It's been 18 years since A Bigger Bang. Does Hackney Diamonds deliver after the death of Charlie Watts and a new producer in Andrew Watt? Here's my track by track analysis and review of the new Rolling Stones album - Hackney Diamonds.
Hi Alan - great review. I personally love the album, great sound and production and they really rock hard. I think "Whole Wide World" would be a tremendous single and the two guitar solo's at the end are screaming - love it. If you could have told me the Stones at 80+ could put out an album like this I would think you'd be kidding - BUT THEY HAVE. I gotta say I love pretty much all the songs, I think a couple will grow on you ALAN as they have for me. The worlds greatest rock n roll band - you bet !! Cya Doug
Thanks so much Doug as always. Really at 80+ (shit at any age) - this album is a stupendous achievement. I also love Whole Wide World - great single potential as you said. absolutely
Funny - Whole Wide World popped into my head today and I couldn't get it out. LOVE it - Love Jagger's accent on it and the catchy hooky chorus - fantastic. @@keithmcmaster3367
Top marks Alan for an honest review, you curb your enthusiasm a little better than Jimmy Fallon😂 and may I add you are the best promotion the Stones could ever wish for and if they do get that Grammy ( which I agree they deserve, you should be the one presenting it)💎👌☘️
Thanks Don so much for your so kind and generous comments - seriously I really appreciate it. Unfortunately no one in the Stones organization has the slightest idea who I am....but wouldn't that be cool. I'd be there in a half second. Thanks again.
Thanks so much - I haven't read or watched other reviews - but now that I did mine - I'll check some out. Thanks for your support - that's really nice and means a lot.
I will say that no one misses the old majestic, melodic, lyrical guitar solos of Mick Taylor more than me. Whether he can still do it, that's to be seen. But that would be sweet if he could. I actually like Chris jagger lol @@bernardjennings3549
the two songs you think are weak are actually my favorite ones and not just because Charlie is on them. Mess it Up is catchy as hell and Live by the Sword rocks hard,
Thanks. Not necessarily weak songs but don’t exactly fit on the album. Mess it up is totally catchy. Sticks in your head for sure and could’ve been a hit in a different time. Buts kind of a Frankenstein creation over the original Charlie bed and it sounds like it. Many seem to love Live By The Sword. It’s good. I like it ok. But not at the same level to the rest of the album for me.
Imo it's a brilliant, eclectic, fresh and really catchy album...with a great sound and no fillers! It flows really really well. Stop thinking about Exile or Sticky Fingers...these are the 2023 Stones and they are so goooooood!!!
There’s almost as much to love about your review of “Hackney Diamonds” as there is to love about the album itself. Your genuine, barely-contained enthusiasm heightens your excellent encapsulations of the essence of each track on the album. My favorite part of your review is when you comment about “Rolling Stone Blues” by vividly describing two old guys smoking cigarettes on the porch to celebrate the completion of the album. What great imagery, Alan! That song is, indeed, the perfect way to end the album. Like you, I give the album a solid four out of five stars. I agree with you about “Angry” being a great album opener and about “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” being an absolute stunner - making them both great choices for singles. However, I think “Whole Wide World” would have been the best choice for a single. It checks off every “radio-friendly” box (IMHO). Despite being someone who usually doesn’t favor the most commercial songs on albums, I must confess that I think it’s the best song on the LP. And I love or like very much nine of the twelve songs on the album. (I find “Dreamy Skies” to be one of the weakest country/ blues songs The Stones have ever done - though I like the guitar work, “Tell Me Straight” to be one of Keith’s weakest ballads and “Driving Me Too Hard” to be just an OK number.) I love that most of the album rocks hard with all the great nuances that make a Stones song unmistakable. The album also demonstrates The Stones’ gift for balladry. If the leftover songs from “Hackney Diamonds” never see the light of day because another album is not released, then The Stones have given us a swan song that’s worthy of the band that has deservedly maintained its distinction as the world’s greatest rock and roll band for an astounding 60-plus years.
Thanks so much as always. I also love your individual song comments. I like Tell Me Straight, but seems kind of incomplete - average Keith ballad. Will he rock out on a Stones album again? Been so long. Interesting your take on Dreamy Skies. I really like it - not a classic like some others - but yea, I really like it. What's your take on Mess It Up and Live By The Sword?
In response to your question about my thoughts on “Mess It Up” and “Live By The Sword,” I very much like them both. “Mess It Up” was a bit of a grower for me, but it didn’t take long for it to become one of my favorite dance songs by The Rolling Stones - not too far behind “Miss You,” right up there with “Emotional Rescue” and ahead of “Dance, Part 1.” I think that “Live By The Sword” is perhaps the most Stonesy song on “Hackney Diamonds.” It grabbed me from the get go by kicking ass with Keith and Ronnie’s driving guitars, the Watts/Wyman rhythm foundation, Mick’s snarling vocals and the he funky piano playing by which Elton John evokes the great contributions made by Ian Stewart, Nicky Hopkins and Chuck Leavell throughout the history of the band. “Live By The Sword” goes full force to get in your face with the kind of down and dirty attitude that made The Rolling Stones the most fierce band of the British Invasion (IMHO). Of course, being the most Stonesy song on the LP doesn’t mean it’s a given that all the song elements will be loved right away, if ever. To my ears, the song was good when I first streamed it this past Thursday. Now, almost a week later - after nearly twelve listens - I think “Live By The Sword” is VERY good. Maybe, it will grow on you as it did for me.
