No, I don't think it is. I don't think that the Rolling Stones ever started out to be some off-beat, alternative band. They started with the idea of making hit records. Of being "recording artists" and all that. Dwelling in some obscure corner of music sub-culture was not what they were doing it for.
God it almost pains me - a DeadHead - to say this, but, perhaps, and just maybe perhaps, but perhaps nonetheless, the Rolling Stones are the greatest rock band ever.
IF --- and its not even an if --- The blues had a baby and they called it rock and roll, then the RS are the real deal. If 19th Nervous Breakdown was released today it would be an alternative classic from that day one. Jumping Jack Flash, right on rock. And Sympathy for the Devil is still the most evil rock song ever done. Thought they might have made a lot of crap, I'll take their top ten hits against any other band if it comes down to doing Rhythm and Blues as being the defining moment of rock and roll - and at that - the defining moment of rock and roll being Rhythm and Blues is Exile on Main Street.
Exile on Main Street, Beggers Banquet, Satanic Majesties Request, Aftermath, and of course, Let It Bleed. Most band never get a greatest hits as good as any one of those records are worth.