An artist now does not need a reason to tour. Bob Dylan has brought Rough and Rowdy Ways to the stage for the fourth year running, despite the project celebrating half a decade since its release this year. More and more, artists are finding not just their footing on stage but the freedom to be there without something to promote. It feels like promotion and performance goes hand in hand, especially for The Rolling Stones’ 1975 US tour, which prompted the creation of Made in the Shade. Indeed it was. A solid compilation, a supremely gifted collection of their works post-Allen Klein split, with two of the songs handed off to their old label surprisingly included here too. We should be thankful Brown Sugar and Wild Horses made the cut, because The Rolling Stones’ suggestions of what should feature on their compilation effort leaves a little to be desired.
Combating the titan-like Decca Records with a compilation of their own, The Rolling Stones’ Made in the Shade is an arguably superior compilation to that of their old label’s offering. Rolled Gold has extraordinary merit, absolutely, though this collection of post-label split songs comes four years after the Klein fallout. It still finds itself in the shadow of the former label, but does not fail to grow. Made in the Shade is a magnificent piece of work which compiles some steady favourites from the band at the time. It is a delight to see Happy and Tumbling Dice in the mix with Rip This Joint and Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker), not just because these songs work well together, but because it shines a light on the lesser-loved records in The Rolling Stones’ discography.
It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll and Goats Head Soup are paid their dues here, although the inclusions of Bitch from Sticky Fingers and Dance Little Sister from It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll feel like questionable choices given the quality found elsewhere on those records. Even still, a fine place to put them and it is a matter of strengthening weaker material. These are songs compiled to prove the band had something to flog as they toured the United States once more. You cannot leave home without packing a bag, a band cannot tour for the sake of it, not in the 1970s, anyway. This is your straight-shooting compilation effort which neither tries to hinge itself on an unreleased or alternative edition, nor gouge your wallet under the impression there is something new on here. Made in the Shade is a sweet collection of songs from a time of sickly endurance.
That is the contrast Made in the Shade highlights, decades on from its release. It was likely clear at the time too, a decade of decadence and isolation following the supertax hitting bands throughout the 1960s. Perhaps that is why The Rolling Stones felt more comfortable when performing Stateside. These songs are informed by the drugged-up, drinking days of The Stones at what is perhaps their most volatile, and also their most interesting artistically. Those creative highs are not connected with the chemical ones, it is happenstance that they occur at once. But Made in the Shade provides a brief stop-off, a taster session for a time in The Rolling Stones’ career where the wheels started to come off.
