I just bought "Hail to the Thief" earlier this week. Haven't yet digested the lyrics, but I definitely like the tunes.
Regarding the age issue, all artist with long term careers have a pretty well defined peak period, but what's interesting is that the recorded peak period may or may not coincide with their live performance peak. That may be what has happened with the Rolling Stones. I'm one of those who thinks "Exiles" and "Sticky Fingers" were the apogee, but everyone who I've spoken to says they still put on a tremendous live show. It's ironic when you consider that Jagger was quoted in his 20s saying he couldn't imagine still doing it (playing rock 'n roll) when he was in his 40s.
Let's not forget that "Sweet NeoCon" is not the Stones first venture into political thought. "Satisfaction" was considered a protest song upon it's release. "Street Fighting Man" was banned from many radio playlist since it seemed to endorse urban rioting. "Salt of the Earth" is a prayer for the hard working people, the stay at home voter, the common foot soldier... And last but not least, "Undercover Of the Night" portrays how even rich white British musicians care about those missing in Central America. Just because you're an ex-drug addict, have lots of illegitimate children and don't want to pay high taxes doesn't mean you can't have an opinion.
