Satisfaction Guaranteed (Vinyl Gang VGP-378)
Satisfaction Guaranteed is the final (by catalogue number) Vinyl Gang Product. The title and cover art are a copy of the 1978 vinyl boot release of the same name which contained selections from these concerts. Vinyl Gang’s massive five disc set covers three shows in the middle of the Stones’ Some Girls tour, two of the three make their commercial bootleg debut here.
Rich Stadium, Buffalo NY – July 4th, 1978
Disc 1: Let It Rock, All Down The Line, Honky Tonk Women, Star Star, When The Whip Comes Down, Lies, Miss You, Beast Of Burden, Shattered
Disc 2: Just My Imagination, Respectable, Far Away Eyes, Love In Vain, Tumbling Dice, Happy, Sweet Little Sixteen, Brown Sugar, Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Discs 1 & 2 contains the complete July 4th holiday show at Rich Stadium in Buffalo New York. The sound quality of this tape is thin, distant and distorted and is the worst of the three contained tapes in this set. It is listenable and enjoyable, however, and the big crowd is very respectful and not at all intrusive. Before “Love In Vain” Mick wishes the U.S. a happy birthday. After “Shattered” he welcomes all those who came from New York and Canada since this was the closest they get on the tour. There is an unexplained coolness in the performance rendering the show rather flat and overall mediocre.
Soldier Field, Chicago IL – July 8th, 1978
Disc 3: Don’t Look Back (w/Jagger), Let It Rock, All Down The Line, Honky Tonk Women, Star Star, When The Whip Comes Down, Lies, Miss You, Beast Of Burden
Disc 4: Just My Imagination, Shattered, Respectable, Far Away Eyes, Love In Vain, Tumbling Dice, Happy, Sweet Little Sixteen, Brown Sugar, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Satisfaction
Discs 3 & 4 documents the complete Soldier Field concert in Chicago four days later. This tape was first released on CD as Speed Freaks on the Black ‘n Blue label and as Tight Dresses and Tampax on Vinyl Gang (VGP-145). This is a much better tape than Buffalo and a more satisfying performance. The outdoor concert produces the expected “breathing” effect on the tape. There is also evidence of mastering by the label making the applause sound like rain drops falling. The crowd around the microphone are much more vocal in their appreciation and what a show! “You’re too f***ing respectable” Mick shouts before “Respectable” in obvious jest. Everything works in this show although the best is reserved for the Some Girls numbers.
Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, MO – July 11th, 1978
Disc 5 Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, MO – July 11th, 1978: Let It Rock, All Down The Line, Honky Tonk Women, Star Star, When The Whip Comes Down, Beast Of Burden, Lies, Miss You, Just My Imagination, Shattered, Respectable, Far Away Eyes, Love In Vain, Tumbling Dice
Disc 5 has the first three fourths of the Saint Louis show on July 11th. Being the only indoor concert in this set makes it the best recorded of the three. Clear, up-front and loud, the band deliver a great set for the Saint Louis crowd! It’s been said this show contains the best version of “Beast of Burden” ever and it’s hard to argue. The guitar interplay between Keith and Woody are perfection! The best since the Mick Taylor years. A worthy way for VGP to go out of production and a great compilation of a great Stones tour.