I love your writing and passion, as always. Iike both songs. You totally captured Live By The Sword. It truly sounds like a leftover from the earlier sessions. It is very Stonesy. Just doesn't seem to fit the rest of the album. Mess It Up could've been a massive hit back in the day, when radio and clubs would actually play new rock music. But it definitely has this Frankenstein studio creation. Not organic. Let's take the original low budget Charlie demo, add this on there and then add another falsetto "Bee Gees" like hook. Don't get me wrong. It works. It's catchy as hell. In my head right now. But again, seems outside the album. But I like them both for what they are, if that makes sense.@@ronalaurence4105
@@TheAlanRosenbergShowAs always, I respect your opinions on music, especially when it comes to your special area of expertise: The Rolling Stones. Your point of view about “Live By The Sword” not being a good fit for the album is bewildering to me, as I find it to be the most Stonesy song on the album, which includes (as you know ) the genres of country/blues, gospel and dance music as well as Keith’s slow ballad. That’s one of the many things I love about The Stones: Just about everything fits on the band’s albums because the albums (at least the latter-day ones) include genres and sub genres beyond hard rock and R & B, although both are the signature sounds of the band. I can understand if you don’t like how “Live By The Sword” rocks (different preferences for the different sets of ears we all have), but to me the song exemplifies The Stones’ trademark brand of timeless rock and roll - and thus is a perfect fit if ever there was one. With regard to “Mess It Up,” I think it’s an excellent and infectious dance track. As you stated, you like it for what it is. I happen to love it for what it is: A song that has got me dancing in my living room. Like virtually all dance tracks (by The Stones and other artists) - with their typical glossy production values - I don’t think “ Mess It Up” could sound as organic as a straight-ahead rock or R & B song. I think that’s just the nature of dance music. In “Mess It Up,” I don’t think Mick’s falsetto conjures up a Bee Gees hook any more than it does in “Emotional Rescue” and “Slave.” Whenever Mick “goes falsetto,” I think he does a great job of highlighting certain lyrics (e.g. “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven,” “Fool To Cry,” “Worried About You,” etc.). Naturally, each of us has personal favorites when it comes to songs. I find it interesting and fun to share opinions regarding individual loves, likes and dislikes. Thank you for making the comments section of this video, and all your others, such a great place to exchange thoughts about our shared passion for music.
Always love your passionate views. Again I like both Live By The Sword and Mess it Up. Mess It Up is infectious and really sticks in your head and in another decade could've been a hit. But to me its the only song that really sounds like a creation, not totally organic. To me they took a leftover basic track with Charlie and completely rebuilt a brand new building on it - which is fine in itself - but to me its so apparent. I love Mick's falsetto's - I see heaven when he does it with GaGa on SSOH for example. And I don't mind their previous excursions into different genres - in fact I use that as an example of why they're the greatest rock band of all time. But the extra bridge "Really Really Wanna Hear It", for me is a bit unneccesary on top of the Mess It up chorus. I'm really getting in the weeds here - it's fine, really catchy. just not as organic as the rest. Live By The Sword is very organic - you're right - like a throwback to previous Stones songs / previous albums - which is fine. I like it. But something has to be your least favorite song on the album and for me that's the one - but it's still good. @@ronalaurence4105
Great review Alan and i agree this is a great album.Mick does Liverpool /Scouse accent on Bite your head off.Just for interest how many versions of the album are there and how many will you get.Cheers mate
There's an insane amount of variations - ridiculous - but I guess with the effort their putting in, they're using every method possible (as others do) to get the sales up. We'll see how it works out. For me, I have the regular CD and pre-ordered the deluxe with Atmos DVD (no idea when that's showing up - but I'll do a review of that when I get it). I'll eventually buy a vinyl but in no rush - and they may sucker me into the Mets vinyl version. Cheers back to you and thanks. Oh and thanks for the Liverpool /Scouse accent confirmation - awesome.
Alan, I love the new killer Rolling Stones album; and knew you would too. Great production and sound. I think it's the equal of Tattoo You and surpasses Some Girls - yes, it's that good. Really, really like Mess It Up, and I think it fits in just fine with the rest of the record. The first nine songs are fantastic, and when was the last time you could say that about a Stones record? Couldn't find a filler track until I got to Tell Me Straight. The last track, Rolling Stone Blues, is a sentimental filler track but I can see why it's included on the album. Seen a few naysayer You Tubers crapping on this album already saying it's over produced, too loud, too poppy, never should have been made...blah-blah-blah....screw them! How much do I like this album? I've bought it 7 times: Standard black vinyl, Indie store clear vinyl, Target exclusive purple vinyl, Amazon exclusive alternate jacket & green vinyl, Paul Smith alternate jacket & black vinyl, MLB jacket (Twins) white vinyl and the CD version you have. Whew! I also canceled my slow Amazon CD order and went to the local Indie store to get it. Thinking about the CD/Blu-ray box set but am a little worried about overkill !! 😁😆🤣😂 Keep up the good work, and listen to Queen II and The Game for cryin' out loud!
Thanks for your amazing comments. Mess It Up sticks in my head (hearing it right now). It's different and to me sounds very much put together - maybe piecemeal, which the rest of the album doesnt at all. Although, I can see that song becoming a hit in the clubs, if it was ever played there. I appreciate your multiple purchases. I'm looking forward to the Dolby Atmos mix and I'll do a review when I ever get that boxset. Maybe I'll pick up a vinyl baseball one (Mets) at some point. Queen....oh please...don't remind me....I'm still recovering.....lol
I can't stop listening to this album. Lifelong (67 years) Stones lover here, I was really not expecting this record to be this good. "Angry", well, great single, great video, all stones, I don't care who got writing credit. "SSOH" couldn't have been any better and seems it was written for Lady Gaga's mezzo. Rolling Stone Blues? The Glimmer Twins, a harp and five strings? That is all I needed to finish this record, full circle indeed, but I certainly hope it won't be their last. Can't wait for them to tour this album.
Thanks again - ooh love your summary "he Glimmer Twins, a harp and five strings" - indeed full circle and a fantastic coda to this great great album. @@hawiley
Thanks for this!!! Have you noticed Micks singing in his English accent alot in this? Usually his singing sounds accent neutral. Love the album, although Im unconditional when it comes to the Stones!
Thanks for this fantastic review, Alan. 'Start me up' - that was superb. Well, if the opening track comes anywhere near it it will be brilliant. As you say, it does. Remarkable how the Stones can produce such an album. I don't know about Andrew Watt, but it sounds like he did a wonderful job. This review means that I will buy the album. Superb stuff. You can't beat that special Stones sound. David Butterworth
On a separate subject, Alan, I wondered if you are a fan of Badfinger. You know your music and I think you would enjoy this. It both surprised and shocked me. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QiwSe5eN9eo.html Best wishes, David Butterworth @@TheAlanRosenbergShow
Great review, Alan. I totally agree with your assessment. This is an amazing album! I did a review on my channel when the album came out and as I recall I pretty much echo almost everything you've said here.
