KEITH RICHARDS/TALK IS CHEAP 209 265 (-88) GERMANY

An album getting fine reviews and selling very well at release, but today almost forgotten by the large public. It may be much of the initial positive response came from some common disappointment with the band's previous "Dirty Work" LP, together with this offering a lot more of that classic Stoneish rock'n'roll the fans fancied...and then after the band's "Steel Wheels" comeback fell into oblivion. Anyway it's still a very good rock album and one of the better from any Stone(s) that period. Reinforced by among others competent US guitarist Waddy Wachel and even Mick Taylor doing one track. Add to that Bobby Keys pitching in on sax and Steve Jordan's drumming sounding a lot like Charlie Watts and you're almost there. When listening today I gather any of these songs could have been a common Keith contribution to any Stones album from the mid-seventies and on - having similar rock foundation, emotions, easily digestible melodies and almost singing. So far so good, but to my ears there's something missing and believe it's Mick Jagger. Considering the circumstances that might be a terrible thing to say though I do think it makes sense. Wouldn't Jagger's solo efforts have been a lot better with a properly intoxicated Keith grinding on in the background? And just imagine "Imagine" with a perky Paul pitching in here and there, or "Ram" having a suitable Lennonish balance. If possible they would have been even better. Feel like I'm drifting away from the subject now as often happens when writing unprepared, but think I've made my point so I'll stop here. Issued and reissued on vinyl, cassette and CD all over the world through the years. First German had label as shown here, fully laminated cover and picture/credit inner. (RÅ*)