzy, you omitted to mention that Muddy Walter's Rolling Stone Blues was the song that Brian Jones took the name of the band from. They have never recorded it or played it live since. Many people see this recording as the closing track on the album as the band completing the circle and signing off.
Thank you for mentioning Steve Jordan and the simple fact he brings something different to the sound. Between him and Watt’s production (also produced Eddie Vedder’s last solo album - with similar “star” cameos), it’s fresh and similar at the same time. A pleasant surprise. ✌🏻🧢
Hey Mazz, I kind of hate tuning into your reviews, because I always like them so much, and often feel a compulsion to at least try and submit a comment… The STONES! What can you say? Appearing in just barely the second breath of the British Invasion, they kind of remind me of an ad that I saw on a billboard in southern Minnesota earlier this century for America’s favorite canned meat food product… “SPAM, you either GET IT, or you DON’T!” And fortunately, by now, pretty much everybody whom it’s likely to matter to has “gotten” it (I mean the Stones, of course, not Spam, although since I brought it up, I have to mention that former Russian Premier Nikita Khrushchev once said, “During the war, many jokes were made about the Spam canned meat that we had received from our American allies, but it tasted GOOD, and it kept us ALIVE!” And also, aside from it’s having a prominent cameo in the “Monty Python-verse,” even if we personally didn’t “get it,” eventually ALL of our computers DID!), but I digress… I will always remember and cherish the Christmas that my brother and I managed to finesse both “Beggars Banquet” and the “White Album,” and I have many times expressed my chagrin at the smart assed reviewer at Playboy, who chastised the Stones for “Satanic Majesties,” insisting that they abandon such pretentious foolishness and return to their blues and r’n’b “roots,” which they subsequently did, the rest being, as we say, “history” (I DO still have my original copy, however, with the lenticular “3-D” cover picture with the concealed Beatle pics!)… By the time of “Get Yer Ya Yas Out,” I’d largely given up on them, although I had to dive back in for the amazingly irresistible “Sticky Fingers,” with the Warhol cover and some really fresh and powerful songwriting (which I was surprised to discover was largely Mick’s work (“what, Mick can play GUITAR?”), and that Keith had largely “phoned in” his contributions… I have really only payed peripheral attention to them since, although once you really love someone or something, you can’t really ever stop, you feel me? I’ll always love me some Stones, and I love that my brother called that one tour, the “Steel Wheelchairs Tour” (we thought the were old THEN!), and that they at one point covered “Goin’ To A Go-Go,” which song will always remind me of my days of sneaking into clubs to see bands in South Minneapolis when I was 15-16 years old with my older “girl cousin”… So I really don’t know if I will actually EVER hear this album, with it’s “Hackney Diamond Dogs” cover (and I still owe David Bowie endless apologies for my ignoring everything before “Station To Station!”), and this horrible “neo-eighties” cover will always cause me to at least THINK about inducing the gag response (“Brown paper bags for Sgt. Pepper’s!”… where’s friggin Brian Epstein when you NEED him?), and the “gatefold,” which does exactly what, help to make third and fourth generation “Zep” fans understand that it’s not just the “Stones,” but that it’s actually the “Rolling” Stones, and what is the current status of the “the?” I’d better put a sock in it, before they come around with the “med” and lunch carts (OK, I’m just kidding, for NOW!)… I’m truly glad that the boys are still active and at it! I may be OLD, but I’m still younger than MICK! Love ya Mazzy… - “Recuerdos Amigo,” Glenn Jones PS: I DID talk to Ron Wood once for about 10 minutes in 1987, when I worked at Pete’s Guitar in St. Paul, and he was funny and charming, but I was wary, as, to me, he wasn’t a “real” Stone yet! I mean, I knew the Stones from way back WHEN!
It may not be there best album, but it's good, I've listened to the new album about 20 times since I received it, really love the two songs that the late Charlie watts played on
Solid (video) review. The Amazon alt cover is much better. Unlike A Bigger Bang that should have dropped a few songs, I don't think there is a bad song on this album. The guitar work on Whole Wide World is top notch and the disco-ish Mess It Up is fantastic. If there is another Stones album I'd like Ron Wood get in on the songwriting. It's not perfect, but 15 yr old me would have loved this album and that's how I'm going approach it.
I agree with the Pitchfork review, which described it as "a marketing team’s dream": "Hackney Diamonds feels like an advertisement for advertising placements, songs meant to be sold to sell something else." To my ears, it sounds like pop rock by numbers, created with a bloodless, mainstream Hollywood movie soundtrack in mind. And the album cover? It looks like an 80s hair metal cast-off. I put 'Exile' on soon after, in order to wash the rubbish from my ears.
Police.... Stones.... Da-Doo-Da-Da! 'Goats Head Soup' was an interesting album. I thought it charted better on the radio than played on the turntable. I have to agree about the cover on Hackney Diamonds. You are letting your art chops show. The comments about the logo, the vision for a black and white photo of the 80-year olds, right on the money.
