The Rolling Stones have released many live recordings throughout the years and none of them have ever been 'bad' but the problem has been that, other than YA YA'S, they haven't been 'great'. They range from being merely 'good' to 'very good' and never quite live up to the reality of actually being there. The large stadium atmosphere just never translated to CD very well. Before you say "OH NO, NOT ANOTHER LIVE ALBUM FROM THE STONES", it is important to note that 'Shine a Light' really seems to benefit from playing the smaller and much more intimate venue at the Beacon in NYC. The performances are tighter as the band was able to concentrate more on the construction of the songs as opposed to playing the crowd in those (too) large venues. It almost feels as if the band went back and listened to what originally made these songs so good to begin with and took it from there. This is definitely their best live recording, next to YA YA'S!!

The disc has a good combination of the old warhorses (Jumping Jack Flash, Start Me Up, Sympathy..etc) and some not-so-often-performed songs (As Tears Go By, She Was Hot, Connection) and all of them catch the band playing at a latter day peak. The Stones still enjoy what they do and it is evident in this performance. The guest performances include Jack White on "Loving Cup" and he does a great job. However, the Buddy Guy appearance on "Champagne and Reefer" is pure blues heaven and Christina Aguilera actually rocks out on "Live With Me".

The one disappointment I did have was Keith's solo on "Sympathy" just wasn't up to snuff. I never considered him to be a great soloist anyway (his gift is rhythm) but he sounded as if he didn't know where he wanted to go with it. Other than that his playing is nothing but inspired. He lights up "JJF" with some vintage riffing and trades off solos beautifully with Wood on "She Was Hot". Keith's "Connection" and especially "You Got the Silver" are off key but heartfelt and doesn't rob them of their value.

Charlie is exceptional as usual and no, Jagger isn't going to be nailing every note like when he was 25 but he and the entire band sounds as confident as ever. The old fire has been replaced by a certain maturity as these guys continue to bring rock and roll to places it has never seen. Like Keith Richards said in an interview, "It's not our job to compete on top 40 radio. We've been there and done that and taught them how to do it. Our job is to see where we can take this thing so if those other bands behind us are lucky enough to get this far, they will know where to go." Yes, the Stones get ragged on too often about their age but let's remember, they won't always be here so, for me, I'm glad they are still around. Of course there will come a day when they will no longer be able to put on a show but, judging from this performance, that day is not here yet.

This single disc version eliminates the 4 bonus tracks ("Paint it Black", "Little T&A", "I'm Free", and "Shine a Light") as well as 3 other songs from the concert including "Shattered", Tumbling Dice", and "Satisfaction". If you have the few extra bucks go for the two disc set as these are some of their best performances. As of this writing there is only a dollar difference on Amazon.

Keith sings and you can understand him. Some different live songs, and Jack White sings on Loving Cup. If you are a middle aged rock fan, try White Stripes if you want to feel like you're still in touch with something from this century, although I later heard it in the Safeway supermarket. Anyway, Keith sings Connection, and Christine Agguilerra sings on Live with Me. The standards, Jumpin Jack Flash, Brown Sugar, but well worth the ride. I'm singing along on the beltway with it!

the rolling stones still have it! cant wait until the documentary comes to the states

Excellent Rolling Stones USB product especially if you are a fan and seen the film 'Shine A light'.

If you are a Stones fan, you HAVE to own this. I bought the DVD of the movie and the CD of the sound track. None better. That's my story and I am sticking to it.