For years, the last thing on Keith Richards’ mind was releasing a solo album, sticking to the ethos that, if he came up with a song idea, he instinctively presented it to his band to be nurtured into a new Stones recording. When Mick Jagger stoked the “World War Three” situation besieging the Stones by prioritising his solo career over the band touring, Keith was forced into action, signing with Virgin, teaming up with drummer/co-writer Steve Jordan and forming the X-pensive Winos to make three albums, starting with 1988’s Talk Is Cheap.
While Jagger’s solo career stalled, Richards’ soared, any misgivings obliterated by the quintessentially Keef opening chords of You Shouldn’t Take It So Hard. Boosted by stellar musicians, the album betrayed the guitarist’s anger (You Don’t Move Me), but more often reflected his joy at being off the leash to kick up another storm, returning in 1992 with the underrated Main Offender, which consolidated his soulful side on tracks such as the heart-tugging Hate It When You Leave.
Released with little fanfare, this beautifully-presented set collects 13 highlights, including rabble-rousing versions of his other band’s Happy and Connection from 1988’s Live At The Hollywood Palladium. There’s also the rare acoustic blues of Hurricane, previously available on the 2005 Stones tour to those who donated to the Hurricane Katrina relief fund.
