Exile on main street

   Although the Rolling stones had cemented their reputation at the end of the sixties with 'Beggars Banquet' & 'Let it Bleed', they were facing problems with the taxman. As Bill wyman put it, even if they'd earnt a million pound they would have only seen £73,000 of it, & it would be very difficult to pay their debts. After a farewell party in Maidenhead, the band moved out to the south of France to record what would become 'Exile on main street', which contains the classic stones track 'Tumbling Dice'.
Keith Richards' house in villefranche-sur-mer was called 'Nellecote', & the tracks were recorded in the basement. Sunday night (may 23rd) saw a screening of the 'Imagine' show special about the making of the album, with behind the scenes footage & interviews with the band & many of those that were there at the time.For anyone that loves or plays music it provided a fascinating insight into the recording process & how the songs took shape. The expanded edition of the album is available now, & for those with deeper pockets there is a version that includes a dvd too. The programme was followed by a showing of the Stones 2006 concert in Brazil, where they played to over a million people on copacabana beach.
The stones once sang about 'Dead flowers', but it was quite the opposite this week at the annual Chelsea flower show. As always it proved to be an absolute delight for gardeners of all ages & abilities, with plenty to inspire even if us mere humble mortals can't quite match the efforts of the experts. By all accounts the weather was kind too, as in England it's notoriously unpredictable!
The England football team have also proved unpredictable over the years, & this week they rounded off their preparations for the world cup with wins over mexico & japan. Next stop is south Africa when the serious business begins with a potentially tricky tie against the usa.
Talking of football & Chelsea, former manager jose mourinho is on the move again. Having guided Inter Milan to champions league success, he's now become manager of Real Madrid. Amongst those he's rumored to be interested in signing are Frank Lampard & Ashley cole. 'Hands off!' say all chelsea fans, though given his off field problems this season, Ashley cole may be tempted to have a fresh start, & there's always the money of course!
Sad news of the week: Dennis Hopper dies from prostate cancer-there is now a simple blood test available if any of you are worried.
Quote of the week: seen on the back of a lorry:'Indian Driver-smoke signals only!'
Album of the week: Rolling Stones 'Exile on main street'
'Exile on Main StreetExile on Main StreetExile on Main St. [Super Deluxe Edition]Exile on Main Street [Vinyl]