A Bigger Bang

Back to basics for the Stones is a more complicated equation than for most rock and roll bands. Urban blues, soul ballads, reggae, a hundred variations on the undying riff — any and all of these represent their musical roots. Only someone who forgets the mighty Beggars Banquet or the mightily underrated Dirty Work would be surprised that Mick and/or Keith want to comment on the current administration of a "Sweet Neo Con," and likewise no one will fall into shock upon hearing a locked-down and engaged outfit on display here. They're perhaps not out to change the world this time, but that they're still playing this well should make us happy, even proud.