SHINE A LIGHT

Available at Amazon for $18.99 I'm a Beatles guy, but that doesn't stop me from tipping my cap to the astonishing accomplishments of The Rolling Stones. Easily the most important rock act in history (The Beatles are, in my opinion, the most important band, period. But they are decidedly pop), The Stones have outlasted and outperformed everyone around them for forty years. Their enormous catalogue contains five of the best guitar riffs in history. All of this, despite having a lead singer who sounds like a cat getting fisted. While there have been other live performance films from the band in the past, none have been crafted by a visionary director - until now. Martin Scorsese, fresh from his unearned Oscar for The Departed, has created a lush and very slick film around a two day benefit performance from the band. The set is playful, focusing on blusier selections from the past. With effortless abandon, the band is electrifying even after all of the years and the mileage. Stoic Charlie Watts still swats a terrific beat, while guitarists Ron Wood and Keith Richards rip familiar, legendary riffs from their guitars. Mick Jagger, all lean muscle and rooster posturing, provides the faux-blues caterwauling over the top of the precise music. Half of this band should rightfully be dead - I mean, Richards had to completely replace his blood to survive, for God's sake - but they have not only survived, but thrived against all odds. This movie is a testament to the invigorating, youthful power of rock music. The film expands this by including several younger performers in the set, including a wonderful duet between Jagger and Jack White (whom I cannot stomach at all, so it's high praise), as well as a cool song with Christina Aguilera. Note to Jagger: You're sixty years old. It's kinda gross to watch you grope and hump Christina. Scorcese appears far too much in the early goings, rambling continuously about set lists and lighting. Fortunately, once the show starts, Scorcese disappears. Between songs, Scorcese inserts various news reports and interviews about the band over the years, revealing a bit of the secret behind their longevity: they fucking love their profession and each other. The rebellious spirit of the band's early years, revealed through the intercut clips, contrasts beautifully with the performances in the show, revealing a band that has lived through worlds of trouble, and found peace and love through music. A beautiful document of a very important band. EXTRAS Not much here, surprisingly. There are several extra songs here that did not make it into the final cut, including my favorite: Paint it Black. There is also a busily-edited behind the scenes look at the making of the concert, with some fun looks at the interaction between the band members. For me, it was just a revelation to see Watts smile ... usually he ends up seeming a bit corpse-like.

rating: 3.5