The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main St. (33 1/3)

If ever there were a doctoral degree awarded in the category of musical appreciation, Bill Janovitz would have his Ph.D. in The Rolling Stones.This book is an in-depth look at the landmark Stones album Exile on Main Street, song-by-song in order. That's the gist of it, to be sure. However, each song's review, as it were, is a mini-thesis on not just the music, lyrics, and players involved, but also a highly engaging yet thorough exploration of it's very DNA. With this contribution to the 33 1/3 series, Janovitz does what so few, myself included despite numerous attempts, could not; he not only preaches to the converted about this desert island number one choice, but he tells us exactly and precisely why we feel the way we do. The author manages to put words to the ethereal. He describes the heretofore indescribable pleasure of the band's music, and this work of art in particular, in such a way that you simply surrender to the prose and bathe in the exactitude of his analysis.If you are a fan of The Rolling Stones, this book will be highly enjoyable. If you view Exile on Main Street as the greatest rock album ever by the greatest rock and roll band in the world, this book is your Bible.

Just finished Janovitz's Exile book and I was really impressed with his style. He provides a detailed account of the characters, setting and circumstances surrounding the recording of "Exile on Main Street". I collect books on the Stones and this easily goes into my top three due to the details of why Exile was such a breakthrough for the Stones as artists. I loved the fact that Janovitz breaks down the tracking on Exile song by song. He provides a lot of insight of the sounds and meanings behind every song. I know this record by heart but he knocked it out of the park pointing out things I hadn't considered before such as the importance of Jimmy Miller's percussion influence or Nicky Hopkin's contribution vs. Ian Stewart's on Exile.I LOVED it. I give it 5 stars!

The problem with writing about "Exile" is that it's such a rich and storied period in the Stones' career that writers often down know where to start, or what tone to take once they get going.There's more than enough music to focus on, but there's also a boatload of drug-related illicitness that could be dealt with.Janovitz (who plays in the band Buffalo Tom and writes extensively for AMG) covers the music with a musician's expertise without getting boring, and he brings to the table the genuine enthusiasm of a Stones fan.He writes about what the album meant to him -- and, if you're a huge fan of the record, you'll probably be able to relate to his brief tales of youth. But then he digs into the work with the enthusiasm of a musician who's breaking down songs he loves: Did Keith play electric piano on that song? Or is it Nicky Hopkins? How has the group's approach to gospel evolved in relation to earlier attempts? Who are the background vocalists on a particular song? Discuss the unusual mixing and the circumstances under which the recording was made.Another reviewer said there's too much Janovitz here, which I don't really understand because while he has asides and a distinct, conversational voice to his writing, I think it makes this book go down a lot easier than, say, Robert Greenfield's recent hipper-than-thou present-tense misfire, "A Season in Hell with the Rolling Stones."Plus, it's cheaper and cool and hip-pocket sized without being too small. Although I do think it may be too short.

Brilliant book : tells us some much . EOMS will never be the same after reading this awesome book .

Well written and everything you could ask for as a music nerd. I might be biased since it's my favorite Stones record.

Fascinating read. Much has been made of the making of this album and the story behind it. Still, this book adds several tidbits and is worth the read. Becoming a big fan of the 331/3 series.

Not that interesting. I know a lot happened during the sessions, and this series feels like a cliff notes-style money grab.

No problems!

Bien reçu faut que je me remette à l'anglais!!!

I have been listening to this album all of my adult life, on cassette, on CD in my car and now on ITunes as i recover from an operation.Bill was born within a year of me, my generation, and he has been listening to Exile for as long as I have.With the ITunes version, there is only the songs, no album liner notes, no photos, nothing to handle.Bill’s book is the perfect companion to the digital age iteration of Exile, read and listen. Whether this album is your old friend or you are on your first date with it, Bill’s erudite and compassionate commentary will expose layers you may have missed, or may miss.Well worth the coin.

This is a must read for anybody interested in the stones and in particular the exile period at Nellcote. Although i've listened to this album for the past 20 years I learned something about every single track. It was great to share the writer's enthusiasm for the music. Sheer indulgence for any stones fan. A treat to be savoured.

Fantastic book and explains so much about each song.The author's knowledge and love for this classic album shine through.

Very good, very interesting