Keith Richards' first solo record resulted from an inabilty to keep The Rolling Stones working after the release of the 1986 album Dirty Work. Nevertheless, it is regarded by many as a classic rock and roll record that proved Richards was the core creator for the band he formed in 1962 with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones. Richards did not shy away from songs which exemplified his past ("Take it so Hard" and "Struggle"), yet Talk is Cheap is a complete record, and more memorable for an emerging confidence and mature musical voice.

Sessions

Pre-preduction began in New York, and Los Angeles. Bernie Worrell the LA funk producer helped Richards round up some classic funk musicians to work on what would be the opening track, "Big Enough". Worrell, Bootsy Collins and Maceo Parker from James Brown's backing band play on the funky, horn inspired, lead track. Recording took place in Montreal and Montserrat. Richards intentionally chose not to use any Rolling Stones unreleased material; instead, he built a record from the ground up, comparing the songwriting process to the ancient art of weaving. Except for the song "Make no Mistake", he worked in and outside the studio with Steve Jordan to craft songs which reflect his own taste and talent as a singer and songwriter.

Talk is Cheap in the Stones Discography

The record became a cause celeb in rock and roll circles when it was clear Mick Jagger was intent on abandoning the Rolling Stones legacy for a solo career. Little Steven of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band encouraged Richards to record his own record, partially to prove that the Rolling Stones were still a vital force in rock and roll. Richards often said he never wanted to do a solo record because it would just sound like a Rolling Stones album with him singing. If fans of the Stones couldn't get the real thing, Jagger's two solo albums, She's the Boss (1985) and Primitive Cool (1987), did not excite attention, at least they could get the second best. Lyrics read in light of the fued between the Glimmer Twins indicate that Richards himself felt under appreciated. Well hung friend of mine, he's size 8, I'm size 9 is a line from "I Could of Stood You Up", a song recorded with ex-Rolling Stones Mick Taylor and Stones confederates Chuck Leavell , Bobby Keys , and Chuck Berry's piano player Johnnie Johnson. It's hard not to interpret the track as a direct challenge to Jagger, partially because it includes so many players connected to the groups' past. Talk is Cheap reignited the Rolling Stones, the biggest tour to date would follow in less than a year of Richards' solo effort.

Track Listing

1. Big Enough
2. Take It So Hard
3. Struggle
4. I Could Have Stood You Up
5. Make No Mistake
6. You Don't Move Me
7. How I Wish
8. Rockawhile
9. Whip It Up
10. Locked Away
11. It Means A Lot
All songs K. Richards/S. Jordan

Personnel

• Keith Richards
• Steve Jordan
• Ivan Neville
• Bernie Worrell
• Patti Scialfa
• Bootsy Collins
• Sarah Dash
• Maceo Parker
• Waddy Wachtel
• Joey Spampinato
• Charley Drayton
• Johnnie Johnson
• Memphis Horns
• Mick Taylor
• Stanley Dural
• Sam Butler
• Michael Doucet
• Chuck Leavell