The Rolling Stones - Rock and Roll Circus Review

The Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus, filmed over two days in December 1968 by director Michael Lindsay-Hogg (Let It Be), is an incredible time capsule capturing a unique moment in time when rock music was at its peak. Viewed 40 years on, when commodified crapmongers like the Jonas Brothers are what pass for rock stars, the film is a remarkable document of a long-gone era.

In addition to the self-proclaimed "Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band in the World," the bill featured The Who, Jethro Tull, Marianne Faithfull, Taj Mahal, and "The Dirty Mac," a supergroup comprised of John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Mitch Mitchell. The film was shelved for almost 30 years (it was released on VHS in '96) because Mick Jagger wasn't satisfied with his performance, feeling that the other acts, particularly the Who, came off better than the Stones.

He may have had a point, but I'm glad he finally saw the light and allowed the release of this tasty slice of rock history. Combining performance footage with interludes of down-at-the-heels circus acts, the show starts off with Jethro Tull doing "A Song for Jeffrey," the only number that's not 100% live, as Ian Anderson had to sing to a prerecorded backing track, due to the recent departure of guitarist Mick Abrahams (future Black Sabbath axeman Tony Iommi fills in, miming the guitar part). Taj Mahal is next, kicking out the jams on "Ain't That a Lot of Love," followed by the Who's blazing rendition of their mini-rock-opera "A Quick One (While He's Away)," which for many years was the only part of the show to see the light of day when it was featured in The Kids Are Alright. Charlie Watts then introduces "The beautiful Miss Marianne Faithfull," who does a nice job on the Gerry Goffin- Carole King compostion "Something Better."

The Dirty Mac segement kicks off in high style with a scorching version of the Beatles' "Yer Blues," but then Yoko Ono comes on (in a bag) and proceeds to screech like a monkey while the band jams behind her. Clapton's bemused expression is priceless. Ono made some interesting records and influenced such artists as the B-52s and the Slits, among others, but her unwelcome presence here brings the whole scene down, man...

Then it's time for the headliners, but unfortunately for the Stones, they waited two days to play, and they're less than fresh. Still, their set definitely has its moments, and marks Brian Jones's last appearance on stage, looking very dissolute. Their set, taken mostly from their just-released Beggar's Banquet LP, includes "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Parachute Woman," "No Expectations," "You Can't Always Get What You Want," "Sympathy For the Devil," and the closing singalong "Salt Of The Earth."

The DVD is beautifully remastered, the colors pop, and the mono sound mix by Glyn Jones sounds incredibly fresh. There are some cool extras and a nice booklet as well.

All in all, a flawed masterpiece from a high water mark of British rock.

Available on DVD from Abkco Films.