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The Rolling Stones in the press:“Who Cares If Mick ‘Don’t Like It’?”
Few releases in The Rolling Stones’ catalog spark as much confusion—and intrigue—as Gimme Shelter. Is it the haunting 1969 documentary capturing the chaos of Altamont, or the Decca compilation album blending studio cuts and live performances? Though they share a title, these two projects offer strikingly different experiences. One immerses viewers in the raw, unsettling reality of a turbulent tour; the other curates the band’s music into a more polished listening journey. Exploring the contrast between the Gimme Shelterfilm and album reveals how The Rolling Stones shaped their legacy—on screen and on record—during a pivotal cultural moment.
ROLLING STONES Gimme Shelter (Decca SKL 51) The Stones may not be to release of this album, but those will regard it as a Godsend. Half of the tracks—they comprise Side Two—were recorded during an Albert Hall concert some years ago… the versions are “new”, a spot of relief to work against the persistent stream of bootlegs… The recording quality, however, is a trifle uneven… Jagger’s vocals pushed to the front so the backings sound mushy… “Fortune Teller” comes off worst, while “Under My Thumb” and “Lady Jane” bring pleasant remembrances of the old Stones… Side One is studio recordings from the film “Gimme Shelter”, so it’s nothing new and not official.
Differences Between the Movie and the Record Compilation ‘Gimme Shelter’ by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter exists both as a documentary film and a compilation album, but they differ significantly in content and focus. The Gimme Shelter movie, directed by the Maysles brothers and Charlotte Zwerin in 1969, is a raw, cinéma vérité-style documentary capturing the band’s 1969 U.S. tour, culminating in the tragic Altamont Free Concert. The film is intense and immersive, focusing on the live performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and the chaos of the Altamont event where violence erupted, notably the death of a concertgoer. It offers a visual and emotional experience that highlights the darker side of the late 1960s rock culture.
In contrast, the Gimme Shelter compilation album, released around the same time, serves more as a curated soundtrack of Rolling Stones hits from that era. It includes studio recordings and selected live tracks but lacks the unfiltered documentary footage’s emotional depth and context. The album provides a more polished listening experience focused on the music itself, and in fact with no tracks at all from the Gimnme Shelter (Altamont) movie. While the movie immerses viewers in a historical moment, the album acts as a musical summary, making both works complementary but distinctly different in purpose and impact.
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