THE ROLLING STONES Dirty Work. But Somebody Has To Do It

THE ROLLING STONES Dirty Work. But Somebody Has To Do It

After several albums that didn’t exactly knock anyone out and a solo album by leader/singer Mick Jagger (She’s The Boss), many felt the writing was on the wall for the Rolling Stones. After all, haven’t they been together for over 20 years? Wasn’t it time, perhaps, for the Stones to go their separate ways?

Fortunately, no. Despite some serious internal squabbles, the Stones have reemerged with their finest album in years, Dirty Work, which captures the rough and raw essence that has always been their strength. Songs like “The Harlem Shuffle” and “One Hit To The Body” have reestablished the Stones as a premier pure rock band.

The group doesn’t deny that their relationships have been strained—in fact, they were forced to cancel a projected summer tour when Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards couldn’t agree on the project. “One of the main reasons I wanted to get the band on the road is that I just love to play with these guys,” said Richards. “Also, I know enough about the business aspects to know it would be an astute move to go out and play live. But there’s no way you can force people to do what they don’t want to do. Mick doesn’t want to go out on the road, so we won’t. Added bassist Bill Wyman, in defense of Jagger: “The truth is when it comes to touring, he’s the one who loses six pounds a show and really has to get into physical shape...and if I was him, I’d think twice.”

So Stones fans will have to be content with Dirty Work, one of their most definitive efforts in years. “This album is one of our more basic efforts,” noted Wyman. “Simplicity is the keynote, and there’s not too many complicated tracks.” Simplicity and a true love of rock’s roots—they’ve kept the Stones rolling for over two decades and, hopefully, will continue to do so.