Hi Alan. Great review! Actually, I love Live By the Sword. That riff just makes me smile, and the track has so much momentum. I love the sequencing of Mess it Up into LBTS, as that is a heck of an infectious pairing. Love Get Close, Depending on You and Driving me too hard especially, but my god, every track is so damn good! It’s like an adventure, with each song offering a different feel and groove. And no one comes close as a vocal performer than Jagger (in my humble opinion 😉). This is a compulsive Stones record…I just can’t resist one more spin!! 🥳👍
Thanks so much - I love your description "Compulsive spin" - oh that's great - and it is. These songs stick in your head. I'm hearing them now as I type this. What an achievement - I'm sure Live By the Sword will grow on me too. Thanks.
I learn a lot through your podcasts, Alan, and enjoy your perspectives. It’s so interesting to hear them. Actually, I’ve managed to convert a friend, after convincing him to listen to Hackney Diamonds. We’ve been messaging other constantly since release, and he just loves Whole Wide World, which I think takes him back to the punk/post punk eighties. The amazing thing about this album is that it is lyrically so tinged with loss and the complex feelings that come with age, yet is so damn vivacious and young in spirit. Remarkable!! Thanks, Alan.
I agree completely, it's a very fine album and a worthy inclusion in the Sones catalogue. It's Mick's attempt at a London accent, cockney is much more specific, I think he was going for the Hackney vibe. When I first saw the title Whole Wide World I thought are they doing a Wreckless Eric cover?
It's just a London accent? I just love it. It's fantastic on the song - and what a great song it is. Could've been a great single too. I'm not familiar with the Wreckless Eric song. Thanks Mark.
@@joerombi i’ve never heard that before. I’m studying the cover now. I even took a flashlight and a magnifying glass. I don’t see it. If I stare at it long enough on the right and left it may be the shape of a face, sort of. My feeling it’s the same thing when people see faces in a cloud or on a potato chip. Stare at something long enough and maybe you’ll see something. But I don’t see Mick or Keith or Ronnie. Interesting theory.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow : It's Mick's caricature on the right facing the center. Keith's face is looking down on the left. Ronnie smiling facing profile left is below and in-between them.
@@joerombi just did some research. There are people saying they see Mick on the left and Keith on the right. No Ronnie. Personally I don’t think it’s that. Just our brains trying to see figures that aren’t really there. I forgot the scientific term for this. But it’s a common phenomenon our brains do. To me doesn’t resemble Keith or mick in the slightest.
I have to say that digital audio and recording techniques have improved over the past two decades which makes Hackney Diamonds a fantastic album. Who would think that two octogenarians could pull this off. Truly outstanding in my opinion. Even two of the weaker songs "Mess It Up" and "Tell Me Straight" are great. I really like "Bite My Head Off" (even though it's sounds very similar to "Liar" by the Sex Pistols). I definitely heard the musical spirit of Brian Jones on slide guitar on "Dreamy Skies." I love that cut and "Live By The Sword" as well. And of course "Angry" and "Sweet Sounds Of Heaven will get massive airplay and rightfully so. The album is damn near flawless. "The Rolling Stones Live!"
Love your review. Fantastic. I’m shocked that some media and people are slagging it off a bit. I’m with you and most people. It’s quite an accomplishment. I love it. Live By The Sword has to grow on me. Thanks Tarr. Awesome
I noticed that someone commented on your use of the word "Awesome" several times in your commentary on Hackney Diamonds. If it's your true and unvarnished opinion on any given subject or topic and it's your first take to put on air, then that's the one most people want to hear when delivered to an audience, no matter how many times a word is used. That alone is Awesome!
Thanks as always Tarr for your support. Even so, because I film live and no idea what I'm gonna say until I roll, it's good to know. I actually had no idea. But your comments and support, always, are AWESOME! Thanks. @@tarrtruck2869
Dreamy Skies?? I have to listen to that again. I'm a fan of Short And Curlies and that didn't pop into my head at all. Well you "got me by the balls" now....lol I heard a bit of No Expectations because of the opening slide....@@_HeathenChemistry_
Ok so I'm home - first thing I did I played Short & Curlies back to back to Dreamy Skies. It's the same or similar 3 chord progression - (I don't know the three chords). But no - the songs are completely different - there's millions of songs with similar chord progressions - there's only so many chords out there...lol. Plus Short & Curlies is really piano led - honky tonk piano with Taylor adding nice guitar licks behind it including slide, yes. But still very different songs. I totally understand now why people are saying that - but to me the same three chords don't equal the same song....still very different. My 2 cents anyway. @@_HeathenChemistry_
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow hi😁. When I used the word "riff" what I was trying to say is that the song sounded as tho the stones took inspiration or elements from previous work. Even the line "I can't get away from it all... Its to bad, its to bad" is changed to "I got to get a break from it all" 😁. I have no problem with artists doing this. Anyway dreamy skies is a good tune and I loved the album as a whole. Still can't believe after all these years the stones can still put out quality. Something sadly lacking in other bands.
Alan, love your Rolling Stones content. Your knowledge and enthusiasm for the World's Greatest Rock and Roll band is boundless. I enjoy all your RS content. I give you a lot of credit for identifying that the later day albums Voodoo Lounge, Bridges to Babylon , and Bigger Bang suffer from being too long. Glad the Stones have returned to a typical vinyl length album and sequenced this one like a vinyl album. I actually quite like Live by the Sword. Elton's piano reminds me a little of his contribution to T-Rex Bang a Gong on Top of the Pops 1971.
Thanks so much for your support. I really appreciate it. You’ll be happy to know that Live By the Sword has grown on me and that is a fantastic comparison about Elton’s piano playing. In fact it’s a highlight of this song. I still think it’s my least favorite song on the new album but hey something has got to be there.
