The Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Box Set – ABKCO Records 8578-1 [180-gram double vinyl (stereo and mono); 2 Hybrid SACDs (stereo and mono), 7” mono single vinyl with 80-page hardbound book] ****1/2:
(Mick Jagger – harmonica, vocals; Keith Richards – guitars, slide guitar, bass, vocals; Bill Wyman – bass, autoharp, vibes; Charlie Watts – drums; Mick Taylor – guitars, slide guitar; Ry Cooder – mandolin; Nicky Hopkins – piano, organ; Ian Stewart – piano; Bobby Keys – tenor saxophone; Merry Clayton – vocals; Jimmy Miller – percussion; Al Kooper – piano, organ, French horn; Madeleine Bell/Doris Troy/Nanette Newman – vocals; and The London Bach Choir)
As the Sixties drew to a close, The Rolling Stones were at a crossroads. Following the lukewarm reception to Their Satanic Majesties Request, the group recovered with Beggars Banquet. Relentless touring elevated their rock status, creating space between themselves and The Beatles. But in the summer of 1969, tragedy at Altamont put the future in significant jeopardy. The diminished role of co-founder Brian Jones (who actually named the band ) added more uncertainty to what would prevail as the World’s Greatest Rock And Roll Band. While Mick Taylor eventually replaced Jones (who died later that year), he appeared on just two tracks. Keith Richards would have to provide both lead and rhythm guitar parts. But after a tedious year of recording, Let It Bleed was released in December. It became a rock classic and propelled the group to unprecedented fame. While not renown for chart-topping singles, trademark Stones songs like “Gimme Shelter”, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, and “Midnight Rambler” made the album a huge success. A subsequent tour made the album material part of the inimitable legacy.
ABKCO Records has released a definitive box set of this momentous recording milestone. Let It Bleed 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Box Set is stunningly lavish with multiple formats of the nine-song album. There are two hybrid SACDs (mono and stereo), two 180-gram vinyl discs (also mono and stereo), and a mono 7 “ double A single (“Honky Tonk Woman”/”You Can’t Always Get What You Want”). Also included is a remarkable 80-page hardcover book that has commentary from David Fricke and previously unseen photographs by Ethan Russell. Rounding out the box are replica lithographs and a huge poster. Of course front and center is the music. Both formats (vinyl and SACD) are vibrant and pack a sonic wallop thanks to Grammy-winning engineer Bob Ludwig. As the menacing guitar intro to “Gimme Shelter” intones, it is apparent that The Stones are continuing to embrace their bluesy roots in a topical context (not unlike “Sympathy For The Devil” from Beggars Banquet). Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman drive the urgency, Mick Jagger explores a visceral, menacing reality. Merry Clayton’s soaring gospel vocals embrace the innate power of this composition. Producer Jimmy Miller and engineer Glyn Johns capture the raw aesthetics. Switching to “down and dirty” blues, “Love In Vain” exudes a “Delta” vibe with an assist on mandolin by Ry Cooder. Jagger’s unusual elocution is ear-catching. “Country Honk” is exactly that and introduces the newest member Mick Taylor on slide and a nimble violin by Byron Berline. Recording in studio with The Stones was always a special gig for those who could get that opportunity. On “Live With Me”, Leon Russell cuts loose on piano (in addition to Nicky Hopkins) and arranges horns (longtime contributor Bobby Keys) in a hard-rocking number. Funky and country laid-back, the title track is a veritable groove fest with references to “steel guitar engagement’ and dubious recreation. Another regular collaborator, Ian Stewart is featured on piano. Jagger’s evocative vocals and Richard’s guitar precision are quintessential.
One of the greatest live numbers in this band’s repertoire is “Midnight Rambler”. Stripped down to vocals, harp, guitars, bass and drum, it is the epitome of blues rock. Richards orchestrates momentous tempo shifts and Jagger’s slow-burning intensity is exemplary. Keith gets a lead vocal (he shared the lead once on “Salt Of The Earth”) on “You Got The Silver” His reedy voice, slide and lead guitars build to a forceful, gritty chorus. Classic Jagger vocals and Richards’ compelling guitars energize the nasty rock jam on “Monkey Man”. Veteran pianist (and frequent Stones sideman) Nicky Hopkins offers a glowing solo interlude before the inevitable explosive coda. Only a track like “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” would be a suitable finale to an album of this caliber. With an amazing intermingling of folk, rock and gospel, the talents of Al Kooper (piano, French horn and piano) bring sophisticated elements of arrangement to the session. The spine-tingling vocal chorus by The London Bach Choir (arranged by Jack Nitzsche) is unforgettable.
Let It Be 50th Anniversary Limited Box Set is a captivating aural overview of a trend-setting rock album. The listener is treated to both stereo and mono versions of re-mastered analog and digital output. All of the informational notes, memorabilia and art work (including the phonograph cake) make this a must for any collector.
TrackList-Vinyl (stereo & mono):
Side One:
Gimme Shelter
Love In Vain
Country Honk
Live With Me
Let It Bleed
Side Two:
Midnight Rambler
You Got The Silver
Monkey Man
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
TrackList-SACD Hybrid (stereo & mono):
Gimme Shelter
Love In Vain
Country Honk
Live With Me
Let It Bleed
Midnight Rambler
You Got The Silver
Monkey Man
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
7” vinyl single (mono):
Honky Tonk Woman
You Cam’t Always Get What You Want
—Robbie Gerson
