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The Rolling Stones in the press:“Stones ‘Love You Live’ LP”
When the Rolling Stones released Love You Live in 1977, they weren’t aiming for shine or nostalgia. This was a live album with dirt under its fingernails, stitched together from sweaty nights in Paris, roaring crowds in Toronto, and the close-quarters chaos of the El Mocambo. Loud, raw, and proudly uneven, the double LP captured the band exactly as they were—dangerous, defiant, and unconcerned with expectations. Some fans questioned the sound and the setlist, but that debate misses the point. Love You Liveisn’t about perfection or polish. It’s about momentum, attitude, and the thrill of a band that thrived on the edge, proving once again that the Stones sounded best when things were just a little out of control.
The Rolling Stones Go Live… Again
By 1977, The Rolling Stones were no strangers to live albums—but Love You Live wasn’t just another rehash of greatest hits. Released in September that year, this double LP came packed with raw energy, unexpected setlists, and a few wonderfully chaotic moments that only the Stones could pull off. Recorded across different locations—including Paris, Toronto, and even the infamous El Mocambo club—the album captured the band in full throttle, warts and all. Some fans loved the looseness, others raised eyebrows at the sound quality and certain song choices. But hey, perfection was never really the point, right?
From El Mocambo to Paris—Unfiltered Stones
One of the most talked-about parts of the album is the El Mocambo side, recorded during a semi-secret show in Toronto. This was The Rolling Stones in a sweaty club setting, playing blues covers like they were still trying to impress in ’63. Keith was all grit, Mick was full strut, and Ron Wood had truly settled into his new role. Charlie Watts held everything together with his usual calm precision, while Bill Wyman’s steady bass grounded even the wildest jams.
The crowd was small but electric, and the rawness of the setting gave the performances an unpredictable edge. Sure, there are moments where it sounds a little ragged—but that’s the charm. Love You Live is part celebration, part mess, and totally Stones. With artwork by Andy Warhol and a mix of live spontaneity and studio polish, the album feels like a snapshot of the band’s unfiltered identity in the late ’70s. Not their tidiest work, but certainly one of their most honest.
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