Ive only heard it once sounds pretty good to me..hard to judge after just one listen..i bought the lp and cd..the song with lsdy ga ga sounds like my favorite so far and im not a fan of hers
Darn. I pre-order and always seem to get the record a few days later. Long live the Stones! Have to disagree with you about the cover. Actually, it's pretty good. The red, the shattering, the glass and the Stones have almost always featured an artist. I don't think it looks out of place with their other covers. I do appreciate your opinion as always. Thanks.
@@mazzysmusic ua-cam.com/video/MN9YLLQl7gE/v-deo.html ... I find it totally unforgettable, and a lifesaver post-pandemic. It was the song of the summer two years ago...Where was the vinyl on this?!... that's why you missed it ;)
Like training wheels, music fans don't need them anymore. review starts at 3:47... well, it starts really at 6:55 (unless you want his opinion of the cover art) They did have 2 albums before the Out of Our Heads LP! (Satisfaction) both educated me naive to the Blues at the time but I as a teen was heartened they put their pimply faces right on a cover!
Actually Heads is the 4th lp, here in the US where it was (mostly) made. Hitmakers, 12x5, Now! Are the first 3. I don't care so much for the UK early albums.
Bite my head off sounds very much like liar by the sex pistols but sounds so great for the stones especially for their age iv been listening to the album about 7 times now just love it who cares what the cover looks like it’s the music that counts
I'm thrilled with the excitement that this Stones release has caused, making music fun again. These guys are acting like 50 year olds. 😊
😂
You're funny. Yet you've right. Except for the 50s quote. I'd say 20s. Lol. I absolutely love these guys.
I love Satanic Request. KISS did a beautiful rendition of 2000 man. Well Ace Frehley made that happen.
Ha!!
@@supermantra3437 Yeah I had a mate at school who was a big Kiss fan. He used to give me grief about being a Stones fan. Then Dynasty came out. In those days you'd seriously check out album covers and I found 2000 Man Jagger/Richards.
Yup I know lol. I don't think the Stones ever covered Kiss did they? I rest my case your honour.
As for this old stoner? Doo doo doo Heartbreaker is what he couldn't remember. The Police? Don't Bogart that joint my friend. Move on.
I love the cover and I am so glad they released another great album. Whats the opposite of having a new Rolling Stone's Album. Not having one. So Thank you Rolling Stones for still being there for your fans and not selling out and not selling your catalog of Iconic music.
Who would have thought we’d be talking about the Stones after all theses years. Almost 60 years of music and the Stones keep rolling. Just amazingly great !!! Enjoyed your review.
I came to the Stones relatively late (late seventies) and I find that aside from satisfaction, honky tonk woman and jumpin' jack flash my favourite stones era is the 70's. But this album, I absolutely love it. When I first heard Angry back in the summer Something just told me that these guys were back in the game and that this album was gonna be special. It just sounds so fresh, there's a definite vibe to it that harks back to the thrill I got on hearing an album of theirs for the first time. Tattoo You in particular. And the choice of guests on the album has been inspired. Elton, Stevie Wonder and Lady Ga Ga, but the one that does it for me is having McCartney on one track playing bass. A Beatle playing on a Stones album. This hasn't been done since John and Paul sang back up on We Love You back in '67 if I recall correctly. Many thanks for this video Norman, take care, stay safe and enjoy the album. Peace, love and good health to you and yours...
It's nice to hear that the Stones came out with a good listening album this time. The last album that I respected was Tattoo You, and maybe a few good songs on Undercover. Like you, I also was at Altamont to witness the tragedy when the Rolling Stones were playing. The first time I saw the Stones was at the Cow Palace before 1966, when I wasn't driving yet, and my mother gave us a ride. Still listening to them after all these years, and looking forward to giving this disk a shot. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Bite my head off is the best song...I dig it alot....
+1 on Black and Blue. Among my favorites. The musical exploration while searching for their next guitar player opened interesting musical avenues for which, as it turns out, they have an aptitude.
I agree, it’s such a pleasant and fun listening experience. Feels like a spiritual successor to Tattoo You in many ways.
After listening to this album a few times, I gotta say as a long time fan of the Stones, this is a really great album. A very much enjoyable album from start to finish. One thing you failed to mention and also other reviews is that this pressing sounds really good. I think the mastering is perfect, they got it right. I stopped at the pop up store in Union square NY and bought the alternate cover, I’m keeping that one sealed and the pressing with 9 Carnaby street red vinyl. It sounds dead quiet, very good detail in the mastering. Long Live the Stones..🎸🎼✌️
My Dad’s favourite band,. I will take a listen but in my opinion, The Rolling Stones were finished creatively when Taylor left the band.
the old balderdash!
@@christianmay3959Yup. Too bad you didnt take a month or three to track the entire output.
Everyone can’t have the same opinion. I haven’t cared for the Stones since Some Girls. We can’t all like the same things.
Pleasure trip. Comfortably in the top half of the league table for Stones albums. A year since it's release and it's a gift that keeps on giving!!
Love how you get right to the essence. You allay just about all of my concerns of what this album could have been. Instead it goes right to the top of my list.
