Black and Blue is a much maligned yet very under-rated album by the Rolling Stones. The sound quality for one is second to none in their collection, particularly the drum mix (just about perfect, even under the high standards of Charlie Watts). Although "Hot Stuff" has generally left me cold, tunes like "Hand of Fate" and "Hey Negrita" are rock solid and have quite an edge to them. "Memory Motel" and "Melody" are both adventurous numbers and among the most interesting the Stones produced in the 70's. There is a freshness here lacking from Goat's Head Soup and It's Only Rock'n'roll. Black and Blue may seem abbreviated with only 8 tracks and it was an album where 3 guitarists were being auditioned , yet the sound of the group is maintained. "Fool to Cry" may seem a bit sappy but it is still a well constructed song, much better than say "Emotional Rescue" . All in all, a good album.