The Rolling Stones

This double-disc bootleg would be the greatest live Rolling Stones release ever if it were trimmed down to a single disc. There are four songs that are repeated on each disc in exactly the same versions ("Brown Sugar," "Angie," "Midnight Rambler," and "Street Fighting Man"), due to the fact that these performances were originally broadcast on two different King Biscuit Flower Hour radio shows back in 1974. Also, at the end of disc two, there is a completely asinine and unnecessary ten-minute Dudley Moore/Peter Cooke interview with Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts that should have been left in the vaults. But enough bad points; the fact of the matter is that the sound quality is superbly remastered from the master tapes, and would be untouchable if there weren't so many repeats. The definitive version of "Midnight Rambler" can be found here, scarier and more dangerous than either the studio or the Get Your Ya-Ya's Out! versions (complete with some deep vocal growls courtesy of Jagger). Also included are fabulous renditions of the thrashy "Rip This Joint" and the uncontainable blues energy of "All Down the Line" (listed incorrectly on disc two as "Jumpin' Jack Flash"). You'll also get inspired versions of the grim "Gimme Shelter" and "Dancing With Mr. D.," an invigorating "Jumpin' Jack Flash," and the dirty funk of "Heartbreaker." Headin' for an Overload was issued as a limited edition of 3,000 and contains a mini tour book, poster, postcards, and a two-sided duplicate of a Mick Jagger interview from Rolling Stone magazine. It's kind of a double-edged sword because you'll be paying for a double-disc set that's really just a single, but you'll be getting the ultimate Stones concert experience. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide