Customer Reviews

Bigger Bang

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'd actually rate this 3.5 stars..

Having already bought the album (which, by the way, I rated 4 stars) when it was released, I wasn't sure if this package was worth my money. But, being a big Stones fan, I had to shell out the money. Everything is exactly the same as the original release except for the inclusion of another disc which contains bonus material.

Its contents include:

EPK - This is a 10 minute mini documentary explaining the creation of the Bigger Bang album. Features interviews with each band member as well as studio footage. Interesting, but could have been much longer and more detailed. One thing that was sort of a letdown was that I had already seen this on TV (so you may have too) and the internet multiple times, so I wasnt really seeing anything new here. Nice for what it is though and even nicer if you have yet to see it.

Under The Radar - This is the first of two "new" songs leftover from the Bigger Bang sessions. Suprisingly, it is excellent. I can not figure out why this was left off of the actual album. It can be described as a cross of "Child Of The Moon" and "I Go Wild". Tight, dreary groove with hard rock sensibilities. Great, memorable melody. Worth the price of the set alone.

Don't Wanna Go Home - Second of the two leftover songs. This one is not as good as 'Radar'. It's a fun rocker but it actually sounds like a throw-away track (whereas the other one doesnt). Nice chorus though; especially towards the end when Mick sings "We don't wanna go home, we just wanna get stoned!".

Rain Fall Down (Remix) - Interesting, but I'm not a big fan of remixes. In fact, I'm not a big fan of the song either. It's a groover, though, in the same vein as something like "Hot Stuff" or "Anybody Seen My Baby?". Worth a listen (or more if you like it) though.

Streets Of Love Video - Eh, not my favorite song. It's too sappy! But, yeah, this is the video. Not my favorite video, either. It's one of those videos that has "scenes". It follows a guy who is down and out through the streets of his city in sadness as he looks for his woman. Oh yeah, and there's footage of the band performing the song in a club every now and then for good measure. Director commentary also included.

Streets Of Love & Rough Justice Television Performance Videos - Essentially, just the band miming the song's in front of blue screens. Worth viewing cuz you get to see the Stones (and because Rough Justice rocks!).

You also get an onscreen lyrics section (no lyrics for the new songs included)and photos (a slideshow plays as you listen to the new songs).

All in all, this is a nice set and even better if you have yet to buy the album. It does make a good gift for someone who has yet to own the album as well. My only gripes, the only reasons why this thing wasn't rated higher, are the marketing and the amount of content. I think it's a bit of a rip off for the fans to have this album be released in September and then have this special edition come out in November. Why not just include the new songs and actual album on disc 1 and include the bonus material on disc 2...when the album was originally released. This package, albeit with a little tweaking, could have been what was released in September! It would have been cool! I also feel the bonus content could have been stronger. For example, the Rain Fall Down remix to me is unnecessary. But oh well, can't please everyone I guess.

If for some reason you chose to ignore the original release of 'A Bigger Bang' -- or that were somehow incapacitated since early September, 2005 and only now are hearing of these new tunes -- then by all means, buy this great set.

Back to reality. Those most interested in hearing new Rolling Stones material have already (being that they've had a significant time to do so) purchased the original CD. Those whom have waited this long, are not likely to be attracted by the cost of this re-release. So this set essentially relies on the strength of a well-constructed, though rather light-weight, DVD. It also requires you to spend $23-27 for this, what amounts to a 'bonus' DVD of mostly previously-aired material of no significant length, two new tracks of little note, and "live" performances transformed into makeshift music videos.

When it comes down to it, if you bought the original CD, you are over-paying for this CD/DVD set. With a little more thought, they could have added something unique to the music disc in order to make it truly collectible and more worthwhile to re-purchase.

UPDATE: As of Mid-December, the list price [MSRP] for this set dropped 10% to $26.98. A necessary move in the right direction, but not far enough.

