St. Cloud Times from Saint Cloud, Minnesota • Page 49

Thursday, Nov. 23, 1995 mm St. Cloud Times 3F 'Stripped': Youth is gone but not the talent In an anti-Beatles mood? Try the Rolling Stones Technical success of live recordings at nightclubs captures songs' sentiments Dave Younk I mm- JL 0. i 1 TIMES MUSIC familiar only to devout fans. Secondly, the album was not recorded in the stadiums where the Stones play most of their concerts, but rather in small, cozy nightclubs around the world at relatively secret shows.

The result is a technically superior album, one that conveys all of the chillingly beautiful sentiment of a Rolling Stones' song. One of the first things noticed about "Stripped" is the prominence of the blues influence the Stones' music is so steeped in. That's important to remember as Mick Jagger sings "Let It Bleed," as he is a blues man and his ageless charm is most of what you paid for. While I miss the biting Telecaster that typifies Keith Richards' guitar work, the gentler acoustic touch works well in this setting. The feel is very intimate, and a nice touch was included on "Love In Vain" as Richards starts the song over because of a minor problem.

Jagger reworked the words to the song for this version. Another treat is the whiskey-soaked voice of Richards shining through on "Slipping Away," showcasing his oft-forgotten vocal talents. The CD-ROM portion of "Stripped" is nice, but it really isn't anything to get too excited about. You really showed up to hear the Stones rip the joint, and that's what the album Would you let your daughter date a Rolling Stone? This catch phrase passed over the lips of many a concerned parent 30 years ago, resulting from and perpetuating the bad boy image of the band. The Rolling Stones were scandalous, and the press followed every move they made.

At the same time, Beatlemania was sweeping America. Sides were chosen in a debate more heated than partisan politics. The matter was more important than Macintosh IBM, Coke vs. Pepsi, original vs. extra crispy.

You either chose the Stones or the Beatles, and there was no waffling on the issue. This divergence became a major fork in the family tree of rock 'n' roll, helping to shape the diverse genres of popular music we have today. Once again the Beatles are at the forefront of the American psyche, as we are bombarded from every direction about the release of their new anthology. While the idea of a new song from the Fab Four is exciting, the hype may just be a little extreme. Or so it seems from this side of the fence.

I say that because while I respect what the Beatles did, I have always been a fan of the darker music of the Rolling Stones. I will admit to enjoying the earlier pop masterpieces of the early '60s, but the trippy psychedelia of the Beatles never truly caught hold with me. So while the Beatles get their TV specials and ever-present hype just in time for Christmas, I decided to take a listen to the new live Rolling Stones album, "Stripped." While many have called for the Rolling Stones to throw in the towel, or called them dinosaurs just in the game for the money, I feel quite differently. While the aging process has not been the most graceful for the band, and the '80s were marred by many songs that should have never seen the light of day, the Rolling Stones kept at it through Brian Jones' death and Bill Wyman's departure. And I doubt those who knock the band have ever experienced the glori- CD COVER COURTESY THE ROLLING STONES Music in the Rolling Stones' "Stripped" CD reflects a blues "Dead Flowers" and "Angie" are included along with a cover of the Dylan classic "Like a Rolling Stone." Most of these songs have escaped being played to death on classic rock stations, and some like "The Spider and the Fly" and "Love in Vain" are ous experience these crown princes of rock 'n' roll give at their shows.

While a live Stones album is not a rare occurrence, "Stripped" is special in two ways. First, the album is comprised of some of the best work the band has ever done. Classics like Top 10 2 November 24, 25 26 Fri Sat 10-8, Sun 10-6 Find that Special Holiday Gift at the Depot JiUl JVUUVY 11.3 Merchandise Gift Certificate Drawings Free Refreshments Coffee Shop Specials Country Singles 1 "Check Yes or No" by George Strait 2. "Who Needs You Baby" by Clay Walker 3. "Tall, Tall Trees" by Alan Jackson 4.

"Back in Your Arms Again" by Lorrie Morgan 5. "Whiskey Under the Bridge" by Brooks and Dunn 6. "Life Goes On" by Little Texas 7. "Sometimes She Forgets" by Travis Tritt 8. "That's As Close As I'll Get To Loving You" by Aaron Tippin 9.

"I Let Her Lie" by Daryle Singletary 10. "In Pictures" by Alabama R-and-B Singles 1 "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" by Whitney Houston 2. "You Remind Me of Something" by R. Kelly 3. "Hey Lover" by L.L.

Cool 4. "Like This and Like That-Before You Walk Out of My Life" by Monica 5. "Who Can I Run To" by Xscape 6. "Fantasy" by Mariah Carey 7. Tell Me" by Groove Theory 8.

"Diggin' On You" by TLC 9. "Already Missing You" by Gerald Levert and Eddie Levert Sr. 10. Source: Blboard Magazine Pop Singles 1 "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" by Whitney Houston 2. "Fantasy" by Marian Carey 3.

"Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio featuring L.V 4. "You Remind Me of Something" by R. Kelly 5. "Hey Lover" by L.L Cool 6. "Runaway" by Janet Jackson 7.

Tell Me" by Groove Theory 8. "Back for Good" by Take That 9. "Name" by Goo Goo Dolls 10. Top Albums 1 "Alice in Chains" by Alice in Chains 2. "Daydream" by Marian Carey 3.

"Jagged Little Pill" by Alanis Morissette 4. "Dogg Food" by The Dogg Pound 5. "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" by Smashing Pumpkins 6. "Something to Remember" by Madonna 7. "The Greatest Hits Collection" by Alan Jackson 8.

"Cracked Rear View" by Hootie and theBlowfish 9. "Liquid Swords" by Genius-GZA 10. "Cypress Hill III (Temple of Boom)" by Cypress Hill pift Certificates make wonderful giftsstocking stuffers! ntanafr 8318 Hwy St. Cloud 612-253-6573.