Can't wait to get stuck into this. I love the title but hated the artwork. A smashed car window with the Stones logo and broken glass in a bluestone gutter and shuttered shop fronts in the back ground came to mind. Loved your review. Love your work. Long time watcher now a subscriber.
Great video! I'm a fan of the Stones and this album is def top 5. I've listened to this vinyl about 5 times already and it's still great every time. I agree the vinyl does sound better than cd or digital. It feels and sounds like a classic Stones album and I'm happy to have it in my collection. I even purchased the MLB version of it!! :)
Great review!
I understand the trepadation about duets with "younger pop stars", but 1) Lady Gaga is a very talented artist who is both a genuine and kind person and who has earned both independence and credibility in the music industry 2) it was completely by chance that it even occurred, she happened to be in the same studio and it just organically came together... It's the best possible way for this sort of thing to happen. It wasn't hatched by a music studio. It happened through conversation, professional respect and human interaction. And the results are terrific.
Saw them on their last tour in Pittsburgh in 2022 and they sounded as good as ever. Have seen them five times starting in Philadelphia in 73 when we were all high as a kite including them. In my opinion this is a a well put together collection with a nod to their entire catalog in twelve songs. They clearly are appreciative of still being able to do it and it clearly cements their status as the Greatest Rock and Roll band!
I was at that show. Great performance!
Seen the stones a few times,seen the Who a few more times..no comparison the Who blows the stones of the stage...stones very average in concerts...in studio,no one better,but not this new lp
First of all Congratulations again to the Stones for this new Masterpiece. It's mystical that the release of this is October 20 2023 in the middle of this heartbreaking war in the Middle East. Yet we remain the High ground of Classic rock n roll, Blessed Love and a culture of peace and love. ❤❤❤Woodstock Nation
Man I love your opening opinions on the Stones previous albums. Melody is the best song on Black & Blue and Beggars’ Banquet is my favorite album as well.
Very well done review. Thanks, Mazzy.
Having given the album a full detail listen from vinyl on a really high quality stereo system I have concluded that this new release by the Stones is like a modern-day version of a classic Rolling Stones. I actually do like the album cover very much.
At least one person in the comment section who likes the cover. So do I.
Your cover comments are spot on. My toe tapped as if it was caused by the boot heel of the Gerontocracy on our musical throats. I felt I had heard "Heaven" at the cast celebration of every old Saturday Night Live episode. "Little Red Rooster" over "Rolling Stone Blues". And in the end, , , this album was like the last song of a live encore to cool people down before the audience lights come on. Still a big Stones fan, nearly their age.
The use of pitch correction on Mick’s voice on “Angry” is unfortunate. “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” absolutely knocks me out! That 6/8 gospel groove swings like a hammer, and Lady Gaga’s note choices are stunning. There is a long version (7+ minutes) that includes this sort of impromptu coda where she does an amazing key modulation of a line, then Mick says to Stevie Wonder, “Play me something sweet.” The interactions between Gaga and Mick are really moving.
I thought he says “play us something Stevie” 😂
It was nice to meet you at the WFMU record fair & thanks for the Selfie Good video too!!!
..thanks so much Mazzy for your great revue - and I’m also really proud that they chose the London Borough of Hackney in the album’s title as I am a proud Hackney resident! The Stones also launched the album in the Hackney Empire - a glorious Victorian plush theatre..by the way, Hackney diamonds is slang for the smashed car windscreen glass that’s all over the road
Hey Mazzy good to hear all positive takes on the new stones album!! Very excited to hear that it rocks!!! Can't get enough of good ole rock n roll!!Glad to also hear that the stone's maintained their character sound throughout and didn't sell out by showcasing dull and boring duets with some of the other more current artists that contributed their talents...very nice review and thanks!!
Will get my vinyl on Monday. Avoided the songs released in advance for the all new full experience.
Great review Mazzy! And spot on, I’d say. Brilliant album. Greetings from London.
Thank you kindly!❣️
My first encounter with rock & roll was a song from the band BIJELO DUGME (White button) from Sarajevo, Bosna & Herzegovina, Yugoslavia back then. The song was "Tako ti je mala moja kad ljubi Bosanac" . The other song that i remember was from that time (ca. '75) was Satisfaction. I was 8 years young, and still love both. And some more...
I can hear, that they had a fun time recording this album. That's important, the cover I don't care about.
Well done as usual Maz. This is just the type of review I need to encourage myself to give this album a solid spin or 5. I've heard 3 songs as of this comment and will now dive big time into the entire album. I've read many comments on various online reviews, and besides the fact that we will all need to live with this album for 5-6 months to see if we all still feel the same, but there are quite a few, I M O, who have jumped the gun with excitement who need to listen to the album 3+ times before making any proclamation that it is phenomenal and on their top 10 Stones list of all time, which many are claiming. Thank again, sir.
i have forget it to say, the last Richards CROSSEYED HEART sleeve was in black and white, and it's looking great!!
So's most of the music from that album
Excellent review. Look forward to chatting about it with you sometime.
