The Rolling Stones

The Stones non-musical image has changed; 'The dirty unwashed enemies of public society' now arrive via the same pages of Australian Women's Weekly as news of Princess Caroline nuptials.

Black and Blue was rum and coke music, very much a West coast sound and on the trend it seemed quite possible that their next record would be even more mushy. The further west you go in the US the closer to the Bee Gees noise you become. But despite the transistors renditions of 'Miss You' which doesn't do justice to the depth of sound this album is not really Maid back'. Jagger may look cute and charming on Radio with Pictures as he grins through 'Far Away Eyes' but the other tracks are less witty and sung with snarl reminiscent of the 'Let it Bleed' period.

If you enjoy the Stones, this record is very much their stuff (the future of rock and roll of ′64). They can still produce that sound and here it is again all tastefully wrapped in a clever sleeve; hours of guessing as to the selection of felt pen coloured faces.

The Rolling Stones music no longer has a uniform identity. After the last three albums only the most cliche addicted would instantly classify them rhythm and blues. Their sound is complex and for the uninitiate some listening may be required before any affinity is felt, but if you don't know their music this is as good as any to buy.

For the initiate who may be wondering if 'Some Girls' is worth the cost, our opinion is that it is. 'Miss You' isn't at its best on the radio — the Stones produce a layer of sound on sound to a much greater depth than most; on the radio the surface may be catchy but when we first heard it on that medium the horrible thought was that Disco had attracted yet another big name, (Another big name had contracted disco). But although the tune isn't the best on the album, ('Some Girls' got the vote) it is better than expected.

As with all Stones albums, the range of tracks is considerable (the other reason, to unpredictability of general concept, that they are so difficult to classify simply). 'Some Girls' is Rhythm and Bluesy; When the Whip Comes Down' more rocky, and 'Far Away Eyes' countryish.

Broadly the tracks separate into two styles: the atavistic numbers — 'Respectable', 'Shattered', 'When The Whip Comes Down' and 'Lies'. Vocals, strong on vigorous backing, in particular these tracks are notable for a fast energy (the Sex Pistols of the 60s, remember?) But not even amidst these four is there consistency of quality — after the theme line has been repeated 30 times in 4 minutes, even the most avid waits for some relief in the next example.

Most albums contain some fill — those forgotten tracks which when played occasionally on the radio, force us to try and recall which collection they came with —such a track is 'When the Whip...'. 'Far Away Eyes' continues the country trend, but is a little more tongue-in-cheek than, for example, 'Country Honk' on 'Let it Bleed'.

The other flavour is the modern Stones 'Beast of Burden' and 'Imagination' would fit on Black and Blue, but 'Before They Make Me Run' and 'Some Girls', although in this vein, have continued a real strength of vocals and density of instrumental to suggest that the Stones are moving on and not losing anything by the change. Chuck Berry has shown that adaptation isn't necessary for survival in the music biz, and Led Zeppelin have proved that quality isn't either, but the Stones are slowly evolving — we can't yet tell where — without becoming decadent and excessive.

This year has seen excellent albums abound, whatever your taste. This record can be seen in excellent contrast to the hideous tracks on the radio, so dominated by Disco Fever; also this record can rumble pleasantly in the background or add a little energy to a loud party - two uses for the price of one.

The Stones don't really stand as innovative, their roots are indistinct now, and the other groups of their epoch are gone or very altered, it makes them difficult to compare and difficult to even place in a context. If you don't like the Stones this record won't affect you but its content is very much of the type - heavy voiced Jagger and thick strong back-up. Thank heaven there are no symbols of comfortable wealthy indulgence, such as 15 minute drum solos.