The Rolling Stones seem to have recorded a score of live albums over time, some of which are terrific to listen to (think "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" or the intriguing "Four Flicks") and others of which are merely adequate. This, the sound track from Martin Scorsese's concert film, "Shine a Light," is in the former category. It is hard to believe that the Stones are in their 60s. This CD shows them with great energy, although time's effects are apparent as, for instance, in hearing how limited Mick Jagger's vocal range has become. Nonetheless, this is a great amount of fun to listen to! 22 cuts (some not in the documentary, but added later on).

It begins with one of the great rock and roll riffs of all time, in "Jumping Jack Flash." And then it hits you--this song was a hit 40 years ago. How can guys as old as the Stones are still make this work? A great start to the CD. "Shattered" follows quickly. Again, the thought. This is a 30 year old song--and still performed with gusto and spirit.

On the first CD is a little treasure. Buddy Guy, legendary bluesman, joins the band in a Muddy Waters' song, "Champagne and Reefer." The first couple lines give one a sense of the song:

"Bring me champagne when I'm thirsty,

Bring me reefer when I want to get high."

Guy adds his great blues voice and some smoking guitar work. Jagger and Guy alternate singing the lines, and Guy's blues singing is a wonder to listen to. When all the guitars are playing, one almost gets a sense of a wall of sound from those guitars--with Charlie Watts' steady drumming providing a rock solid rhythm foundation.

The second CD provides some more rich music. This side begins with the creepy "Sympathy for the Devil," again well played and sung. A couple songs later, "Start Me Up." Another wall of guitar sound from Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards, underlain by the rhythm section, Watts and Darryl Jones. Watts' drumming is primal and creates a powerful base for vocals and guitars. The chunky guitar work of Wood and Richards is compelling. Then, "Brown Sugar." This was a hit well over 30 years ago, but it still has life as played by the band and its "friends," such as Bobby Keys. The audience sing along toward the end provides a sense of spontaneity. A classic Rolling Stones' moment. Then, the third in the trio of songs in this section of the concert--"Satisfaction." As soon as one hears the fuzz tone, the toes start tapping. Jagger's voice is not as agile as it used to be, but he nonetheless puts some life into this over 40 year old song.

Some rarities show up in this concert, songs not often played by the Stones on their tours over the past couple decades, such as "Shine a Light," "You Got the Silver," and "Loving Cup." And one song worth mentioning, since it is another golden oldie--"I'm Free." This goes back to the early days of the Rolling Stones (originally released in 1965). A terrific blues rock song.

"I'm free to sing my song,

Even though it's out of time."

Anyhow, one of their finest live recordings. Age has had some impact. Jagger's voice isn't as agile as it used to be. But, nonetheless, this works and works well as a concert CD.

What other band on the planet could do what the Stones do with Muddy Waters' Champagne & Reefer? This is one of the hottest blues rocks this band has covered in a long time.

Plus the best Stones albums (Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile, Some Girls, & Tattoo You) are well represented. This is the kind of set you want to hear.

Must listens/Favorites: Lovin' Cup, Champagne & Reefer, Faraway Eyes, Just My Imagination, Tumbling Dice, Live With Me (ok Aguilera overdoes it but I think we would be disappointed if she didn't). And Keith's You Got the Silver, Connection and Little T & A.

The critics have been pronouncing this band dead since the early 70's; but these same critics have, on occasion, been silenced by a stunning performance on an inspired night. This is one of those nights and one of those performances.

Mick's southern twang on Faraway Eyes and Keith's soulful strumming on Just My Imagination are enough to make even a music critic smile.

Yes, you are reading this right.

While most Rolling Stones may consider it blasphemous to name anything other than 1969's classic "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" as the band's definitive concert recording, this hardcore fan of TGR&RBITW honestly believes that they have outdone themselves nearly 40 years later with the soundtrack to their magnificent Martin Scorsese directed rockumentary, "Shine A Light."

This 2 disc set captures the band at the height of their powers and proves that after 40 years, they still are better than any other band currently going. Mick, Keith Ronnie & Charlie (as well as their ace team of supporting musicians) sound tight, energized and youthful (not bad considering they're all over 60), and the setlist reflects their unbeatable musical legacy.

The old warhorses ("Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Tumbling Dice," "Sympathy For The Devil," "Start Me Up," "Brown Sugar," "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,") are all present, and while they've been done before, the versions done here make them sound new again, as The Rolling Stones put an extra amount of raw, unbridled passion that has defined their music for 46 years into these performances. In fact, the version of "Satisfaction" is the best version of the song I've ever heard.

But the real highlight is the rare performances that for the most part make up the majority of the set. "Shattered," "She Was Hot," and "All Down The Line" sound fresh and furious while "Just My Imagination" and "Faraway Eyes" are soulful and invigorating. Keith's "You Got The Silver" from "Let It Bleed" makes it debut in a Stones show and is marvelous. Keith also tackles "Little T & A" and "Connection," both of which sizzle. Of the bonus numbers, which are all great and should've been in the finished film, the highlight is a magnifcent, emotional "Paint It Black," which sounds even better than it did in 1966.

The guest spots on the album are indeed welcome and they all blend in well with the band. Jack White make a great younger counterpart to Mick on "Loving Cup," while Christina Aguilera brings down the house on "Live With Me." The best of the three, however, is Buddy Guy, who performs on the blazing "Champagne And Reefer."

This is a wonderful companion to the film, which is excellent. And while there's some songs that should've been included ("Honkey Tonk Women," "Get Off My Cloud," Street Fighting Man," "Midnight Rambler" and the Scorsese fave "Gimme Shelter"), it's hard to find much fault with this collection.

Like many fans of the "good ole' days" of the Stones, I also thought they were past it...until seeing the movie over the weekend! Scorsese has redefined the rock concert video! Absolutely brilliant. Had the good fortune of seeing it in IMAX so maybe that's what gave it something extra. It was almost like being at the show. Just My Imagination is a revelation. To some they may be a bunch of old geezers, but they can still blow most youngsters off the stage. Went out and bought the CD...not quite the same experience but still worth a listen. But can't wait for the DVD to come out!

I had an original idea! Lets's judge the music for the music. If anyone can give me a list of contemparary bands that match this amazing live performance, please come forward with your list. Even if you do, you will probably end up including The Allmans, Skynyrd, Petty, and others from an earlier era. Rock and Roll will die. When people forget Led Zep, The Stones, The Who and numerous others. The template is out there, follow it or get out of the way!