(Single from compilation album, “GRRR!”)
Ok, so now we're on the respectable side of 50 reviews, and, well...its all doom and gloom from here on in...
The new Rolling Stones song seemed opportune for this famously scary, dark, humourously grim but still exiting annual occasion. Its not specifically a halloween song, but hey - who cares?
The Stones themselves are also now on the respectable side of 50 - though theirs are years in the music business. Its been trials, tribulations, hits, misses, successes and failures with this band who have lived liked kings and, literally, seen it all. "GRRR!" their 50th anniversary retroactive compilation, due out soon, is set to fill 3 discs with their very best. But, as is tradition with a 'best of' or 'greatest hits', the mandatory 'assumed-to-do-well' new song will feature on the end of the track-listing, get released as a single and, probably, 3 months down the line, look awkward on the album after it was a commercial flop. Well, this song aims high, but, having peaked a couple of weeks ago at the 'stratospheric' #61, "Doom And Gloom" is set to cause unintentional laughs as it sounds out the end of this legendary group's new retrospective...
This band totally still have it. 50 years in, and does it sound it? No, of course not. Jagger still has the voice, stamina and presence of a 20 year old, and Keith Richards' guitar playing is just as great as its always been. The rhythm section are composed well, and the track feels polished and intelligent despite its melodic roots which label it as a heavy rock song. The lyrics aren't all that, but they're not on a 2012 Justin Bieber low-plain either. Essentially, this is a great pop song...
...so why hasn't it worked out? You would be quick to assume that 'people just don't have the ear for a decent song anymore'. That they can't hear the nuances, the weaving bass line in the middle of the song the crunchy, fuzzed up guitar solo-ish overdub. Or that they are simply blind to Mick Jagger's unquestionable brilliance as a singer; gutsy and bold!
All of these things might be true. But really, have a think...the kids didn't buy it, because Skrillex wasn't involved and everyone else didn't, because it received criminally low levels of radio air-play.
And those of the audience who were intending to buy it...
...well, they couldn't afford it after the £1000 burning of their wallets in an attempt to see their favourite band live...
★★★★
Versions of "Doom And Gloom"
Compilation Album/Single Version - 4:07