Review of Shine a Light (2008) by Paul S — 27 May 2012

The beauty of this musical documentary of the Rolling Stones circa 2006 is that you don't really realize the technical brilliance that goes on behind the scenes; and brilliant it is - seamless editing and whirlwind use of hundred of cameras make this Scorscese effort a joy to watch.

Anything else you may want to say about the film is strictly about performance, and here the Stones give a pretty darned good accounting of themselves, with Mick still Jumping Jack Flash, in perpetual motion while the band chugs along in their loose, "it's only rock and roll" garage band way. What really comes through here is the brilliance of Keith Richard's supporting guitar play. He is such an expert at nailing the backbeat, which is the soul of the Stones sound.

I was also impressed that Charlie Watts - almost 70 I believe, was still bringing it on drums, even at the end of the over 2 hour performance - especially on Brown Sugar.

The cameo appearances are fun, with the Jagger duet with Christine Aguilara especially ripping, though I felt that the jam with Buddy Guy lacked focus (and it was obvious that the band struggled with the odd blues progression).

Marty interspersed the affair with some archival interview footage that was only occasionally enlightening, with the most entertaining bits concerning bandmate statements about longevity from the 60's.

In all - I found this to be entertaining and a true insight into the power of the band - much more intimate than the concert footage from say the Steel Wheels Tour. You don't have to be a Stones fan to dig this - but having an appreciation for music will help.