6. Here's Little Richard.
Little Richard. Lemmy said he was the best. I watched it on YouTube, so it must be true. His debut album is definitely a landmark of rock and roll. It starts with Tutti Frutti, which leaves the gate with the subtlety of a freight train. The album is uptempo, with short songs, all driving forward with rolling bass-lines, horns and the ubiquitous piano. The vocals are passionate and in your face. This is the music that was reproduced by other artists to appeal to the wider white audiences. Somehow it falls a little flat. For example, listen to Elvis' version of Tutti Frutti. Not even close. Nice try, Mr. Presley.
My impression of Little Richard was that he was batshit crazy and flamboyantly gay. I seem to recall from somewhere there was a little substance abuse problem in there too. Whatever, we all have our peccadilloes. What he does in his spare time is really none of my business. I probably wouldn't let him in the house if he showed up at my front door. Actually, I probably wouldn't let any of these musicians in the house, truth be told. But I will play this music. Any day.
I'm a big fan of horns. Done right, they make a piece of music. But I found lately that the saxophone has been irritating to me. The track "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" from Billy Joel's album "The Stranger" is likely the biggest culprit. I love that tune, but I found the last time I heard it that the sax solo annoyed me, it seemed rather self-indulgent and over the top. However the sax at the end of the song is perfect. What the hell do I know about it anyway. If I tried to play a saxophone it would sound like someone strangling a shih tzu with an electrical cord. What I am trying to say in a very incoherent and roundabout way, is that the sax on Here's Little Richard is tasteful and adds significantly to the album. I am reminded of the band in the first Back to The Future movie, Marvin Berry and the Star-lighters, if I remember correctly. Its great 1950's jukebox music.
"Chuck, it's me Marvin. Your cousin Marvin Berry... "
There is no question that his live show would leave a lasting impression. His energy comes through in the vocals, like a slap to the face, and every once in a while he throws in accents to make it his signature sound. The album was a cornerstone of the foundations of what was to become rock and roll, and its cousins soul and funk. My favourite track is True Fine Mama. It has it all.
Where did Rolling Stone rank this album in the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time? Number 50.
My impression of Little Richard was that he was batshit crazy and flamboyantly gay. I seem to recall from somewhere there was a little substance abuse problem in there too. Whatever, we all have our peccadilloes. What he does in his spare time is really none of my business. I probably wouldn't let him in the house if he showed up at my front door. Actually, I probably wouldn't let any of these musicians in the house, truth be told. But I will play this music. Any day.
I'm a big fan of horns. Done right, they make a piece of music. But I found lately that the saxophone has been irritating to me. The track "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" from Billy Joel's album "The Stranger" is likely the biggest culprit. I love that tune, but I found the last time I heard it that the sax solo annoyed me, it seemed rather self-indulgent and over the top. However the sax at the end of the song is perfect. What the hell do I know about it anyway. If I tried to play a saxophone it would sound like someone strangling a shih tzu with an electrical cord. What I am trying to say in a very incoherent and roundabout way, is that the sax on Here's Little Richard is tasteful and adds significantly to the album. I am reminded of the band in the first Back to The Future movie, Marvin Berry and the Star-lighters, if I remember correctly. Its great 1950's jukebox music.
"Chuck, it's me Marvin. Your cousin Marvin Berry... "
There is no question that his live show would leave a lasting impression. His energy comes through in the vocals, like a slap to the face, and every once in a while he throws in accents to make it his signature sound. The album was a cornerstone of the foundations of what was to become rock and roll, and its cousins soul and funk. My favourite track is True Fine Mama. It has it all.
Where did Rolling Stone rank this album in the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time? Number 50.
Buy it here.
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