Hey Mazzy! I was at Altamont too! Will look up your experience. We were blissfully unaware of the problems, being pretty far back, except for seeing Hells Angels throwing full beer cans into the crowd from on top of a bus. Could easily have killed someone. (Of course we got as close as we could...!)
Loved get your yayas. Out best live album still to this day great sound and raw performance especially midnight rambler and sympathy for the devil and honky tonk woman
Thanks for the review Mazzy. What I have heard, I have really liked. I am waiting on my copy which is a St Louis Cardinals baseball version in honor of my mom's favorite ball team. ♥️ I agree, the album covers aren't as good as they could have been. Take care.
Great review! I'm so glad that you also gave some love to Between the Buttons, Satanic Majesties, and Flowers. 3 underrated albums from my favorite Stones period.
The songs overall are pretty good. I bought the cd with the 20 page booklet. I think that the Stones still look great and wish that they had used a picture of the Stones on the cover.
It's only Rock n roll a great album not one bad song very underrated maybe the most underrated stones album
Mick is 80. Just amazing. 12 by 5 was always my favorite album bought it when it came out.
Aftermath was and still is my favourite, never tire of it.
Thanks for this great review. It's so awesome the Stones are still going strong. Just awesome!
When I was a kid listening to the young Beatles, Stones and other favorites in the 60's, they often spoke about getting old (hope I die before I get old) - which to me at the time was in the 30's. But I also thought about how long they would last making this music, would they be as great and would I enjoy them as much. As often happens, tragedy and self destruction has taken too many. But I never would have guessed that I'd see these performers making vital music into their 80's as they are. It's a great gift and I intend to enjoy it.
Great review, Mazzy . I share your views on the cover and gatefold. I've yet to hear the album as I await to experience the LP first. My pre-order sadly fell through, so I was able to hold my store's last copy. I've only heard Angry so far. Great to hear your your appreciation of the album. Thanks for sharing your Winterland photos. Excellent stuff. Cheers, Jeff
Finally you actually got away from 'the cover' & started talking about the Music !! Glad you like it !! 🥳
I have listened to the album through about 6 times now. It takes a while to distinguish a lot of the songs and what they have to offer as they're quite similar. Depending On You stuck out early, and I liked Angry and Sweet Sounds of Heaven straight off.
Listening to the album made me want to listen to A Bigger Bang; I like Back of My Hand, Biggest Mistake, Rough Justice and Driving Too Fast. I've had 18 years to enjoy these; I just wonder which songs from HD will do the same.
Don't forget This Place is Empty, It Won't Be Long, and Let Me Down Slow from ABB
@@johnryan3913 Also Rain Fall Dawn, She Saw Me Coming, Dangerous Beauty. Sweet Neo Con, What The Cat Draged In...
I'm 53 , so the "stones" era started with me with 1982s "Tattoo you"! Then I started tracing the back catalog from there!😊
Exactly the same as me my friend!👍
First impression was this is a really good Rolling Stones album and for each listen after, it gets even better. I don't know where this album will eventually end up in my Rolling Stones album rankings, but if I had to say now it would be around the #10-13 range. For it to make my top 10, it would have to knock Tattoo You out of the top 10 since I have that one ranked at #10. I currently have England's Newest Hit Makers at #11 and Voodoo Lounge at #12. So, where this one ends up will be around those, maybe slightly higher. Of the modern albums (i.e. since the late '80s with Steel Wheels,) this new one is probably the most consistent album of the modern albums. There is no weak track on this new album. Steel Wheels, which is my 6th all-time favorite Rolling Stones album kind of tails off with the final 3 songs or so. I think the highs of Steel Wheels, Voodoo Lounge, and even Bridges To Babylon are higher than anything on the new album (as of now, but could change after more listens,) but the lows of those albums are also lower than anything on the new album. There isn't a single song on the new album I dislike; I like them all.
My obsession with the Rolling Stones (and fearing this could be their final real album, even though they currently have enough material to make another,) I went overboard in buying various versions of this album:
1. HDtracks Hi-Res FLAC Digital Download ("Bite My Head Off" is the censored version on this one and I didn't know it at the time when I bought it at midnight on release day.)
2. Qobuz Hi-Res FLAC Digital Download (Had to have the explicit version and Qobuz's version has the explicit version of "Bite My Head Off".)
3. Barnes & Noble Exclusive Digipack CD with the 20-page booklet with black and white photos of Mick, Keith and Ronnie, lyrics to each song and track-by-track credits. Also, this one contains the explicit version of "Bite My Head Off".
4. Target Purple Vinyl. I walked in my local Target soon after they opened on Friday and grabbed me a copy. My purple vinyl looks great with no flaws. Played it once so far.
Still waiting for the following orders to arrive over the next week or two:
5. CD/Blu-ray Box set with the Atmos version on the Blu-ray. Reason for getting this is the Blu-ray and the big book that comes with it.
6. Blue Vinyl with an alternate cover from the Rolling Stones Shop
7. MLB white vinyl version for my local team (Cincinnati Reds)
8. Paul Smith Exclusive Alternate Cover Black Vinyl (Best cover artwork of all the versions.)
9. Amazon Green Vinyl with the "Legs" alternate cover.
10. Jewel Case from Amazon (though, the Jewel Case version only contains a 12-page booklet, unlike the Barnes & Noble 20-page booklet.)
