Shine a Light

FLICK I've never seen the Rolling Stones perform live, but the next best thing is seeing their documentary concert Shine a Light on an IMAX screen. The rocking charity benefit concert (celebrating Bill Clinton’s 60th birthday) of over 20 songs is lightly interspersed with old film clips of the band most of which showing them speculating on a probable career in music. Martin Scorsese, who directed the performance, is seen at the beginning of the film considering camera placements and his obsessing pays off.

Backed by regulars Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts plus backup singers, a keyboardist and a horn section, Mick Jagger is front and center with cameras covering every angle and every wrinkle on everyone’s face. (And how many things dangle from Richards' hair?) New York's Beacon Theatre may be an intimate setting but the energy is high and the music kicks butt. Though a little commentary and a few interviews would offer insight, it would disrupt the forceful pacing of the music.

Classics like "As Tears Go By", "Tumbling Dice" and "Jumping Jack Flash" sound as fresh today as when they were created. Special guests included blues guitarist Buddy Guy who lends a smoking hand on the Muddy Waters tune, "Champagne and Reefer". Christina Aguilera plays well with the big boys on "Live With Me." And Jack White of White Stripes effortlessly joins Jagger for a duet on "Loving Cup". I'm not sure if White is into older men but the two sounded convincing when singing together, as if to each other: "See your face dancing in the flame, feel your mouth kissing me again, what a beautiful buzz…"

If you’ve not been to a Stones concert, start yourself up and go get some satisfaction.