Something old....something new (#1)

I plan to review one golden oldie from my collection and one relatively new release that I really enjoyed each week. I welcome any ideas, comments or ideas for future topics.

"Exile on Main Street" by the Rolling Stones (originally released 1972 - remastered 2010)

   Arguably one of the greatest rock 'n' roll records of all time, but you'll get no argument from me. Not since the Sun Sessions have you heard rock 'n' roll's rise from the primordial ooze of blues, r&b, country and gospel like this! Erupting with "Rocks Off" ending with the magnificent "Soul Survivor" and through 16 tracks in between you are taken on a hair-raising ride through the history of America's musical roots. Mick Taylor's guitar playing is extraordinary (especially the slide work). Keith Richards rhythm guitar digs grooves deep enough to bury lesser talents. The horn section (brought out beautifully in the remaster) and gospel singers enhance every song they appear on. It's all pulled off in loose, seemingly effortless performances from a grungy, hot, dirty basement studio and is all the better for it. The manic "Rip This Joint" and "Turd on the Run", lowdown blues of "Shake Your Hips" and "Ventilator Blues", country honk of "Sweet Virginia" and "Torn & Frayed", pure rock 'n' roll of "Happy" and "All Down the Line" IT ALL WORKS! The second disc of the 2010 remaster includes 10 unreleased songs and alternate takes. The revamped single "Plunder My Soul" is a solid effort but my favorite is an alternate take of "Soul Survivor" that features Keith on lead vocals and crushing guitar interplay with Mick Taylor.

"Crazy For You" by Best Coast (released 2010)

   The debut album from the duo of Bethany Consentino and Robb Bruno is a soundtrack for your favorite day at the beach. In a perfect world these tunes would be blaring in unison from every boombox as you stroll down the boardwalk. The songs are bubbly Brill Building pop fronted by Consentino's commandingly beautiful voice. She croons enough "Whoa whoas" and "ooh oohs" to float away on while the heavily reverbed vocals and guitars add to the whole summer aura. Each song is a sun-soaked gem, sparkling brightly though briefly, like facets of the same diamond. "Boyfriend" and "Crazy for You" have received the most airplay but any song on the disc could be a hit single. "Honey" sounds like a great lost Raveonettes cut. My current favorite is "When the Sun Don't Shine" but that could change in a moment because this release is so solid. I know it's January and there's half a foot of snow outside but pass the sunblock.