I'm a 66 year old music fan. I love music in almost every genre. My point directly is this, this is a great album. In my opinion all the songs work together. I was skeptical at first until I really gave the album a good listen. Every song is sweet, fresh and original a tribute to the Rolling Stones. My fear is there are reviewers out there who will not appreciate the greatness of this album. Putting my 66 year old music ear, this is a great, great album, a 5 star + album. I hope it wins the grammy for album of the year. P. S. Change your star review to 5 stars ☺️
Thanks so much - yea I'm so rooting for a big hit and a Grammy - it so deserves it. Younger people need to know what real authentic organic music sounds like. For me 5 stars is a perfect album - amongst the greatest albums of all time - all time classics. I don't give those out easily. It would have gotten one (except for Live By The Sword) but I just got the album. Let's see how it's legs are - I suspect this album will be an all time classic with loooong legs.
Your show is definitely the go-to site for Stones reviews Alan. A lot more zippy and upbeat than the others, I reckon. And Dalston Diamonds would have been an even better title for the album in my opinion (Dalston being a subsidiary part of Hackney, for the uninitiated.....)
Wow - ya know that means so much to me. I'm doing my little channel for 3 years. My passion is real. So to hear that you and others enjoy it (and maybe think it's better than some others - huge channels) - really really means so much to me. I do put my heart into these videos. Funny Hackney Diamonds I thought, and still kind of think, was a weird title. I had no idea what it meant. Dalston Diamonds certainly would've have worked as well - with the DD alliteration. Thanks so much again. Really.
No problem Alan, not at all. Maybe this album will blast me out of the horrible 'flu that's been dogging me the past week or so - sounds like it will! PS I loved the recent Keith quote, from somewhere or other, where he said that so much modern music is just a one-directional electronic toilet (or words to that effect). Our Keith has always been pretty sniffy about everything digital, and quite right too - I would absolutely defend him on that front. He and his mates are the ones who've come up trumps, at the age of eighty for goodness sake, using the same old organic method of music-making as Muddy, Ellmore, Lightnin' and the rest.@@TheAlanRosenbergShow
Oh so well said - I haven't watched The Grammys or any music award shows for decades, (including most Super Bowl halftime shows) because its amazing what passes for music. I"m not being an old fogey. I enjoy many styles of music. But the joy of organic music created by live human beings interacting is a long forgotten and unappreciated thing - even in the music industry. They killed it. That's why I want the Stones with Gaga to perform and win the next Grammy's. Please someone in the industry - see my channel....lol.. This needs to be done.... It's a wake up call. And please have the commercial radio world start playing great new classic rock tracks like this album. We need to turn the industry around before its too late.....ok - there's my rant for the day. @@bernardjennings3549
It's not that I don't think it's a good song - I do. But still after many listens, for me, it's still by far the weakest track on the album. It's all personal taste.
You nailed it. The last few albums, with the possible exception of A Bigger Bang were too long, but there's more to it than keeping it to one album's length. Watt's production, ideas (the Guitar Player and Rolling Stone articles are very informative) and song selection are spot on. I even agree with the "less than" songs. PLAY THE ALBUM ON TOUR.
I still have not got my Amazon pre-order. But when you buy a CD from them, they automatically give you the MP3 version. So I made my own CD-R version, reordering the playlist to make it more like Tattoo You - fast/slow - for better flow: 1. Angry 2. Get Close 3. Whole Wide World 4. Mess It Up 5. Live By The Sword 6. Bite My Head Off 7. Driving Me Too Hard 8. Depending On You 9. Dreamy Skies 10. Tell Me Straight 11. Rolling Stone Blues 12. Sweet Sounds Of Heaven This way the album seems more powerful, and the ending is stronger. Instantly upgraded the album for me. Try programing your CD that way, you might like it.
I still haven’t gotten my Amazon or Stones deluxe either. Ridiculous. Interesting you turned it into Tattoo You. Lol. I’ll give it a shot. Typified like a mixture and different pacing throughout an album but Tattoo You worked perfectly. I’ll give it a shot. I do love how Rolling Stone is like a bonus track coda in my mind after SsoH. Cool idea and fun. The songs are so strong no reason this shouldn’t work.
I really wish Ghost Town was a bonus track on our version. i LOVE Ghost Town. Absolutely fantastic track that deserves an album home. I don't know why, except maybe because they're expensive?? don't know, but unfair - I want Ghost Town on an album. Thanks.
It probably wouldn't really fit, but I love Ghost Town so much that I wish it was on the album, if nothing more - for convenience sake, since I'm a physical media guy. I have the Ghost Town vinyl single but it's a pain in the ass taking it out to play one song...
It's on the Japanese shm HD cd. We're just not good enough. I got ripped off with all those 2009 Stones remasters that they packaged in DSD cases claiming they were sacds. lol. The lame HD gatefold says it all. Hopefully the album is good. @@TheAlanRosenbergShow
I saw those japanese DSD releases - cardboard sleeve. Didn't get any as I have all the Abkco SACD releases and multiple copies of every Stones album. Did think getting the Time Waits For No One compilation was an interesting idea, but didn't go for it due to the cost.@@mondoenterprises6710
Good review. I liked your pointing out that the new drummer for the Stones may have juiced the band a little as the drumming was heavier on some songs. Great point. Charlie Watts was the greatest but change is good too and it is interesting that the new drum sound energized the band.
Thanks so much. Really appreciate it. Also the producer Andrew Watt who it seems really lit a fire under the band. The combination of the two really seems to have ignited the band on the album.
I'm in shock about this release..lol. This is such a quick re-release. I've already bought the CD twice and now a third time. Honestly this stuff is getting ridiculous and really taking advantage of their dedicated fans. Everyone seems to be doing this, but it doesn't make it right. Of course, I'll be buying it as well - but begrudgingly.
Alan, when are getting over to the pop up store. Apparently they have the NO9 Red vinyl. I want that bad. I saw a video of inside. I think it closes on the 30th. Nick on Fallon tonight. He was a nun on SNL Saturday night. All this excitement is gonna make me have a cardiac event.
