The Rolling Stones, “Blue & Lonesome”
It shouldn’t be a surprise, but still it’s a bit startling to hear just how well the Rolling Stones can play the blues. The songs have grown, expanded, been given room to breathe compared to those of their early days, and the playing is remarkably self-assured and comfortable. The Stones’ early passion for the blues helped introduce a young white audience to the established giants of the Chicago blues scene. Songs like “Little Rain” and “Hoo Doo Blues” show the Stones can continue the tradition on their own. — Gregory Katz, The Associated Press