From the first lines of "Rocks Off," the Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street" is an album that can only be played at full volume. The hooky opening guitar riff is met by Mick Jagger's half-sneered vocals: "I can hear you talking on the street / Your mouth don't move but I can hear you speak." By the time he reaches the chorus (horn section blasting in the background) hearing loss has already started to set in.

"Exile on Main Street" was released in 1972 and was initially met with mixed reviews. Critics have since reconsidered, and it was voted number seven in "Rolling Stone's" top 500 albums of all time. "Exile" features the Rolling Stones in their element; the longest song is a little over five minutes, and there are no wandering, pretentious guitar solos - the end of "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" comes to mind - to be found.

One of the most noticeable things about "Exile" is its lack of polish when compared to other Stones recordings. Jagger modifies his voice on several songs, trying to sound like an old Southern bluesman. "I Just Want to See His Face" feels like a nightclub track, with a chorus of background singers wailing and moaning over Jagger's muttered, distorted vocals. "Rip this Joint" clocks in at around two minutes and features a lightning fast shuffle accompanied by just-shy-of-yelled vocals.

The album moves quickly; "Rocks Off" and "Rip this Joint" are followed by similar, though still exciting songs, including the Billboard hit single "Tumbling Dice." The band then moves into "Sweet Virginia" and "Torn and Frayed," which are both slower ballads. They maintain the energy of the earlier songs, but they manage to break up the album nicely.

The second half (it was originally a double album) is anchored by a spectacular cover of Robert Johnson's "Stop Breaking Down" and the lovely ballad "Shine a Light." The guitar work on "Stop Breaking Down" is nearly perfect; there are throwaway fills throughout that are better than the main riffs of most songs.

The Stones pull out all the stops on "Exile," featuring a full horn section, an upright bass and even an organ. The variety of instruments, along with Keith Richards' and Mick Taylor's regularly brilliant guitar work, gives variety to songs that might otherwise blend together. Jagger doesn't stray far from lyrics about rambling men with the blues, but his vocals are packed with enough style and energy to make them irresistible.

The fact that "Exile" stands up today (35 years after its release) is a testament to the talent and innovation of the Rolling Stones. The CD runs about an hour and ten minutes - I listened to it straight through and found myself replaying songs right after it finished. "Exile" is one of the finest efforts by one of the greatest bands of all time, and it is well worth a listen today.