Rolling Stones
Live Licks

They might be pathetic, they might get on many people's nerves by now, but in my opinion, the Rolling Stones are to be admired. A large part of the public believes that they concluded their career in the late '80s. What followed is merely a way to stay on the scene and make some extra money. However, in my opinion, what follows (tours and albums) is a way to prove they haven't finished, that they still have something to say and above all, to not disappoint their fans by delivering performances of a good level (at least according to this album). I must also say that this is a subjective opinion, everyone can think what they want, all opinions are accepted.

After the decent "Bridges to Babylon," the group hasn't released any new material: the collection "Forty Licks" and this "Live Licks," recorded indeed after the collection. The original Stones remain four, as Wyman is no longer on bass, replaced by a certain Darryl Jones, who is not a permanent band member. The work includes recordings from concerts in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, spread over two CDs: the first contains only songs written by Jagger and Richards, while the second includes some of their most famous covers. I found it when I was looking for a Stones live album; I noticed several on the internet and magazines, but unfortunately, I didn't see any of the ones mentioned, so I settled for this one, though I was skeptical.

...Instead, when I put the first disc in the player, I had to change my mind; okay, it's nothing extraordinary, but it was very enjoyable. The first three songs are bursts of genuine rock, rhythmic, where you can let loose, three timeless classics, "Brown Sugar," very powerful, "Street Fighting Man," faster, and "Paint it Black," perhaps not perfect, but good nonetheless. With the fourth track, we find the album's peak, in my opinion, a beautiful version of "You Can't Always Get What You Want," with a charismatic and lively Jagger who pairs up with that devilish Keith, here in great shape. We go back to dancing with the classics "Start Me Up" and "It's Only Rock 'n Roll," the latter a bit subdued, but passable. The ballad "Angie" is exceptional, and in "Honky Tonk Woman," we find the female presence of Sheryl Crow. To close the first CD well, there are "Happy" and "Gimme Shelter," accompanied by the classic and always exciting "Satisfaction."

The second disc opens like the first, with three classic stone tracks: "Neighbours," "Monkey Man," and "Rocks Off." In "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," we find a nice section of improvisation, where we hear a blend of guitars and wind instruments. The two cover-ballads "That's How Strong My Love Is" and "The Nearness of You" create great pathos between the band and the audience. Bringing us back to earth are the energetic "Beast of Burden" and "When the Whip Comes Down." The cover "Rock Me Baby," written by B.B. King, is nice. Good performances also in "You Don't Have to Mean It" and "Worried About You." Closing it all, we find an excellent version of "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," with a cameo by Solomon Burke.

Certainly a live album to be re-evaluated, because even though it can't compete with the great live records of the past, I find it better than "Love You Live" or "Still Life." One noteworthy thing is how Jagger still has a good voice after so many years. To conclude, it's nothing exceptional, but it shows us how these dinosaurs are still capable of delivering great emotions to their audience. Three and a half stars as a rating, because the group has done better and to be fair to certain masterpieces...