And still debating on getting:
11. Japan SHM-CD (digipack or jewel case) version with bonus track. But I really don't need this because "Living In A Ghost Town" is the bonus track and I bought that back in 2020 when it was released as a CD-Single. If I do decide to buy the Japan SHM-CD, it won't be for a while. Maybe in a couple months for Christmas or Birthday.
Of the 10 versions, I bought, 2 of them were unplanned purchases on release day.
1. The censored Hi-Res download was unplanned. Didn't know HDtracks was only offering the censored version because nowhere did it say it was the censored version. Soon found that out after downloading and listening. So, that caused me to buy the explicit version too on Qobuz. Qobuz specifically stated on their download page that "Bite My Head Off" was the explicit version.
2. The Barnes & Noble Digipak CD version was unplanned because I really wanted just the Jewel Case CD version. Amazon Prime was supposed to deliver it on release day, but one day prior they switched the delivery date to October 31st. That ticked me off. So, yesterday, I went to various stores looking for the CD Jewel case and was just going to cancel my Amazon order for the jewel case. Couldn't find the Jewel Case anywhere. So, I broke down and bought Barnes & Noble Digipack version, even though I prefer jewel cases and the price for the B&N Digipack was about the same cost as a normal 2-CD release. I really wanted a physical copy I could play in the car right away. LOL I didn't cancel the Amazon Jewel Case order because I do want the jewel case and the booklet isn't the same as the Digipack version booklet.
Thanks Mazzy.Great review and I was surprised also about how much I enjoyed this album.Really flows well and highly recommend it!
I can hear the "Auto-Tune" in spots, but it doesn't bother me & I will still buy the album.
I am three years older than you Norman and have never heard of this band before (I live on a desert island called Australia)....WOW, thanks for introducing me to this CUTTING EDGE Album!!!!!!....the singer fellow looks like PETER PAN and the unbelievably hideous guitar player slightly resembles CAPTAIN HOOK!!!!!......COOL!!!!!!
Hey, I live on the same desert island.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 I am the Captain...you can be GILLIGAN....
@@VagueRANT100
Righto Captain 👍
The 1st time I saw the Stones was in 1972... 2 shows afternoon and evening. That was an event !
Music wise - Beggars , Bleed, Satanic, Flowers , Sticky and Exile was the best this band could roll out.
Quite an achievement. Putting out consistently great Lp's in a row .
I also dig the " Pop " period prior to that period , but for different reasons
After Exile , Their output was inconsistent at best. Although Some Girls and Steel wheels were the best .
I am looking forward to Diamonds, as I have heard very positive comments .
I think I will start off with deluxe CD / BLU RAY edition mainly because there is additional artwork and I am interested in hearing the hi rez version.
With my surgery Lp playing is nearly impossible but in aboit 3 months I should be able to do that. At that point I can buy the vinyl .
Thanks for review Mazzy.
tattoo you emotional rescue undercover goats head soup black and blue some girls sticky fingers are some of my fav stones albums.
Amazing photos at the end of this video Mazzy!
So funny that the Beatles and Stones are once more head-to-head! It's great for us fans.
“Sounds of Heaven” also caught my ear. I find it to be a concise, honest song with a great arrangement and soulful performances by all involved. Though I’m woefully unfamiliar with the Gaga repertoire she was a significant, tasteful addition. In a recent interview she recounts that being invited to make a singing contribution came about as an unexpected surprise. 14:56
I think this is my favorite song of the album.
Spot on review. I agree with almost everything you said, and for me it’s at 4.5 stars. Dreamy Skies and Rolling Stone Blues, the two tracks that sound most like classic Stones, are actually my favorites. But even a dance track like Mess It Up is pretty good. And you’re right, there’s a different feel when Charlie plays on a track, it’s subtle but noticeable, of course, one has to add. Even his snare sounds a little better.
I was at the 69 Oakland show. Midnight Rambler blew my brains out.
Great review and commentary. I totally agree with you. The artwork is totally lackluster
Good review, I listened to the whole album and I agree!
I’m glad that someone finally mentioned the album cover. I think it’s a disaster. As you said it doesn’t match the music and the artists. And that gatefold is entirely pointless, financially and aesthetically. Now I haven’t bought a Stones album for decades now. At 73 I’ve been a “long time gone” in regards to the guys. But what I’ve heard - not overly impressed. It is certainly the Stones, full of decibels and brashness… It’s not bad, but I have really heard it all before from them. And you’re right - that’s perfectly fine really. Just not for me.
And the album’s title - I know it’s London slang for “broken glass” but I think naming an album “hackney” anything is - in my opinion - a PR misstep. Especially in light of what I - and probably a few others - think of the boys’ output of the last 4 to 5 decades. So for me - a no go. But it sounds like them, and at 80 plus this is certainly a marvel.
