#14 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“Recorded in Keith Richards' basement in the south of France while the band was dodging UK tax authorities. The original pressing is murky, messy, and absolutely perfect — that's the point. This is rock and roll at its most unvarnished and alive.”
The Rolling Stones, formed in London in 1962, became one of the most influential and enduring rock bands in history. The classic lineup of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman established themselves as the primary rival to The Beatles throughout the 1960s. Their early albums drew from American blues and R&B, while their mid-period work—including *Sticky Fingers* (1971) and *Exile on Main St.* (1972)—showcased a more sophisticated songwriting and production approach. The band continued recording and touring through subsequent decades, with notable albums like *Some Girls* (1978) and *Steel Wheels* (1989). Their influence on rock music, blues interpretation, and live performance remains unparalleled, spanning over six decades of continuous creative output.
Style
The Rolling Stones pioneered a blues-based rock sound characterized by Keith Richards' distinctive guitar work, swaggering vocals from Mick Jagger, and a driving rhythm section. Their style evolved from pure blues covers to innovative rock compositions blending blues, country, and funk influences.
Significance
For vinyl collectors, The Rolling Stones discography represents essential rock music history, with their 1970s albums widely considered masterpieces of analog recording. Original pressings of *Sticky Fingers* and *Exile on Main St.* are particularly prized for their sonic quality and iconic cover art.
Exile on Main St. was recorded between 1969 and 1972, primarily at the Rolling Stones' mobile studio at Keith Richards' French villa, Nellcôte, during a period when band members faced legal troubles and tax exile from Britain. The chaotic sessions reflected the band's turbulent state—Richards was dealing with drug charges, Mick Jagger was navigating his own legal issues, and the group's chemistry was strained. Despite (or perhaps because of) the dysfunction, the album showcased raw, blues-rooted rock with a loose, spontaneous feel. Produced by Jimmy Miller, who had worked on Sticky Fingers, the sessions involved numerous guest musicians including Nicky Hopkins on piano and featured the Stones playing most instruments themselves, creating an intimate, almost jam-like quality.
Historical Context
Released in May 1972, Exile on Main St. arrived during a pivotal moment in rock music, as punk was emerging and glam rock dominated charts. The album received mixed reviews initially—some critics felt it was indulgent and unfocused compared to the tighter Sticky Fingers—but it gradually gained recognition as a masterpiece of raw, authentic rock and roll. Over decades, it ascended in critical esteem and is now widely considered one of the greatest rock albums ever made. The album captured the Stones at a creative peak, balancing blues tradition with experimental arrangements, influencing generations of musicians.
Pressing Notes
The original 1972 UK pressing on Rolling Stones Records (with the tongue logo) is highly sought after by collectors. Early US pressings on Atlantic Records vary in quality and mastering. The gatefold jacket featured controversial artwork that was altered on some pressings. A notable remaster appeared in 2005 as part of the Stones' reissue program. Vinyl collectors should seek original first pressings for the warmest sound, though later reissues offer improved clarity. Prices for mint condition originals remain substantial. The album's notoriously dense mix—sometimes criticized as muddy—is actually integral to its appeal, making source selection important for the best listening experience.
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