Possessing a purposely apt title, Sucking in the Seventies mainly consists of edited entries of lesser-regarded tracks conceived between November 1973-December 1979. Yet in hindsight, the album serves as a rather interesting memento. During these years, the Rolling Stones – aka “the world’s Greatest rock and roll band” – encountered a fair share of personal and professional challenges, and Sucking in the Seventies examines the group navigating their way through the mist.
The only properly released songs featured on Sucking in the Seventies are 1978’s bubbly punk-inspired “Shattered” and its flipside, the rumbling funk-flavored “Everything’s Turning to Gold.”
Neutered takes of the grizzled “Crazy Mama,” the faux-disco of “Hot Stuff” and the affected ballad “Fool to Cry” from 1976’s Black and Blue album sessions also appear on Sucking in the Seventies, along with live offerings of Bo Diddley’s “Mannish Boy” and the lightning speed punk-styled “When the Whip Comes Down,” which was taped July 1978 in Detroit, Michigan.
Although not as good as the version included on 1974’s It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll album, a butchered recording of “Time Waits For No One” is by far the strongest number on Sucking in the Seventies. Guitarist Mick Taylor – who was replaced by Ron Wood in 1975 – shines like the master fret-picker he is on this attentively crafted sentiment containing a riveting round of jazzy jamming.
A ragtag collection showcasing the Rolling Stones adjusting to and embracing the changing musical trends of the era, Sucking in the Seventies eventually went out of print, making it a collector’s item.
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