Good review, Mazzy. I preordered mine and actually got it on Thursday. Is it up with their best? Of course not. A couple of tracks aren't great but I really like it overall. Bloody heck, Mick's voice is still amazing. (and yes, Black and Blue deserves more love). Oh, and I agree about the cover; it's not good at all. Best Stones cover? Between The Buttons
i like the SOME GIRLS cover, even the punks were jealous of it, censorship of the sleeve😜😀
Balanced review and appreciated the preview of you attending 69 and 72 tours. Jagger said of Hackney Diamonds that he wasn't trying to remake Sticky Fingers and without Charlie Watts and Mick Taylor they couldn't. My opinion, it's more like the faster tracks and ballads from the Emotional Recue album. Personally I'm pleased that it's out there but I dont find this appealing. That said it just went to no 1 in the UK so what do I know.
After hearing this, Hackney Diamonds was a pleasant surprise. It is far better than I expected!
Looking forward to your take on this Mazzy
I can relate. Still waiting for my copy...any day now. I'm looking forward to posting my take on it...or maybe another cure for insomnia.
The Greatest rock band of all time... BAR NONE...
Can't wait to hear how the Stones do these tunes live.
I called my local music shop to see if they were going to order in the new Rolling Stones CD. They said no because no one had expressed an interest. I had them order 2 CD's, one for my best friend and me. Didn't want to wait until Monday to hear it through Amazon. Totally agree with your review and appreciate your comparison of the CD to vinyl but wonder how much better the Blu-ray sounds.
I started with 12 X 5 and ended with Undercover. So, I'm a bit leery of the Rolling Stones. I mean they were so great in their prime, I don't want to ruin those memories. Beggers Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main Street is possibly the greatest run of Rock/Blues albums ever made. I appreciate your honest take on Hackney Diamonds, Mazzy, and maybe will give it a shot. I mean "It's only rock and roll but I like it."
You won ˋ t ruin your memories when listening to the new album.
Great video. I was not going to buy it, now i might. Ok i got it on iTunes the day it came out but i may get the vinyl now
It’s a nice album but once the new shine fades so will this album.
And it fades fast! It is really hyped and has a few really nice songs on it but it is not what all shoddy reviews want us to believe: “the best album since Some Girls”.
And fully agree with Norman on the artwork. It’s pisspoor and does not fit the age of the Stones. That gatefold should have had a beautiful band shot. The photos in the Deluxe CD book are really great and would had deserved that place.
I played it now 8 times since Thursday night 00:00 and find it enjoyable but this morning at breakfast I already opted for another album to play.
And like you say: “Heaven” with Gaga is a (to me, sole) highlight and harks back to late 60’s, early 70’s Stones and indeed reminds me of Gimme Shelter. This song feels like it is dug up from the vault.
It’s nice having a new Stones album and sonically it sounds amazing, great production, but it is a lot of hype and in the end it will end up like most post 81 Stones albums: collecting dust on your shelf. And when you play the Stones you’ll pick Exile, Sticky, Bleed or Beggars again to spent your precious time on.
BTW Winterland 72 @Norman Maslov is now out on double CD as ultimate Winterland 72 in Japan and is a great show in great quality when you have “bootleg ears”. Highly recommended! You’ll definitely will play that more often than Hackney Diamonds after a few weeks!😄
Thanks for the tip 🤠
The albums you prefer are old. Old people may prefer old things. I don ˋ t.
@@christianmay3959 it indeed has something to do with age. Older music represents a part of your life and you have memories with that certain album or song. That is different with (most!) new albums. Hope you enjoy this album as much as I did with those albums and as many years to come as I enjoy those albums.
I've never been a huge Stones fan...I do love Sticky Fingers...Goats Head Soup and Beggers Banquet. ..but I have to say that I'm really impressed with this album. For a band who are long pass their due date..this is a pleasant surprise. ..the two singles are strong and the rest of the album is like a tribute to their prior albums..well done guys.
@markkopernicky3489 This Hackney Diamond is crap! It has grunge or alt rock influences mixed with their sound that has more in common with Some Girls or Tattoo You and there is some Exile On Main St. sounds thrown in for the mix to deceive people to buy the hype that this is a classic vintage retro sounding Stones album. This is no different than Voodoo Lounge or Bigger Bang.
Don't be a sucker and fall for the hype! Go back and listen to their golden era from 68-72 from Beggars Banquet to Exile On Main Street instead!
@@johnpolitis7929, I’m sure there’s lots of woooonderful albums by some flavors of the month that you can enjoy.
@@stephenfisch615 Sure and that would be the Brian Jones era of the Stones. No Jones, No Stones!
@@DaleRC75 No Jones, No Stones!
@@johnpolitis7929 No John no nonsense.
Massy - every word you say is true here - for me, this is the Stones just naturally being themselves and having fun - they are not trying too hard and it shows.
It's surprisingly great, far less overproduced than i had originally thought. Best record since Tattoo You. I dont like the artwork either though.
Stripped had a killer album cover. I love “Stripped.”
I'm only a casual Stones fan (The Who are my favorite British Invasion band!) but I did enjoy "Diamonds"!
