Plus Keith Richards had apparently put in with Sweet Lady H around this time, and the fallout from that was only just beginning. Mortality was about to become a permanent fixture for the Stones, as perennial third party spoiler Brian Jones died just a few months prior to the release of this album. There is something earthier and finite about this record, like the band finally came upon their own mortality laying in the gutter, picked it up, brushed it off, and dragged into the nearest bar for a round and a jam session. Let It Bleed is dirty and decidedly dark and I like it. Let It Bleed is a bit of a departure from the more upbeat Beggars Banquet or the sprawling genius of Exile on Main St. But this week, I might have found the Rolling Stones record I can love. If you had asked me last week if I had a favorite Rolling Stones album, I probably would have changed the subject. With the band understandably refusing to play ball on any recording laying in the vaults, it’s hard to see how ABKCO could have had a better farewell.Mendelsohn: Klinger, Let It Bleed might be my favorite Rolling Stones album. Keith Richards’ first album vocal, on You Got The Silver, remains one of his most affecting and by the wondrous finale You Can’t Always Get What You Want, the Stones were the perfect blend of danger and experience. It’s not all paranoia and sulphur, as Mick Taylor is introduced gently into the Stones on the relaxed Live With Me and the album’s only annoyance, the unnecessary Country Honk version of Honky Tonk Women.

Continuing the golden run started by the previous year’s Beggars Banquet, Gimme Shelter is matched for darkness by Midnight Rambler, while Monkey Man is a sequel to Sympathy For The Devil in pitch-black grooves. To these ears, the mono version no longer does the Stones’ experimentation justice, but at least you get the option. It’s not cheap at £130, but LLV has seen much worse value recently.

Crucially, the album itself is presented on both vinyl and CD in the box, in mono and stereo editions. With the exception of the In Mono albums collection, Let It Bleed is by far the most lavish package ABKCO have assembled: an 80-page book, three lithographs and the Honky Tonk Women 7″ join the album’s original poster. The final Stones album of the 60s, Let It Bleed was also their last on Decca, meaning Allen Klein’s estate have one last chance to go to town on the catalogue.

The rolling stones let it bleed