With Let It Bleed (1969), The Rolling Stones proved that the artistic revival of Beggars Banquet was no fluke. The majestic opener Gimme Shelter sets the tone for a record that shows The Rolling Stones in absolute top form. The record offers their quintessential bastard blend of British R&B, rock and roll, country, blues and soul, played casually as only the Stones can. For the first time there
… are strong gospel influences, which translate into the ecstatic female vocals (by Merry Clayton, a novelty for the band) in Gimme Shelter and the chorus of the euphoric closing track You Can't Always Get What You Want. A masterstroke, as does the prominent blues harp of Mick Jagger who shows himself to be a virtuoso on the instrument. Other highlights include the dragging Robert Johnson cover Love In Vain, the alternative version of the hit single Honky Tonk Women (Country Honk) and of course the opener from side b, the blues rock epic Midnight Rambler, which would become an indestructible live favorite. (MS)more