THE jangling pop hooks of cherished Melbourne band Even might not give it away, but singer and guitarist Ashley Naylor is very fond of The Rolling Stones.
Naylor will join an all-star line-up in Yarraville this Saturday night to launch a new music venue and celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Rolling Stones’ classic 1972 LP Exile On Main Street.
“This is the third time we’ve done this show; it’s nice to be bringing it over to the west,” he told the Weekly.
The Exile band features musicians such as Jack Howard of Hunters & Collectors and vocalists including Spencer P. Jones, Nick Barker and Naylor, one of Australian Guitar Magazine’s Top 50 Australian guitarists of all time.
Naylor says that although the night is a tribute to the Stones’ rollicking masterpiece, each of the artists leaves their own mark on the songs. “It’s not about replicating the sound of the album; it’s more about presenting them in a way that shows what they mean to the performers,” he said.
“I’ve always loved the Stones, but it’s never something I’ve tried to replicate. I’ve been into more concise music like The Smiths, The Beatles or REM; that’s where my writing has gone.”
The chance for Naylor to let his hair down is a big part of the show’s appeal as is a newfound appreciation for Exile On Main Street.
“It really is a monster of a record. It can take a few listens to get why it became regarded as a classic.
“The Stones, for me, are up there with The Beatles, Led Zeppelin or The Who — all these bands were born out of a love of rhythm and blues. They were just a bit more loose and played up to their wild reputation a bit.”
James Young, best known for popular city musical haunt Cherry Bar, says he’s excited to be bringing regular live music to the Yarraville Club.
“Yarraville and the new west represent a thriving, creative community crying out for a quality live music venue. With 2012 marking the 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones, it’s only fitting that we should also mark the 40th anniversary of the greatest rock’n’roll album of all time.”
The Exile On Main Street celebration is at the Yarraville Club, 135 Stephen Street, from 7pm on Saturday. Dinner and show: $45; general admission $25; via cherryrock.com.au