I don't know if I can get there. I saw a RU-vid video - looks nice though. Doubt I can get there next weekend but that would be the only shot. Have a feeling probably just very expensive clothes and some vinyl. Would be fun though. Yes I saw Woody and Keith on Fallon - was fun, but Fallon can be ......over the top..... Considering he does Jagger impressions constantly - don't know if this will be cute or annoying....but I'll watch it for sure.
Haven’t got cd yet but will. It’s a awesome lp. Like your review. Next week The Stones release the dates of their forth coming tour next year. Most dates are on their web site. Next week dates confirmed. Hope you can see them. Take care
Thanks so much. Wouldn't that be sweet seeing that happen at the Grammys and they walk away with the win. The audience would be bowled over by that performance
Good review. It blows my mind they can put out a rock album this good 59 years after their first release when they are all pushing 80 years old and after a decade or so of being a legacy/greatest hits act.....f**king legends! My expectations were respectful but not high at all. But damn they schooled me! Fantastic album.
I'm like you I ordered it from the website I'm still waiting to get mine I ordered the blue still waiting. I'm also sad that there's no pictures on the album. What was the pitcher setting in New York set for and take all those oh well. It was a great review keep up the good work
thanks so much - yea - considering the incredible promotion job they're doing - the distribution is a disaster. I didn't get into the packaging but yea, it's nothing special and no pictures . But the music sure delivers - if we can only get our hands on it right? Thanks again.
Got my Blu Ray today... finally. Mick announced that his real name is Rick last night and that he is Banksy. He finally made Fallon. Big Beatles announcement tomorrow. I see Madfish is releasing a deluxe edition of All The Young Dudes. Unfortunately, it's album and CD. Big hardcover book, though.
I didn't see Fallon - will look for it, but I heard Mick just did the freezer sketch. Big Beatles announcement? Perhaps Paul and Ringo are reforming with Mick and Keith returning the favor....just kidding. Madfish is incredible. Unfortunately their boxsets (which are the greatest - I only have Wishbone Ash and Caravan) are out of my price range, though a good bargain for all you get.
Just watched the sketch - not very funny.... Oh and new Beatles song. Did the Beatles every break up - they've released more albums and songs than the Stones....lol.
It's awful - the distribution issues. I have one store on Long Island that has them where I went to buy it. My orders from Amazon and the Stones - nothing. Upset also if that will effect the sales. How can you spend countless millions promoting and not having available. sad.
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow I went to the stores listed on The Rolling Stones website that I can purchase from. Best Buy and Target. Both didn’t have it. And I heard someone got it from Barns and Noble so I called the one on fifth Avenue, I was told they were all sold out in their Manhattan stores. A couple of musical stores in Manhattan might have them. But i decided to order on line.
Infectious review! ... so much positivity ... now convinced so will try for CD/ Bluray ... but being a "grippy" Aberdonian I will wait 'cause price is a bit steep just now (mind you, they may well sell out) .... CMcG, Aberdeen, Scotland
Thanks so much. I still haven't bought the Tull box, Who box or Wishbone Ash box as I'm holding out for lower prices - so I hear you. I don't think they'll sell out. I see the previous deluxe boxes (like the GHS box) going for real cheap on Amazon on occasion. Good luck. I hope I eventually get my copy...lol
Thanks Tom - yea the distribution is a mess. Ridiculous the delay - so I went and bought the regular copy - didn't want to wait, but will still get that CD/DVD with Atmos when it arrives. What a great accomplishment this is. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
nice review, man. I love the album and i've played it about 10 times since Thursday. The only thing I disagree with you on is the Grammys. Nobody gives a damn about that trash. Whoever shows up to that show or performs or wins an award is irrelevant as far as good music is concerned.
I haven't watched or cared about the Grammy's in decades. But I would love to see The Stones with Lady Gaga melt the place with a live performance of Sweet Sounds and walk away with a well deserved Grammy for the song and album and show the young people how real music is done.
Great review and I pretty much agree with all you said. For me however, the worst song is Mess it Up, and I do like Live By the Sword, mainly due to the rocking guitars. Mess it up definitely feels dance/ disco and I agree you could imagine this being played in clubs for sure. It’s just not my favorite style for the Stones. It’s well done, but I prefer the raw and gritty Stones much better, except when they slow things down, which they also do very well. All in all, I am very pumped up about this album and am so happy to hear they still have some Stones magic left to give!
My label has been printed too. I canceled my Nov 28 amazon delivery, now wondering if i should have just kept both and see which lands first. Meanwhile, yay streaming. I. Love. This. Album.
Horrible distribution issue going on - which isn't going to help their sales. Very frustrating. I'm not a streamer, but I had no choice too. Glad I got a copy at local store yesterday - the first day they received one. Loving the album too.
Love your review. Besides the length are there more recent Stones instead of putting them down which a lot of people are doing you talk them up. The only point I disagree with is live by the sword. I think it's a great song and once they start tearing into it it has a it's only Rock and roll. Bottom line for me is this new release is like a modern-day version of a classic Rolling Stones.
Thanks so much - you're not alone - alot of people seem to love Live By The Sword - I'll be playing Hackney Diamonds for a long time to come and I imagine I'll come around to Sword more. But the album is of such a high quality that hey one out of 12 that's just ok, is an incredible achievement. Yea this is a modern day classic. With the potential of an exciting new beginning for however long it can last.
Good review…the soft underbelly in the album is Mess it Up Live by the sword and Driving me to Hard. Mess it up I am getting into as it grows on you and sounds like something off Emotional Rescue. Live by the Sword grows on you too. You need to concentrate on the lyrics as they are great. Driving me to Hard is my least favorite as it opens with the Tumbling Dice chords and throws me off. I rate the album 4.5 their best since Tattoo You.
Love your rating - and I totally agree best since Tattoo You. Nice that you mentioned "Tumbling Dice with Driving Me Too Hard. I mentioned it too but haven't heard others. For me I love that groove - so "Stones". nice to hear again. Live By The Sword and Mess It Up are still my least favorite but I do like them. Mess It Up sticks in your head with it's infectious hook. Just seems a little manufactured and out of place on the album....to me. But I'm in the minority. But yea just talkiing about the song, I know hear it playing in my head, so that means its a successful track for sure.
