Keith Richards - Talk Is Cheap

It made sense that Keith Richards's first solo album offered better Chuck Berry-derived rockers than Mick "Keep Up with the Times" Jagger's, but who knew that Richards would give up more of the funk, too? His X-Pensive Winos (with estimable drummer Steve Jordan filling the Charlie Watts role) lay it down in a tight-but-loose fashion, and it doesn't hurt that Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell drop by, either. The best surprise of all, though, is the rueful, Cajun-tinged ballad "Locked Away." --Rickey Wright Amazon.com

Finding His Feet . . .

While Mick Jagger was busy making lousy records and even lousier movies during the Stones' late 80s' breakup, Keith Richards made this album with a group he called The X-Pensive Winos. Neither Stone would enjoy the commercial success they enjoyed in the band, but Keith won the critical battle easily. This album, featuring the Winos as well as guest stars like Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell, went back to the roots of what the Stones were all about, great rock and roll songs with R&B leanings. Check out the wonderful "Locked Away" and the incredible duet with Sara Dash, "Make No Mistake". There's rockabilly on "I could Have Stood You Up", a little funk on "Big Enough" and plenty of attitude on "Whip It Up" and "Take It So Hard". This album was a great return to "The Human Riff's" roots and a statement on just who the talent is in the Jagger-Richards partnership. January 21, 2008

Keith & The Winos!

I bought this CD back in 1989, and it is Keith's best solo studio album. Who ever knew that Keith vocally could carry a whole album? He's joined by a stellar cast of musicians : WADDY WACHTEL, IVAN NEVILLE, STEVE JORDAN, and guest vocalist SARAH DASH [ formerly of Labelle ] really adds to this album vocally. I especially like ROCK AWHILE which has some great hooks & gritty vocals from Keith & Sarah, as well as the Memphis style horns on the duet [ ! ] between Keith & Sarah Dash, as well as the opening cut BIG ENOUGH, WHIP IT UP, TAKE IT SO HARD. Gritty, growling Keith & company with lots of R&B influences on this CD. He took this band out on the road to do this material live, & I highly recommend the LIVE AT THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM , which has many of these songs live as well as the Stones' CONNECTION , and a torrid version of TIME IS ON MY SIDE sung by Sarah Dash. January 8, 2008

Keith Richards solo is Classic! Look for great "Out of Tears" cover

Speaking of great Keith Songs, Sandra Bernhard covers "Out of Tears" on "everything bad & beautiful" (limited edition only) and it is outrageous--the song is a great find too! Definitely something to own for a Keith or Stones fan.Everything Bad & Beautiful August 8, 2007

Keith's best, but not a five star effort

This might be a five-star Keith Richards' solo effort, but it is not a classic album by any means. What this album seems to miss most of all is Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts. Many folks believe that the absence of Jagger is a positive but I totally disagree. The Rolling Stones were a band, not the Keef project. As much as I believe that a strong case can be made for Richards' as the most influential guitarist in all of rock, in order for the Stones to be the greatest rock and roll band ever, they needed the unique jazzy chops of Watts and the inimitable Mick Jagger. It's naive to think that Keith wrote all the music and Jagger merely came up with lyrics. For anyone who knows a little history, even Keith admits that he didn't provide the music for all the hits (nor, for that matter, did Jagger write all the words).
That being said, this is a highly enjoyable album with a very loose, funky, vibe to accompany the expected riff and roll that comes from Richards. An entire recording with Keith's vocals, however, only shows one way in which Jagger is missed. Additionally, there isn't much of interest lyrically. The strongest lyrics are those that speak of the fractured relationship the Glimmer Twins had at this point and they are typical Keith - blunt and to the point.
Don't delude yourself into thinking that this is the lost Stones classic so many have been pining for - it is not. It is a fun party record that will move your body and bring a smile to your face. June 8, 2007

Funky punky rock

Keith shows his raw earthy talent,with almost a garage band feel...although a very tight professional garage band. Keith's raspy singing is perfectly soulful with a dash of punk, and all the women singing backup are excellent. It gets better each time I listen to it. A classic. January 14, 2007

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