Yesterday, December 2nd, The Rolling Stones released their first studio album since 2005. The Follow up to A Bigger Bang? Drum Roll Please. Mick, Keith, Ronnie, and Charlie bring fans around the world a blues-infused, revival-wrought album, Blue and Lonesome. But, what might be even more important than the final relief from a nearly twelve-year dry spell from the rock legends is the music video premiere for their single “Ride ‘Em Down”.
According to Pitchfork, director Francois Rousselet shot the video. The french director is credited for working with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Diplo, and DJ Fresh. With this in mind, something smells a lot like The Stones inhabiting a different kind of followership, something a little less dad-rock, and something a little more, well current?
Although the song itself is without a doubt an homage to that of long-standing influences for The Rolling Stones, like Howlin’ Wolf and Jimmy Reed (the new album actually features covers by both artists), the video stars a much more “contemporary” starlet on the Hollywood screens. Kristen Stewart, leading lady of The Twilight Saga, is pictured sans bra, with a big ol’ blue lollipop and a matching fastback Mustang to boot (oh and don’t forget the cigarette hanging out of her mouth, while grinding up on a gas pump…hi mom!).
While the blues-y element of the single seem like a stark contrast to the twenty-something year old, pop-culture icon, The Stones manage to synthesize the two generations beautifully; telling that and this era that maybe it’s ALL just a little blue…and lonesome out there.
Leave a Comment