Rolling Stones Unearth 10 New Tracks For 'Exile' Reissue

The Rolling Stones, who have long resisted releasing archival material, will include 10 previously unheard songs in an upcoming reissue of "Exile on Main Street," the group's representatives said on Thursday.

The original 1972 release, a sprawling two-disc set regarded by many observers as one of their greatest works, features such notable tracks as "Tumbling Dice" and "Happy."

It was recorded in the grim basement of a French villa once used by the Gestapo. Guitarist Keith Richards was consumed at the time by a heroin addiction and singer Mick Jagger was distracted by his new wife, Bianca.

The reissue, due out in the United States on May 18 and a day earlier internationally through Vivendi's Universal Music Group, will be supplemented by new tracks with such titles as "Plundered My Soul," "Dancing in the Light," "Following the River" and "Pass The Wine."

While the Stones have been widely bootlegged, the four disclosed titles appeared to be unknown to collectors. Alternate versions of the album tracks "Soul Survivor" and "Loving Cup" will also be included. A publicist said she did not have information on the other titles.

Jagger told Rolling Stone magazine that he and Richards overdubbed percussion and guitar, respectively, on some of the bonus tracks.

They oversaw the project with producer Don Was, who has worked with the band for 15 years. The singer also wrote fresh lyrics for "Following the River."

Jagger has been reluctant to open the band's vaults because he views the veteran British band that dates back to 1962 as a contemporary rather than a nostalgia act.

Peers such as Bob Dylan and David Bowie, as well as thriving younger acts like U2, have been less resistant to the idea of dusting off outtakes and other rarities.

The reissue will also be complemented by a made-for-TV documentary, "Stones in Exile," which features rare archival film footage and photos as well as fresh interviews.

The album will be available in three configurations: the original 18-track release; an edition with the bonus tracks; and a package that also includes a vinyl version, a different 30-minute documentary DVD and a book.