There are a dozen, at least, things

To love about the Stones', Exile on Main Street.

"Really, Keef, I thought that Margaux was disappointing."

But the thing I love most about this masterpiece is how, even though Exile has a "modest" hit on it, Tumbling Dice, and a couple of FM radio staples, All Down the Line, and Happy, that it still seems like that cult, secret, record that you push on to friends, "Hey, check this out, Man."  It is the largest secret available, an absolute subversive massive monster that millions can feel like they are the only person that understands the record, truly.

Accidental, prob.  The group were not pleased with the results until someone told them otherwise.  But how fucking often are rock groups aware of greatness? They almost always get it wrong.  They do not get it right until the cash registers ring, or (in the Stones' case) Griel Marcus says, "It is okay."

And, just for good measure, my fave Exile story is Keef saying he is gonna check on his son, and disappearing for three days (doing smack.)

And, my fave moment on the record is Jimmy Miller's brill idea to put the horns on late on Rocks Off (the most under appreciated Stones' song of all-time) like he did with Bitch (maybe my fave Stones' song ever, Gimme Shelter and Live With Me are pretty good, too.)