Mess It Up sounds like a Modest Mouse song to me. It confused me the first time I heard it. But it’s not a bad track. I do wish they kept Mick a bit lower in the mix. When his voice is too up front it gives me Mick solo album vibes. His voice does sound good though. Overall I really like it. It’s been in my car since I picked it up on Friday at my local record shop right after work. 🤘 Love your idea about doing SSoH at the Grammys. It would actually get me to watch the Grammys.
Thanks so much. I don't know who Modest Mouse is...lol. But yea the song is a bit of a Mess, but I sort of like it...like a guilty pleasure - Under the right circumstance I can see it catch on and be a hit actually.
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow I’m a classic rock and blues guy all the way. My wife is a Modest Mouse fan. That’s how they showed up on my radar. Check out their songs Float On or Dashboard if you want to get an idea of their sound.
Gotta say, the band sounds so revitalized to me. I think it's Andrew Watt, who really did a masterful production job (and some songwriting), but the band sounds so alive and Steve Jordan has done a great job.
I felt that Get Close starts similarly to Slave as far as the drum goes so maybe Charlie would have played something like what Steve played. Great review, I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars😏
Thanks so much - I agree - solid 4 (maybe 4.5 out of 5) and in my book - that's really something. Excellent point about Slave - yea - that's got that kind of groove as well - well said. Thanks.
Actually got the cd and t-shirt from the British version of Walmart. The first rock release for ages they have stocked usually it's Adele etc. Got the LP on eBay. T-shirt £12.50 cd £12 LP £20. I own everything but my faves are the 70s releases. So I will go more to them. But good album.
Balls, orgasms, getting off, little t+a....... your sexiest review ever, Alan!!! You got me rockin and worked up!!! I am STILL waiting for my stuff!!! Distribution? What distribution? I do have some stuff that has been mailed but that Blu Ray remains in limbo. I will be excited to hear the album on my stereo. I love, love, love, the closing of the album. It's like the summation of a career. They end itright back where they started. All the way back to their namesake. I just wish you had liked the album more😂😝🤣
I agree with your review except that I like Live By the Sword, the only track in ages that includes both Watts and Wyman. The lyrics are crap but it has a great groove. Definitely a grover.
I'm thinking I'm in the minority as so many seem to love the track. I imagine it'll grow on me. Even Brand New Car grew on me - and i find a similar groove to it. The lyrics are crap, but I'm OK with that. Lyrics are typically amongst my least concern unless they're so bad they're distracting (like Streets Of Love). We'll see what happens. This album will have a long life for sure for me.
Yes. The first six tracks are pretty flawless. I can't pick holes out of any of them. They are absolutely brilliant. Unfortunately side 2 is not nearly so good. It's a shame that the weakest songs may just be the ones Charlie and Bill are on. Miss It Up is catchy, but irritatingly so - and especially the chorus, which I find a little too sweet and poppy. Live By The Sword has great attitude but wears it's welcome out because lyrically it isn't great. Both songs originate from before Andrew Watt came on board, and resemble how I would have predicted a little more how a new Stones album may sound. I kind of think they should have ditched the novelty of having Charlie on board (and Bill) and just gone with the strength of the songs. I think personally Andrew Watt has worked wonders, because the songs he worked on from scratch have real depth. Driving Me Too Hard is not a highlight, maybe, but more of a grower and charming in its own way. Keith's song may seem a little sketchy, but there is a sincerity as always with his vocals. Sweet Sounds Of Heaven is epic, but perhaps it's also the one song where I feel at times Jagger is trying a little too hard with his vocals at times. I actually think, though, overall the album is Jagger's least irritating performance vocally since he started over accentuating. I think his voice has been treated in places and I hear it for a moment on the fabulous Depending On You. Overall, though, the first side is easily superior to anything the Stones have done post Tattoo You. It is a little frustrating they could not have kept it up. I actually think the first half is nothing short of phenomenal.
Thanks so much for your fantastic insights. I think you summarized so well a lot of my feelings. As you know, I'm very "aware" of the later day Jagger affectations, singing too high in pitch and too high in the mix and over singing - I love your description "over accentuating". Fantastic. Andrew Watt has clearly done an incredible job of keeping that in check and in the production as a whole. There is definitely a sincerity to Keith's vocals - always is and I've no issue with Watt doing some vocal tweaking on the album - it's an album and that's part of a producer's job - he did a marvelous job. Side 1 is flawless an absolute classic side. For me, Mess it Up and Live By The Sword don't maintain that level on side 2 but that's still an amazing accomplishment. Just ironic that they're the Charlie (and Wyman) tracks. When they do the follow up album, lets see what else was leftover and discarded from those earlier sessions. But clearly so far, the vitality was on the new sessions and tracks.
I'm delighted that you enjoyed it so much Alan. My take on the album is not as positive. When I streamed it on Friday, my initial reaction was that it was in the good to very good category, probably 7.5 out of 10 and I changed my mind about buying it. I don't think I'd play it after the initial freshness has worn away. I don't think there's much wrong with it and for a band in its sixth decade, I think it's a remarkable achievement. If this is their last album, and the presence of the Muddy Waters cover suggests it is to me, then they are going out on a relative high. The problem is the exceptionally high standards they set in their prime. You know I've been recording album plays for the last few years and The Stones are currently my 9th most played artist or band. Those ranked between 6th and 14th are in a relatively tight group with the top five well clear of the rest. In terms of individual albums, The Stones are ranked 70th (The Brussels Affair), 78th, 88th and 105th (Sticky Fingers, Let It Bleed and Exile), separated by only 2 plays. After those classics, my plays are much less regular and you've got to step out of my top 500 to find my next Stones studio album. I see that it's common in reviews to say that it's the best Stones album since Tattoo You and some go back to Some Girls. The thing is, I've never seen the need to buy Tattoo You and Some Girls is currently in 608th place on my list.