Agree with you on the artwork - the Paul Smith cover is the best of the bunch imo
Play it Loud
The old Boys can still Rock it up
Love the LP, kind of Pop Rock ( some tunes) with all the stones elements, Steve Jordan holding down the fort on majority of the tunes, the new Engine, after Charlie Watts, it's has grown on me already, all tunes are awesome, Mick always wanted the latest technology unlike typical stones fans expect some girls or Let it Bleed or Exile..I love the record., the recording doesn't have that dirty stones feel, but I love the Record, not for audiophiles tho., the production is kind of compressed. The last tune, Muddy Waters, Rolling Stone, is from analog tape. Yes, the centerfold is a joke, they could have added the pics of all the musicians contributed. Steve Jordan feel and Swing has his own character with some Charlie touch., love it.
I love the art.
I had a good listen and it's a mixed bag. There are a couple standout tracks and a couple that aren't so good. None are awful though. Mick's vocals are overly processed but I guess that is to be expected, as he's 80 now. The mix, as is the case with pretty much everything these days, is basically "EVERYTHING LOUD!" ... Overall though, the album sounds like The Rolling Stones. Definitely worth a spin or 10.
Just a fun rocking album, an inspiration to geezers everywhere and maybe the kiddies will like it too !
🤠👍
Oh, Mazzy, I love Goat's Head Soup... and, like you, 1965 and Satisfaction is a starting point for me. So glad you mentioned "Flowers" - it is indeed a fantastic album, one of their best. Getting back to the new LP though, I'd say the album cover art is at least better than Blue and Lonesome, which is totally generic (and as you said, "lazy"...). Wish they had the fellows on the cover as with A Bigger Bang. Oh well.... I'm glad you explained the Lady Gaga appearance on the LP and the comparison to Merry Clayton, so I'll keep that in mind when I order the album. Glad to see there's only 12 songs here (Bigger band was WAY too long - which ruined it...) Thanks again for the review here - can't wait to get it and digest it and appreciate it. I'll keep your "B+" in mind as I listen. Peace out. East coast.
Hi mazzy good but too much about you up front - you're an old dude who bought all the classic records back in the original day - cool but you don't need to trot out your bona fides every time.... and it took you until 11 minutes in to provide the key opinion about the music. You are as nearly always right - it is an excellent record - and will prove a grower. I personally thought a bigger bang was also very good - "streets of Love" - a classic stones song. Agree about the odd cover but hey - books, covers and judgements - that's a riff thats been around forever...keep up the good work...
There’s always one or two. 🤠 go read Pitchfork 😎🤠
Glad they didn’t give us another hour-plus album like the last few…I really like A Bigger Bang, but there are just too many songs, and with the ear-fatiguing compression it’s a chore to get through in one sitting. This one hangs together better as an album and also provides some relief with the acoustic songs.
A Bigger Bang is like 2 LP,s first with 9 tracks and second - the rest 7. Great album !
A Bigger Bang is like 2 LP,s first with 9 tracks and second with the rest 7. Great album !
Mazzy, you omitted to mention that Muddy Walter's Rolling Stone Blues was the song that Brian Jones took the name of the band from. They have never recorded it or played it live since. Many people see this recording as the closing track on the album as the band completing the circle and signing off.
Thank you for mentioning Steve Jordan and the simple fact he brings something different to the sound. Between him and Watt’s production (also produced Eddie Vedder’s last solo album - with similar “star” cameos), it’s fresh and similar at the same time. A pleasant surprise. ✌🏻🧢
Hey Mazz,
I kind of hate tuning into your reviews, because I always like them so much, and often feel a compulsion to at least try and submit a comment…
The STONES! What can you say? Appearing in just barely the second breath of the British Invasion, they kind of remind me of an ad that I saw on a billboard in southern Minnesota earlier this century for America’s favorite canned meat food product… “SPAM, you either GET IT, or you DON’T!” And fortunately, by now, pretty much everybody whom it’s likely to matter to has “gotten” it (I mean the Stones, of course, not Spam, although since I brought it up, I have to mention that former Russian Premier Nikita Khrushchev once said, “During the war, many jokes were made about the Spam canned meat that we had received from our American allies, but it tasted GOOD, and it kept us ALIVE!” And also, aside from it’s having a prominent cameo in the “Monty Python-verse,” even if we personally didn’t “get it,” eventually ALL of our computers DID!), but I digress…
I will always remember and cherish the Christmas that my brother and I managed to finesse both “Beggars Banquet” and the “White Album,” and I have many times expressed my chagrin at the smart assed reviewer at Playboy, who chastised the Stones for “Satanic Majesties,” insisting that they abandon such pretentious foolishness and return to their blues and r’n’b “roots,” which they subsequently did, the rest being, as we say, “history” (I DO still have my original copy, however, with the lenticular “3-D” cover picture with the concealed Beatle pics!)…
By the time of “Get Yer Ya Yas Out,” I’d largely given up on them, although I had to dive back in for the amazingly irresistible “Sticky Fingers,” with the Warhol cover and some really fresh and powerful songwriting (which I was surprised to discover was largely Mick’s work (“what, Mick can play GUITAR?”), and that Keith had largely “phoned in” his contributions…
I have really only payed peripheral attention to them since, although once you really love someone or something, you can’t really ever stop, you feel me?
