The Stones - Let it Bleed
Threw my old CD away in one of my mad fits, due to the offensive title, I finally got a replacement. This one has Direct Stream Digital and supposedly captures all the tiny effects in the original studio analogue tapes even if the track list is jumbled on purpose. I have always had mixed feelings about this album. Sandwiched between the more satisfying and consistent "Beggars' Banquet" and the grittier dirtier "Exile on Main Street", this is a mostly a transition album. And Brian Jones is too wasted to play anything and only appears on one track. Here's a track-by-track rundown:-

"Gimme Shlter" - Always disliked this song, due to its draggy feel and connection to the Altamont incident (doc named after it) but DSD changes my mind. The background vocals are totally in your face. Cool!

"Love in Vain" – Instead of mimicking the G-tuning of the original, this turns out to be quite a beautiful love song even if "Stop Breaking Down" on their next album is more worthy of its genesis.

"Country Honk" – Like this somewhat more than the single version. The pedal steel is all over the place and reminiscent of The Byrds' "Sweetheart" phase.

"Live With Me" – Generic romp. Pass!

"Let it Bleed" – My fave song on the album. "Well, we all need someone we can bleed on... And if you wanna, you can bleed on me" Genius.

"Midnight Rambler" – Excellent as well. With the call and response holler bridge, it's wonderful!

"You Got the Sliver" – Keef sings. And refreshing too. Brian's Autoharp is barely audible.

"Monkey Man" – Can't figure out the love it gets here. Nice vibes, though.

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" – Second fave song. A pompous choir intro aside, this one is hugely satisfying. The verse melody is simplistic. The coda with the escalating choir voices is superb, though.

Barely anything that surpasses the lo-fi of "I Just Wanna See His Face" on "Exile" but this will do nicely.