The album, Richards’ first solo studio effort in 23 years (since 1992’s Main Offender and only his third overall), featuring many of his X-pensive Wino mates, including drummer/co-writer Steve Jordan, guitarist Waddy Wachtel, keyboardist Ivan Neville, ex-LaBelle vocalist Sarah Dash and even the late sax man Bobby Keys.
Without giving too much away, I will provide the tagline, ‘The best Stones album in years!’ and note that Keith’s craggy, smoke-and-whiskey-stained voice is perfectly suited to this primer of rock ‘n’ roll roots, from the gut-bucket Robert Johnson acoustic delta blues of the opening title track and the evocative, Dylanesque take on Led Belly’s immortal ‘Goodnight Irene,’ to the Chuck Berry-inspired ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ riffs of ‘Heartstopper,’ the country-flavored ‘Robbed Blind,’ the honky-tonk guitars of the characteristically Stonesy first single, ‘Trouble,’ and the horn-punctuated ska-reggae of Gregory Isaacs’ ‘Lover Overdue.’
There are also Chicago blues rave-ups (‘Blues in the Morning’), soulful ballads (‘Suspicious’ and ‘Illusion,’ the latter a duet with Norah Jones) and even rousing ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking?’-style funk jams (‘Substantial Damage’), all reminding you how vital Keef is to the Stones’ sound.
Read the rest of Roy Trakin’s preview of Keith’s Crosseyed Heart: ATN
