The Rolling Stones this year celebrated their 50th birthday as a band. It's the right year, therefore, for the band- Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ian Stewart, Brian Jones and Bill Wyman- to release a greatest hits album, aptly titled 'GRRR', as well as some new music- the first to be released in 6 years, and it's been 20 years since their last hit.

'GRRR!' will include their biggest hits including 'I Can't Get No (Satisfaction)', 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' and 'Street Fighting Man' alongside 47 others, or 77 others if you get the 80 track edition. The record will also include two new songs. 'Doom and Gloom' was released today to a soberly positive reception and a general feeling of excitement as they release dates for their upcoming tour.

The single harps back to a golden age of grit and energy that seemed to have faded in their later years. The Telegraph describes the track as an “energised, uptempto blues attack” and the NY Times states that it's a “classic, apocalyptic blues-rock-stomp”. But neither review seems entirely enamoured by the rock-veterans musical offerings. The general consensus seems to be that, although good, the track never quite reaches the heights that it promises, its potential is left unreached. “It lacks the real juice and wayward spirit of those bygone days.” However, one can't sniff at the clear effort that the band, whose average age is 68.25, is still putting into their music- it's admirable.

The band are staying alive with dates set all the way up until next years' Glastonbury Festival where there rumoured to be headlining, thought to be a farewell show. They'll also be playing around four shows, at least two of which are rumoured to be in London this November. As further celebration of their 50 years, there are also two documentaries on the band coming out this year as well as a book. 'GRRR!' will be released worldwide on November 12th, and on the 13th in the US.