Prodigal Sons

Another of these semi-official (bootleg) releases. This documents two now legendary US tours by the Rolling Stones.1969 is the year live rock music moved completely out of the 'Beatlemania' era and into modern PA set-ups in which the band could be heard clearly, even above any remaining screamers. Disc one here is from the fourth night of The Stones socially defining 1969 US tour in San Diego. Brian Jones is dead, Mick Taylor is onboard as his replacement and the Stones are in the middle of an artistic era that has defined them right up to the present day. As anyone who has heard any material from the Stones 1969 vintage will testify, live they were considerably looser and funkier than they were on record, without losing any of the strutting arrogance that set them apart from virtually every other band on the planet (The Who and Zeppelin possibly excepted). Disc one here contains the full 16 song set from San Diego, 10th Nov '69. The Stones displaying the effortless ease with which they generate their funk 'n' roll power across their new set largely drawn from their 68/69 output. The sound quality (as a 55 year old 'bootleg') is a touch ropey. Richards & Taylor's guitars are well to the front of the mix alongside Jagger's vocals, but Wyman & Watts (bass & drums) are very low down and at times virtually inaudible which gives a somewhat unbalanced feel to proceedings. As a document to rock 'n' roll history it is invaluable, one of, arguably the, greatest band in rock history approaching the peak of their powers changing music and rock culture for ever, it was never the same (or as innocent) after December '69. The quality of the recording, however, means it falls well short of five stars as a listening experience.Disc two comes from New York 1972 on Jagger's 29th Birthday, the culmination of a US tour which was a celebration of 1970s hedonism as much as it was about the music. Relentlessly documented ever since it happened, the tour has given birth to a number of Stones mythology. Now generally regarded as the closing chapter of the 'golden age' 1972 still found them as the undoubted 'greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world' without challengers. Disc two here is only 45 minutes in total, not even half the gig, eight songs highlighting the set. Straight ahead rockers and raucous acoustic numbers give a flavour of the time in their storied career, which is like no other. A better mix than disc one (you can hear Charlie on this one) but its brevity leaves you wanting to hear the rest of the gig. Note this disc has been available previously as a stand alone cd.Ultimately, it's the Stones at their peak ripping up America. The sound quality may not be A-grade but the music on show here is some of the greatest seen and heard on a live stage in the past sixty years. If you truly love the Stones, this needs to be in your collection, a unique band, the like of which we will never ever see again in any of our lifetimes. Never mind the (sonic) width, feel the quality as they used to say!!!

This review is for the 1969 gig. Have the 72 show for many years. Its was a bootleg called 'Welcome to New York' and there are better gigs from 72 out there like Philedelphia. Great though to have a complete 69 show. There are a few edits between numbers but the sound quality is good and the performance is great. Fascinating historical document. Recommended.

Another grey area release. This does seem to be from two radio broadcasts from quality of recording. Disc 2 is rather short with only 8 tracks, shame they couldn't find the full recording. Starting with Jumping Jack Flash through to Street Fighting Man at the end The Stones rock out. A good release to add to your live collection. Would recommend.