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Rolling Stones Quotes: Mick Jagger about the recording of ‘Exile On Main St.’ (1972)
“It’s difficult to define limits about who wrote what. Even if I write something on my own, Charlie might change it more than anyone by changing the beat. I’d have to sing it differently, which might mean changing the words. Keith never has any songs done, ever. That’s our nig argument, dear -I always want the songs finished- ’cause I have to sing them. It’s all right for the band to work on a riff, but it ain’t no fun for me”
Recording Exile on Main St. in 1972 wasn’t your typical studio experience—it was a wild, chaotic ride through sweat, smoke, and pure rock ‘n’ roll instinct. The Rolling Stones set up shop in the basement of Keith Richards’ rented villa in the South of France. It was hot, cramped, and rough around the edges—far from a polished studio, but it gave the album its raw magic. Mick Jagger has admitted it was tough to stay focused in that environment. With people constantly coming and going, gear scattered everywhere, and a haze of excess in the air, getting anything done was a small miracle.
But somehow, out of that chaos, came one of the Stones’ most iconic double albums—gritty, soulful, and full of heart. It was messy, sure, but that messiness became part of its legend. Exile isn’t just an album—it’s a vibe, a snapshot of beautiful disorder.
A Basement Full of Legends
Musicians jammed late into the night, recording whenever inspiration struck—sometimes with only a few takes. Keith was often up all night, guitar in hand, leading impromptu sessions while others drifted in and out. Mick handled most of the overdubs later on, even adding parts in Los Angeles after the main sessions wrapped. But those basement recordings in France captured a mood no studio polish could recreate. From blues to gospel to country-fried rock, Exile on Main St. became a sonic stew of influences, mistakes, and brilliance. It wasn’t just about the songs—it was about survival, chemistry, and capturing lightning in a bottle. And somehow, they nailed it.
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