Beggars Banquet [Original recording remastered, Original recording reissued]

Apparently, ALL copy tapes ever used for production versions of this album (and this includes the original vinyl!) were running slow, and were made on incorrectly-calibrated tape machines. This is the first time the original master has been used, and the difference in audio quality is absolutely stunning. It really is *that good*, folks, and if you have any trepidation about upgrading your copy of this milestone album, throw it to the wind. You won't be disappointed.

And as an addendum, need I add that my estactic reaction above comes from the CD layer only? All of the Stones reissues are "hybrid" SACD discs; they have two layers, one that will play in normal CD players, and one that takes advantage of Sony's DSD-based SACD format. Apparently, the SACD format is another "night and day" difference as well.

In summary: excellent album, and an absolutely amazing upgrade. You won't be disappointed.

The band had finally found their George Martin. Jimmy Miller's sympathetic production captured the band's raw edge. This is as raspy and as close to the blue as rock ever got. From the stunning opening salvo of percussion, piano and vocals on Sympathy for the Devil to the gospel tinged backing vocals that close out Salt of the Earth, BB proved to be the most consistently brillant album the band would make. Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers followed on the heels of this great album and, while both are great in their own way, they basically use the blueprint of this terrific album to construct those masterpieces. Let It Bleed ranks up there as one of the band's finest moments but it has a little bit of filler. Every track on BB is essential and works.

The sound quality is amazing. Some tracks benefit more from others. The opening track, Jigsaw Puzzle and Parachute Woman all benefit from the razor sharp sound found on this CD/SACD hybird. My only reservation is with the artwork. I really dislike digpaks. They are a bizarre love child of the CD replica of original albums and the CD plastic box format. It's neither fish nor fowl (well, I'd call it foul--if the plastic spindle breaks you can't replace it and it becomes pretty useless as far as storing the CD). The cardboard digipak doesn't stand up to wear and tear very well (then again the original cardboard vinyl sleeves didn't either). I don't know that there's a happy medium here.

It would have been nice to include extras (bonus tracks, out takes or even a booklet with lyrics, comments from the band, etc.). Still, I'm happy with the stunning sound quality (I'm not so happy about the UK/US release format that Abkco has used. Personally I would have preferred having bonus tracks from the US releases and then sequenced them myself). Nevertheless, BB along with Let It Bleed, Aftermath, Between the Buttons and Sticky Fingers are essential Stones albums. I know lot of folks would include Exile on Main Street as well but for me it's an over rated album. The sound is murky, the songwriting sloppy on many tracks and it has too much filler (much like The Beatles' White Album--oops there's that comparison again).

Here's a quick list of the songs, my (obsequious and hyper-adjectival) comments, as well as a personal favorite moment/part/aspect of each tune.

1. Sympathy for the Devil-- unreal; one of rock's all time great tunes; smart, cool lyrics; a constant build-up of energy. Personal favorite moment: Keith's solo.

2. No Expectations-- Soft, quiet, and lovely; impeccable slide guitar by Jones; Hopkins adds flavor with an intimate piano backdrop. Personal favorite moment: Jones' slide guitar work.

3. Dear Doctor-- a Country-Blues beauty; Jagger and Co.'s singing is top-notch; irresistable acoustic sound; Personal fav moment: Jagger(?) hilariously reading a note he found in his pocket.

4. Parachute Woman-- Sounds a lot like it belongs on Exile on Main Street; decadent and down-right raunchy; muscular riff; great Jones guitar work; Personal fav part: tightness and speed, in an effort to avoid censorship no doubt.

5. Jigsaw Puzzle-- Dylan-esque lyrics; Non-stop barrage of sound leaves one puzzled: will it ever end?; Jones in another incredible slide guitar performance; Charlie rules. 'Nuff said. Personal Favorite moment: Nicky Hopkins rocking and rolling on the keyboard.

6. Street Fighting Man: Has, next to Satisfaction, my favorite Stones' riff; unprecedented barrage of guitars; lyrics are revolutionary (literally). Fav moment: Charlie's first couple of beats.

7. Prodigal Son-- Another tremendous Stone's romp down country-blues lane; the only non-Jagger/Richards song on the album; placed next to Street Fighting Man, the two tracks show off Mick's vocal range with great success. Favorite part: subtle yet awesome harmonica playing. Note: For an interesting/cool song with a similar feel and sound, check out Zeppelin's "Poor Tom" which can be found on Coda.

8. Stray Cat Blues: Two words: Charlie. Watts. A powerful antithesis to Prodigal Son; even more raunchy than Parachute Woman; hard rocker with searing guitar work; flawless blues/rock blend; Personal favorite part: dizzying, almost frightening final two minutes of sweet jam action. Did I mention Charlie rules?

9. Factory Girl: An intimate glimpse of a working class folk relationship/mentality; short but to the point acoustic gem. Personal favorite part: very appropriate fiddle/mandolin conbination used throughout.

10. Salt of the Earth: Another prophetic glimpse into the future: has a feeling similar to Let it Bleed's You Can't Always What You Want (though not as sprawling); uplifting in a gospel/evangelical sorta way; Personal Favorite part: Hopkins again with his powerful piano accompanyment leading the way to the end of this incredible album, the first of four must haves by the Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World!