I so love your analysis and database numbers. You take it to another level and it's very cool. I don't ever join a bandwagon but I would also say it's their best album since Tattoo You. Um...based on your plays if you don't really like Some Girls or Tattoo You, than this album may not grab you. My review, actually, is on the quality of the album, not their age and miraculous achievement. I think the quality of this album really is exceptional. I still think it's worth buying. I loved it (well almost all of it) immediately - even on the first listen. I think it will have long legs on my playlist for sure. Perhaps give it another shot, but I respect your musical knowledge and expertise and databasing. It's amazing.
And interesting when you think that Some Girls was recorded entirely in Paris, even though the album was all about New York! (And interesting how brassy and bombastic Tattoo You was, in comparison to a lot of the other LP's....for me anyway). Another point is that whilst everybody came round to Exile in the end, it took a while and they certainly didn't to begin with. So in that sense it (Exile) is the opposite of an album like Sticky Fingers, which grabs you by the crotch right from the get-go and doesn't let up until Moonlight Mile eventually disappears into the distance. Millions will disagree however, and say that that is exactly what Exile does too, and with a vengeance, so who am I to say?@@TheAlanRosenbergShow
Exile was not that well reviewed in it's time and I have the reviews to prove it. And its understandable when you think about it. For it's time, it was long and sprawling and fairly uncommercial. Singles were also important in that day and coming off Jumping jack Flash, Honky Tonk Women and Brown Sugar, Tumbling Dice at the time wasn't immediate. Very much like Exile. Of course Exile is my 2nd favorite Stones album behind Sticky and is an extraordinary album but if you pick apart lone songs - it can be very strange. It's a journey from beginning to end. - long way from Hackney Diamonds though.... Thanks@@bernardjennings3549
(Consciously, I do not intend this to be mean, but it's funny to me.) Imagine in the future, when the Stones are all on stage in electric wheelchairs. Mick could still dance, by doing all kinds of spins in his chair. Maybe he could do wheelies. 🥲 This next idea, seems to me to be, brilliant! 🥲 They take their old song recordings, and remove Mick's vocal tracks on them. He records new vocals, with new lyrics and a new title for each. Then, they put the songs together, and release new albums. They could keep this going until they are all at least 90. Do you think anyone would suspect what they were/are/would be, doing?!! 😅 😂 🤣
They should have saved "Steel Wheels" for that tour then. I imagine Mick can write new lyrics and sing over unreleased bootleg and studio tracks for a long time to come. Though what makes Hackney sound so alive is that it was all new. And that's exciting.
Like lambs,,,we all must get hyped up over an lp that is average at best..i love the stones and always will be..only 2 members left from when they were the best
I'm glad you like the Stones. That's good. You're entitled to not like the album or any post Brian Jones. But I will say, I'm no Lamb - not even close. I've yet to read or hear another review of the album. I keep an open mind and my opinion is literally only my opinion. I won't follow a crowd / but I also won't just be a contrarian for the sake of it. I was actually quite nervous about the album but was thrilled with Angry and Sweet Sounds. For me, obviously, not only the album didn't disappoint, but exceeded any hope I had. We will have to see what the future bears, but I'm now eating humble pie and am openly looking forward to seeing what plays out. By the way, my favorite Stones period is the Mick Taylor years.
Well after listening to it off and on for a couple weeks, after it first came out, I’d have to say I’ll probably never listen to it again. There really is no go too track on here. Usually they have a couple tracks on there albums that draw me back to listening , not this one. Jagger’s voice and lyrics miss for me. I’m tired of the list songs Jagger does. “ Live by the Sword” is a list song. Just kinda uninspired. I think they really missed an opportunity to speak for a generation that is still influential. They really are in a area that has never been explored by older artists. There amazing, yet bringing on people like Elton John , Lady Gaga and Paul McCartney really missed the mark. Giving an opportunity to a unknown singer would have really boosted “ sweet sounds”. I don’t think Gaga ever really preformed that with them on tour. Yea, I don’t think this will age well.
Disappointing that the album hasn't held up for you. For me it has. To me Elton John doesn't really exist on the album, it's such a minor part, could be anyone. I think GaGa (and I've never been a fan of hers) is terrific on Sweet Sounds - a tremendous performance of a song, and different for the Stones. I think McCartney cooks on Bite - sounds like a live jam and totally works for me. There's only two songs that don't really make it for me and that is Live By The Sword and Mess It Up. Oh well.
I love solo jagger - I'm a big fan. But gotta say - I really didn't care for that song and not upset that its not available on physical media. On the other hand I love Bite My Head Off. But I guess they're both "blazing rockers"....well at least Bite My Head Off is. McCartney is awesome on it.
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow yea I'm not big fan of that tune either..but yes micks wandering spirit solo album was great,and the other night at the hackney club NYC,they played whole wide world,angry and sweet sounds with gaga
Sounds like the producer assimilated like rundgrens did with xtc.bfor the money you spent on these you could be gotten bill bruford. One of a kind . John McLaughlin trio live at royal festival hall Christopher cross walking in Avalon pixies timeless stars. Black label society mafia and shot to hell. Phil keaggy the song within. Mystic moods orchestra plays night tide. I did. Liking what I'm hearing. This wattstones not stones. Was not was was bad enough. . You're really hard selling this but I agree with the commenter who bought goats head box for Brussels 1973
Sorry Spence that you feel like I'm hard selling it. Gotta say , after many many listens, I'm absolutely positively loving Hackney Diamonds. I think it's a fantastic tremendous achievement. I'm sure the ones you mentioned are really good - but no - I'm loving this Stones release.
It’s certainty a very modern sounding Stones album. Definitely some auto tuning, echo and occasional effects but Jaggers voice is pretty amazing throughout. Funny in general, Except especially the first verse of Angry, I’m happy with the vocal level as compared to Bigger Bang for instance.
Stones album covers have been a mystery to me. I haven't really liked any of them, since Undercover, though most people hate that one as well. But I do like this cover more than any others since Undercover. It's not great, but a slight improvement, very different for the Stones, perhaps signifying a new beginning...but maybe not. Thanks.
