According to the Rolling Stones

Rating:
Summary: Great story of 4 rockers and 3 invisible elephants
Review: This book makes for more than just a nice coffee table book. It's got more than cool shots (a good many of them posed for) and interesting tales of the band by its four remaining members (and a host of interviews by collaborators, fans and close friends). What's missing from the book almost speaks louder than wha'ts in it. It is inevitable to stumble upon the absence of ANY quotes from the late Brian Jones, his substitute Mick Taylor or the former bass player Bill Wyman. It's the proverbial invisible elephant in the room! Let's face it: the book is more about the vibe and chemistry that kept the surviving members together through the years. Those left behind (like Wyman) have only themselves or their legends to speak for them. Because of this, I take a star off my rating, and leave it still at a good four stars, because it is still a nice document.

Rating:
Summary: Puff Piece
Review: This book provides a very simplistic view of the sociological ramifications of the Rolling Stones. One or two of the other online reviewers correctly state that this book provides a very limited view of the Stones, in that Watts and Wood seem to be mostly "yes men," and no one who would contest Mick and Keith are given a voice. Where are Bill Wyman, Mick Taylor, Marianne Faithfull, Anita Pallenberg et al.?
Way too much space is devoted to the period after 1972. I couldn't care less about their disco period, the 80s, etc. Half of the book involves Ron Wood who is, at best, a mediocre guitar player. One chapter is entitled "The New Kid" (referring to Wood). Barf. The majority of the book should have focused on '62-'72. I suppose the Stones feel obligated to talk about such garbage as "Dirty Work", but it's only to make those later pieces seem more important than they were. Ron Wood wrote many of the songs on "Dirty Work". What does that tell you about his ability?
The multitude of photographs point to the fact the rock and roll is mostly a visual phenomenon these days (probably caused by the Stones!). Substance is not as important as attitude, looks, and for lack of a better word "coolness". It's sad to see less intellectual content and more filler from the people who gave us "Gimme Shelter", "Satisfaction", "Dead Flowers", etc.
After just seeing the documentary "Gimme Shelter," it becomes painfully obvious that the Stones were probably washed up as early as 1970. Ironically, it may have been Mick Taylor (who is trashed by everyone interviewed) who kept them going musically for the next few years. I'm not sure if it's true but I read that many of the tracks for "Exile on Main Street" were written during the sessions for "Let It Bleed". Interesting.
Is it possible that Keith's drug problems completely ruined the band and that they couldn't come up with new, good material after he became addicted to heroin in `69? None of this is explored. In fact, no topic is approached with the level headedness you would hope for from men in their 60s.
Consideration is given to whether Wood or Jagger wrote "It's Only Rock and Roll." It's like arguing over who deserves credit for picking Eagleton as McGovern's running mate.
Even with his loyalty to the bosses, Watts provides reasonably interesting material. Mick Jagger's sections are a total waste, just pathetic in terms of providing insight. I'm convinced after reading this book and seeing "Gimme Shelter" that Mick Jagger has the mind of a child. Keith basically goofs around. This shouldn't come as a shock if you have seen any footage from the `60s where Richards' PR consisted of him sticking his tongue out at a camera.
"Stone Alone" by Wyman is a quantum leap above this book, although in fairness to "According to the Rolling Stones", this is really a children's book and shouldn't be compared to Wyman's serious effort.


Rating:
Summary: Fine book..........but the Wyman book is much better!
Review: This is more like a bound volume of personal interviews with the
band. To me, the Bill Wyman book "Rolling With The Stones" is still unsurpassed as a complete work.

Rating:
Summary: The BEST Rolling Stones book EVER!
Review: When I received this as a present from my brother, Scott, I did not know what to expect. What I got was a GREAT BOOK with tons of info on the STONES!! There is so much I did not know about Mick and the boys. I mean, this book even talks about what Mick Jagger would think about when on the road!! It talked about how Keith smokes in order to STAY IN SHAPE!!! The Music that the stones is one thing, but the BOOK is another!!! This is the MUST HAVE book for anybody who considers themselves part of the Church of Mick!! Thank you Scott, for the most comprehensive book ever to be published on Ron Wood, Mick etc!!! This was the best!!!!!! I shall cherish it always and want to world to know it!!!

Rating:
Summary: The BEST Rolling Stones book EVER!
Review: When I received this as a present from my brother, Scott, I did not know what to expect. What I got was a GREAT BOOK with tons of info on the STONES!! There is so much I did not know about Mick and the boys. I mean, this book even talks about what Mick Jagger would think about when on the road!! It talked about how Keith smokes in order to STAY IN SHAPE!!! The Music that the stones is one thing, but the BOOK is another!!! This is the MUST HAVE book for anybody who considers themselves part of the Church of Mick!! Thank you Scott, for the most comprehensive book ever to be published on Ron Wood, Mick etc!!! This was the best!!!!!! I shall cherish it always and want to world to know it!!!