To kick off discussion on an open thread last night, Tim F. over at Balloon Juice had this to say:

In my opinion, Steel Wheels marked the moment when the ‘Stones demoted themselves from legitimately cool to a legacy band on permanent tour. Discuss.

I remember when Steel Wheels was released back in 1989. High school. The band did an event to promote the record (or the tour, or both) at Grand Central Station. They rode in on a train, which I guess was a Stonesish thing to do.

I also remember that a friend gave me the tape, not as a present or anything. She just didn’t like it. I doubt she would have parted ways so easily with Exile on Main Street or whatever.

Other than “Mixed Emotions,” which I think was the single, I can recall only one track from the record: “Almost Hear You Sigh.” That was one I liked. Tune’s got more than a little cheese, yes, but I have to say it still hooks me.