The Some Girls cover didn't work for me particularly, though I preferred the one with the more subdued colours. Then again, I was always a big fan of the 'Emotional Rescue' cover, although I know a lot of people weren't. And I always liked 'Made in the Shade's cover too. Not necessarily for everyone though, I suppose. Goes without saying that 'Sticky Fingers' must be one of the greatest album covers of all time...... And I'm sure they could have put out something more interesting in early/mid '75 than this greatest hits package. The band claimed that 'Brussels' would have been unreleasable at the time because of Decca/Klein issues, but there was more than enough post-71 live stuff for a decent album in '75, surely? (I know that had been the original plan in '74, to make IOR&R a double; half-live/half-studio). One day Alan you must do a show about your obscure Stones boots, maybe in several chronological parts, who knows?@@TheAlanRosenbergShow
@@bernardjennings3549 thanks again for your great suggestion. It’s funny when some girls came out. I thought it was a really really weird cover as well. I didn’t really like it. Of course it’s grown on me overtime and now it’s a bit of a classic emotional rescue is also a really strange cover. I still have the original poster cover virtually untouched. But that whole thermography Concept didn’t really grab me. Yeah to be honest and I always am stones. Album covers are very mixed bag.
Well, it's not that bad, man. The Stones has worse covers albums: Undercover for example, but to me their best and artistic one is the one of Stick Fingers.
Yea no doubt their best cover is Sticky Fingers - totally iconic and totally says "The Stones" in attitude. Funny I really like the cover of Undercover, though I think I'm in the minority with that opinion..lol@@luizoswaldoabreu2752
Lol - I love it - Mess It up is a bloody mess...lol. It's so damn catchy, but yea - I should've used that...it is a bloody mess - damn that's great. it doesn't fit the album because it's sounds like a Frankenstein mashed together track...I imagine Live By The Sword will grow on me. I eventually liked Brand New Car as well. Thanks.
But @TheAlanRosenbergShow, Miss You didn’t fit previous recordings either, and this dancy tune is as you say, “Very catchy.” It’s a hit in my book. But matters of taste aren’t really much worth arguing over. I’m just glad we’re all able to enjoy the new music these chaps delivered.
I don't own any Miley Cyrus albums, but if her songs and band are this good, soulful, well rounded and clearly play together live in the studio in an organic way, then she's damn good.
Mick and Matt?? To me, seems like Andrew Watt and Mick. There's so much vitality in the album, the songs are great, production is outstanding. Sounds like a totally new life for the band. The album sounds big - big guitars, bass, and drums and Mick's vocals are fantastic. It's a tremendous accomplishment.
@@TheAlanRosenbergShowI ordered the new stones cd hackney diamonds I ordered it on eBay I haven’t even received it yet it’s coming out from England from a record store in England I don’t even know if it left the record store can I go to a record store or target and buy another copy
That's what I wound up doing. My deluxe Stones purchase still hasn't left where it's coming from and the original Amazon purchase hasn't shown up - so I went to local store and purchased it...didn't want to wait anymore - very frustrating with the distribution.@@mikebarooshian7255
@@TheAlanRosenbergShowI went down to target and they didn’t even have it for sale and the people that were working there they didn’t even know anything about it how could they not know it’s the stones and I even went down to my locale record store and they told me it hasn’t even been released yet and I keeped telling them it has been released and they claim it hasn’t been released yet and I said that’s imposible I ordered mine on eBay and like I said it hasn’t even been shipped yet it didn’t even leave the warehouse all this time no one knows anything
I was listening to their 60's & 70's stuff in anticipation of the new album. BIG mistake! All it did was make me realize how vastly inferior it is & how threre are zero songs I like.@@TheAlanRosenbergShow
@@Jay_Tee2023 I don’t know what to say. Of course I love those albums. The 70s are my favorite for sure but I’m loving this album. But I liked SW, VL, BTB, ABB. Maybe over time.you’ll warm up.
Ouch. Far what it’s worth I have a know intimately over 5000 physical albums. Seen every Stones Tour since 1975. And have written about rock music for decades in s very small way. Perhaps give some of my videos a shot. I’m the real deal.
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow ..'the real deal' eh...Ive heard that before! Why would you bother to add yourself to the hundreds of other 'real deals' on RU-vid who offer to bore us with yet another 'review' of this album that once heard needs no reviews.
@@harveythompson1756 jeez. I’ve been doing this 3 years and have done almost 300 videos. But that’s ok. I don’t need to try to impress you anymore. Good luck to you.
Thanks so much. Ya know I really appreciate that. You may not know it, but I do no scripting, everything is shot in one take with no editing as all my videos are about my honest love and passion and knowledge of the music. I actually have no idea what I say until it comes out. Not easy to do. I had no idea I said Awesome so many times, and you're right, that can be so annoying. Like when Jagger sings Awfull in Streets of Love...lol. Seriously, thank you for the constructive criticism. I will make a mental note for the future. Thanks.
Hackney Diamonds, I would say is the first good “modern Stones” album. Ranks right up with their pre-1989 stuff, although stylistically different and more modern sounding. To me 1989-2005 might as well not exist, it’s just mostly garbage and an excuse to tour.
Not quite sure I agree with all of that, but yes, Steel Wheels does sound rather brittle and dated now, like so much else from the '80's. And okay, Voodoo Lounge could have done with the omission of two or three songs perhaps, but it was a pretty impressive achievement nonetheless. Likewise, Bridges to Babylon - in my book anyway - was a very decent and substantial album too. But A Bigger Bang seems very thin now, with the exception of five or so songs; perhaps I'm being unfair....
Thanks. I've said it many times - the post ''89 albums are too long and honestly too much Keith vocal songs - they lost some symmetry. But if you take the best 45 minutes of Voodoo, Bridges and Bang - they're pretty great - they really are. Hackney is better for sure though.
To me, it’s not just about choosing songs on those albums. It’s just they sound different, like their whole approach to songwriting changed after their falling out. Even the outtakes, stuff between 1966-1986 is gorgeous and 1989 is like a strict cut off point for me. Steel Wheels onwards they just have a corporate, plastic feel to them. Even Dirty Work in my mind is better than those albums because they sound natural and sound like themselves. Hackney is still not classic Stones sounding, the songs too pop-driven, but it’s still a nice pop-rock record, if you can call it that.
