The early Stones : from R & B and the blues to Chuck Berry -- Toward an original direction : Aftermath to Their satanic majesties request -- Supernaturally charged blues : Beggars banquet (1968) -- "This record should be played loud" : Let it bleed (1969) -- 1970s overture : Sticky fingers (1971) -- Elegantly wasted : Exile on Main Street (1972) -- Twilight of the idols : To some girls and beyond.