Deep Dive: Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street

The Rolling Stones released Exile on Main Street to mixed reception in 1972.  Like many of their albums from that era, individual songs came from previous sessions.  This disconnect bubbled up from a messy behind-the-scenes conflict with their former publisher and label.  Additionally, individual members struggled with substance abuse.  Over time, this double album reached top-shelf status for fans and critics alike.

You can summarize Exile with the word “hedonism.”  Due to these excesses, members recorded in different locations over nearly 3 years.  Jimmy Miller again melded disparate parts to craft the double album.

Jagger and Richards wrote all of the tracks.  The two of them did not speak to one another much during this era, though.  Notable covers include Slim Harpo’s “Shake Your Hips” and Robert Johnson’s “Stop Breaking Down.”  The 2nd track on side 3 was directed at their legal challenges over previous contracts…