The Rolling Stones: The Stones In The Park [DVD]

'The Stones In The Park' film from 1969 has always been a firm favourite of mine despite the less than thrilling reviews it has received by the critics over the years. It's only really when compared with the 'Gimmie Shelter' soundtrack and the unreleased 'Ladies And Gentlemen ....' film that its shortcomings for me become most obvious. The Stones at this point had just recruited new member Mick Taylor who was making his debut with the band.

Generally, the band sound a little out of tune on a number of songs as they were perhaps a little rusty not having toured for for a while in addition to having their newest member making his first appearance. Actually Mick Taylor plays just fine for the most part.

While the Stones are not quite in their prime they do sound quite raw which seems an awful long way from their more polished and easily digestable sound of today. It's that raw energy that, for me, made the Stones special and it's also that reason why the Hyde Park show is infinitely superior to any concert footage released in later years.The eight songs which make up this film including 'Midnight Rambler', 'Satisfaction', 'I'm Free' and 'Sympathy For The Devil' are all highly enjoyable despite the fact that they would all improve no end by the time of the Stones U.S. tour towards the end of the year.

As any keen Stones fan knows the Hyde Park show was also turned into a tribute to Brian Jones who had died just two days earlier. Mick's reading from Shelley sounds rather quaint these days as does most of the rest of their performance (including Mick's dress). There was an aura and an authenticity about the Stones (and music in general those days) which was forever lost once corporate commercialism came into play in the eighties and consumerism became paramount.

In addition to the show there's brief interview footage with the band (although primarily Mick) and there are a few extras on this DVD version among which include the outtakes 'Mercy Mercy'.'Stray Cat Blues' and 'No Expectations' - all of which are perhaps not essential (despite some great slide guitar playing from Mick Taylor on the latter song).

All in all 'The Stones In The Park' may seem a little flawed but it's historic value is immense not just in terms of the Stones themselves but for musical/cultural history in general. For that i'd say it's an essential purchase.

July 5-th 1969 history on the strings was made when the Rolling Stones performed a free concert in Hyde Park in front of half a million people. This concert criminally ignored on DVD since now is featured here, alas in a not so happy technical presentation. Provided with a mono soundtrack and with somehow bluish pictures, still this remains quite a feast for the fans. As Mick said at one moment " A concert is not just to hear the music as it really is that's for the studio to do..." those expected crystal clear strains and video sharp like pictures should search elsewhere. There are eight live songs: Midnight Rambler, Satisfaction, I'm Free, I'm Yours She's Mine, Jumping Jack Flash, Honky Tonk Woman, Love in Vain and Sympathy for the Devil. Although not all are at 451 Fahrenheit (Satisfaction is sadly one of the letdowns) still image and music combined are worth the money and the forbidden fruit Sympathy.... is sang with the help of an African band in an unforgettable Voodoo like ceremony. Hells Angels are also seen there but they are more like Mengele's Angels judging from their SS uniforms and insignias. In total opposition with their Californian cousins at Altamont Concert (a few months later) they were harmful here, their age and fashion style reminding more of the lost children of Mad Max III movie than Easy Rider.
Another surprise is Paul McCartney seen in the crowd for a couple of seconds during end credits. In all not being an ordinary concert but " In Memoriam " one (Brian Jones being found dead two days before, in his swimming pool) this DVD will revive history for those not so fortunate to live it then.

Four and a half stars, really, for this very nice little film that's more a document of an event than of the concert that was the centerpeice of that event.

The sound is mono, which might bother some of you newfangled types, but it's fine with me. In _According to the Stones_ Keith Richards states that in terms of sound, this was one of their most abysmal shows ever. Which is a totally different issue than how well they're playing, mind you, but be aware that the sound on this dvd is pretty ... hm, authentic-sounding, shall we say. The groovy 60s-style camera "effects" get a little embarrassing a few times, and the camera's fixation with Mick Jagger is unfortunate - hello, there's a whole band at work up there, could we have some footage of them too please?!

But all in all it's a warm, charming and fascinating document of a very English afternoon that the Stones' free concert provided the excuse for, and of the Stones' gallant way of honouring Brian Jones.