The early Stones were adolescent rockers. They were self-conscious in an obvious and unpretentious way. And they were committed to a musical style that needed no justification because it came so naturally to them. As they grew musically the mere repetition of old rock and blues tunes became increasingly less satisfying.

I saw my rock'n'roll past flash before my eyes. And I saw something else: I saw rock and roll future and its name is Bruce Springsteen. And on a night when I needed to feel young, he made me feel like I was hearing music for the very first time.

'Call Me' is not an exceptional Al Green album, but it is as solid as a rock at its center.

The Stones were always exemplary of one of the best of all rock qualities: tightness. They have always been economical, the opposite of ornamental. Having a very clear idea of what they wanted to say they could go into a studio and make it all up on a three minute cut.

Ringo Starr may not have much of a voice, but when he sang a song on a Beatle album, it had its own special charm.

The early Bob Dylan was compulsively drawn to the conflict between stability and the search for immortality.

'Let's Get It On' is a classic Motown single, endlessly repeatable and always enjoyable.