On episode 7 of Past Prime, Matty & Steve sit down in their bespoke suits for a cup of Earl Grey tea to discuss The Rolling Stones' 1994 "comeback" album, "Voodoo Lounge." Released after a string of tepid albums and more frequent and public spats between The Glimmer Twins, the band got into the studio with taskmaster Don Was and aimed to reclaim some of their greatness. The result was a bloated, if beloved, album that sounded like The Stones' politely imitating The Stones. Mothers and fathers were delighted by it familiarity. They shared it with their children. Together, half of the people on Earth went to see the gargantuan tour. MTV played the video with the band walking around New York City, taller than skyscrapers. If you were alive in 1994, you were very aware of "Voodoo Lounge."

Matty suggests that "Voodoo Lounge" sounds like a well delivered press release from Rolling Stones Inc. Steve suggests it sounds like expensive plastic surgery. They both agree that the two songs that Keith sings -- "The Worst" and "Through and Through" -- are actually the best songs on the album. As lifelong Stones fans, they miss Billy Preston on piano. They miss when the guys would sing back up. But they don not miss "Dirty Work" or "Steel Wheels." It's easy for our hosts to conclude that "Voodoo Lounge" is a step forward after several steps back. But like man of us, they do wonder if Mick will ever lay off the dick jokes and lady car metaphors. 

To read more about The Rolling Stones' "Voodoo Lounge," check out the full essay at Past Prime.