October 21, 2023

Still rockin’ at 80? Some find it pathetic or sad. In the case of the Rolling Stones, I think it’s great. While their last truly memorable album was released more than 40 years ago (the critical consensus seems to be 1981’s Tattoo You), most of the subsequent albums all had some worthy stuff. The thing is, age notwithstanding, the Stones can still deliver — both in the studio and on stage.

Their new Hackney Diamonds sounds very impressive to me. The guitar interplay is terrific; Mick’s vocals are strong; and Andrew Wyatt’s production is crisp, clean and contemporary. The songs are good. And the Stones continue to do more with two chords than just about anyone else. Their race may be run before too long, but let’s not rush toward the inevitable. Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they still had a trick or two left.

Photo: Mark Seliger. Copyright ©The Guardian and ©Mark Seliger 2023.