Keith Richards Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Richards' second solo album is even more delightfully focused than his first. Highlights include "Wicked as It Seems," "Eileen," and the searing "999." New Rolling Stones albums should rock this hard. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
'Live at the Hollywood Palladium (December 15, 1988)'
Release Date 1/1/1988
Tracks 13
Label Virgin
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Recorded on December 15, 1988, during the tour for Talk Is Cheap, Live at the Hollywood Palladium is a loose, groove-laden affair, featuring the best from Keith Richards' first solo album as well as some Stones classics -- mostly tunes he took lead vocals on. Opening with "Take It So Hard," the first thing that hits the listener is the lack of the gloss that was probably the only drawback to Talk Is Cheap, which is a very good thing, because while the album was still leaps and bounds more real than, say, Dirty Work, this live collection is loose without ever getting away from the band, and has an organic feel not present in the Stones' work since the early '70s. Rockers like "Whip It Up" and "Struggle" swagger, while Sarah Dash shines on "Make No Mistake" and "Time Is On My Side." Richards even manages to get into the reggae groove without sounding too clichéd on "Too Rude." Live at the Hollywood Palladium is a solid live album that stands head and shoulders above most of the Stones' live records, and is easily a must-have for any serious Rolling Stones or Keith Richards fan. ~ Chris True, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In 1987, it was anyone's guess if the Stones would ever get back together. Sure, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were well known for their public disagreements, but when Jagger decided to tour in support of his second solo album, Primitive Cool, Richards was disheartened and finally succumbed to the idea of recording without the Rolling Stones. Taking the band he had assembled to back up Chuck Berry for the Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll documentary (along with longtime session player Waddy Wachtel), Richards put together an album that was straightforward, musical, and better than a good portion of the Stones' output in the first half of the '80s. The lead single "Take It So Hard," "Whip It Up," and "Struggle" are classic Richards riffology, and tracks like "Locked Away" are emotional without being maudlin and worldly but not sounding adult contemporary. The main point of Talk Is Cheap is the music, nothing more; Richards obviously didn't want to fret about anything but the groove. While Jagger's solo work sounded like Mick with some studio musicians, Keith had assembled a band, found a productive songwriting partner in Steve Jordan, and created a record that was free of frills. Simply put, Richards sounded like he was playing for himself, and playing with a certain sense of enjoyment. The new band, the X-pensive Winos, had a different work ethic than the Stones, forcing Richards to focus on the music. What resulted was a solid album built on fundamentals rather than style. It's hard not to see who the real musical force was in the Stones after hearing Talk Is Cheap. ~ Chris True, All Music Guide