I’ll always love me some Stones, and I love that my brother called that one tour, the “Steel Wheelchairs Tour” (we thought the were old THEN!), and that they at one point covered “Goin’ To A Go-Go,” which song will always remind me of my days of sneaking into clubs to see bands in South Minneapolis when I was 15-16 years old with my older “girl cousin”…
So I really don’t know if I will actually EVER hear this album, with it’s “Hackney Diamond Dogs” cover (and I still owe David Bowie endless apologies for my ignoring everything before “Station To Station!”), and this horrible “neo-eighties” cover will always cause me to at least THINK about inducing the gag response (“Brown paper bags for Sgt. Pepper’s!”… where’s friggin Brian Epstein when you NEED him?), and the “gatefold,” which does exactly what, help to make third and fourth generation “Zep” fans understand that it’s not just the “Stones,” but that it’s actually the “Rolling” Stones, and what is the current status of the “the?”
I’d better put a sock in it, before they come around with the “med” and lunch carts (OK, I’m just kidding, for NOW!)… I’m truly glad that the boys are still active and at it! I may be OLD, but I’m still younger than MICK!
Love ya Mazzy…
- “Recuerdos Amigo,”
Glenn Jones
PS: I DID talk to Ron Wood once for about 10 minutes in 1987, when I worked at Pete’s Guitar in St. Paul, and he was funny and charming, but I was wary, as, to me, he wasn’t a “real” Stone yet! I mean, I knew the Stones from way back WHEN!
It may not be there best album, but it's good, I've listened to the new album about 20 times since I received it, really love the two songs that the late Charlie watts played on
Solid (video) review. The Amazon alt cover is much better. Unlike A Bigger Bang that should have dropped a few songs, I don't think there is a bad song on this album. The guitar work on Whole Wide World is top notch and the disco-ish Mess It Up is fantastic. If there is another Stones album I'd like Ron Wood get in on the songwriting. It's not perfect, but 15 yr old me would have loved this album and that's how I'm going approach it.
I agree with the Pitchfork review, which described it as "a marketing team’s dream": "Hackney Diamonds feels like an advertisement for advertising placements, songs meant to be sold to sell something else." To my ears, it sounds like pop rock by numbers, created with a bloodless, mainstream Hollywood movie soundtrack in mind.
And the album cover? It looks like an 80s hair metal cast-off. I put 'Exile' on soon after, in order to wash the rubbish from my ears.
Obviously, there are very different kinds of people who claim to like listening to this band.
There are some great tracks on this LP. Maybe it would have been cool to include Ron Wood's art.
Police.... Stones.... Da-Doo-Da-Da! 'Goats Head Soup' was an interesting album. I thought it charted better on the radio than played on the turntable. I have to agree about the cover on Hackney Diamonds. You are letting your art chops show. The comments about the logo, the vision for a black and white photo of the 80-year olds, right on the money.
Ive only heard it once sounds pretty good to me..hard to judge after just one listen..i bought the lp and cd..the song with lsdy ga ga sounds like my favorite so far and im not a fan of hers
Rolling Stones Records should issue a sticker book of hackney diamonds that we can stick all over the cover; and each cover will be different!
I totally agree with your synopsis of the artwork. That inner is beyond awful.
Buy the cd. Then the artwork is of lesser consequence.
I found it disturbing it wasnt an EP with just the charlie tracks
Darn. I pre-order and always seem to get the record a few days later. Long live the Stones! Have to disagree with you about the cover. Actually, it's pretty good. The red, the shattering, the glass and the Stones have almost always featured an artist. I don't think it looks out of place with their other covers. I do appreciate your opinion as always. Thanks.
Hey Mazzy - forgot to ask -- what's your opinion of Easy Sleazy? It seemed like such a gift when Jagger/Grohl released it during lockdown.
I’ll need to revisit it. Forgot about it.
@@mazzysmusic ua-cam.com/video/MN9YLLQl7gE/v-deo.html ... I find it totally unforgettable, and a lifesaver post-pandemic. It was the song of the summer two years ago...Where was the vinyl on this?!... that's why you missed it ;)
Like training wheels, music fans don't need them anymore. review starts at 3:47... well, it starts really at 6:55 (unless you want his opinion of the cover art) They did have 2 albums before the Out of Our Heads LP! (Satisfaction) both educated me naive to the Blues at the time but I as a teen was heartened they put their pimply faces right on a cover!
Actually Heads is the 4th lp, here in the US where it was (mostly) made. Hitmakers, 12x5, Now! Are the first 3. I don't care so much for the UK early albums.
Masterpiece. Best Stones album since Tattoo You.
😂
Bite my head off sounds very much like liar by the sex pistols but sounds so great for the stones especially for their age iv been listening to the album about 7 times now just love it who cares what the cover looks like it’s the music that counts
Paul McCartney is on bass.
Well, considering they have put out maybe 15 of the best covers ever ..