This expanded edition of "A Bigger Bang", which might easily be dismissed as a ripoff, is from my perspective recommended, without reservation, to any Stones fan who has yet to buy the superb new studio album, released in September 2005. The 'regular' edition of "A Bigger Bang" captures the Stones comitted and focused, packed with 16 new original songs on a 65-minute CD (also available as a double vinyl album). The Stones' new album reached # 3 in the "Billboard" Top 200 chart, but despite impressive first week sales has received very little airplay (notwithstanding the massive and well received tour intended to promote it), certainly not enough to nudge it into true big hit status. One must assume there are many folks out there who own a decent Stones collection but have not yet picked up the group's fine new album. As many other reviews indicate, A.B.B posesses a vitality and authority doubters could hardly have expected; the high quality of the material, sense of committment and overall high energy level, make this one of the best rock albums of the year. As originally conceived and recorded ABB is remarkably lean, recalling "Some Girls", a 'comeback' from a long ago era - Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ron Wood sound re-invigorated (especially coming after the rather slight quartet of new tracks included on 2002's "Forty Licks"), with the band playing most of the instruments and occasional contributions from bassist Darryl Jones and keyboardist Chuck Leavell. But "Bang" is most remarkable for its directness, energy, and concision - quite a contrast to the expansive sonic experimentation (and considerable cast of guest musicians and producers) of 1997's "Bridges To Babylon." "A Bigger Bang" is not a complacent work by the band. In fact, after 43 years one can see and hear the band still evolving. Mick Jagger plays guitar on nearly every track, plus harmonica, keyboards, and (on six tracks) bass - the latter a first. Keith Richards and Ron Wood may not display the rapport they once had, but both turn in terrific performances, as does Charlie Watts, who sounds unstoppable a year after his bout with throat cancer. There are wry explorations of blues themes ('Rough Justice') subtle ('Back Of My Hand', 'Dangerous Beauty') and not so subtle ('Neocon') social and political commentary, and the reflections on age and mortality one has come to expect from late-period Stones. The bulk of the material coheres, resonates, and rewards repeated listenings - if anything, there's a somewhat dark (occasionally darkly humorous) tone to the album, as befits the times we're living in.
As for the Bonus DVD, it contains two new songs, and both 'Don't Wanna Go Home' and especially "Under the Radar" are marvellous. And Ashley Beedle's remix of "Rain Fall Down" is deeply funky. I can understand fans' irritation, and even reluctance to re-buy a current album for a couple of new songs, but for anybody else interested in a terrific new work by The Rolling Stones, the Bonus/DVD edition expands on a fine new CD by a still great band, and since it is reasonably priced the best way to go, collecting all 18 new studio tracks issued this year (all but one - the bluesy charity single 'Hurricane' which is slated to appear on the upcoming DVD boxed set).
As for the rest of the DVD, the other supplementary material is entertaining but slight: A rather brief "making of" ABB documentary, with studio footage, three videos, lesser odds and ends of the , and a somewhat brief 'making of' type segment are worth a view or two, but are hardly essential.

Perhaps I am ignorant concerning marketing, but I would have released this special edition cd first for $26, and several weeks later the regular cd for $13. I am a Stones fanatic, and bought the regular cd the day of its release for $13 (I think it's a really good album too!). Then, two months later they come out with this. Well, I'm sure the thinking was- Those Rolling Stone fans will buy the regular cd, and two months later will get the special edition. Well, a lot will, but I won't. If they had released both together, I would have paid the $26 for the special edition. From reading over the other reviews (and I agree)..... If for some reason you don't already have a Bigger Bang, I would certainly buy this one. However, I already bought the regular cd, so I'm not willing to dish out the extra money for some (probably well worth watching) additonal material and videos. Perhaps "they" know what there doing, but I think it's a disreguard for the fans. In the long run I don't see how they could have made that much extra money out of this. I would rate the regular cd at least 4.5 stars, so the same would go for this, but it ends up with 3 stars for the shi__y way they did the fans.

This is not really a review, just a heads up to potential buyers that the second disc is not dual format. You will not be able to play the two new tracks on standard CD players or easily import them into mp3 players like ipod.

It took a few listens, to really appreciate it, but I must say that BIGGER BANG, is probably the best Stones record, since SOME GIRLS. The sound is good, the drumming sounds great, there's only maybe two slow songs. So all in all, you have a well made Stones record. Now, as for the DVD, which has three videos, I didn't really care that much about it, plus a remix of one song and two bonus tracks.

studio album. another album that proves why the stones are the greatest. several radio songs on the album you will recognize. if you like steel wheels, bridges to babylon and voodoo lounge, you'll like this.

Releasing a special edition of their new album this early is just silly. All those people who bought the album are probably mad now. I'm a big fan, but seriously don't they have enough money.

Want some good Rolling Stones album choices? Check out my Top Ten stones albums list. See if you like some of the same ones I do.

wonderful album...in and out, Keith and Mick.

just buy it...you won't feel bad.

btw on the DVD of this special edition release there are 2 new unreleased songs...good stuff.

Greedy thieves.

Ridiculous Ticket Prices

Ridiculous Number of Greatest Hits and Live albums

Now this insulting "bait and switch"

No conscience...shameful, absolutely shameful