CHARLIE RICH
The following is a chapter from Peter Guralnick’s book, Feel Like Going Home: Portraits in Blues & Rock’n’Roll (a Fusion book, published by Outer-bridge & Dienstfrey). In his review last issue, Charlie Gillett said of this chapter, “. . . (it) simultaneously establishes the greatness (of Rich) and explains why (he) has never managed to get as far as several people with substantially less native ability . . . Integrity, the grit that would tear show biz apart if it were allowed to get too deeply into the system.”
CHARLIE RICH
Lonely Weekends
Peter Guralnick
The following is a chapter from Peter Guralnick’s book, Feel Like Going Home: Portraits in Blues & Rock’n’Roll (a Fusion book, published by Outerbridge & Dienstfrey). In his review last issue, Charlie Gillett said of this chapter, “. . . (it) simultaneously establishes the greatness (of Rich) and explains why (he) has never managed to get as far as several people with substantially less native ability . . . Integrity, the grit that would tear show biz apart if it were allowed to get too deeply into the system. ”
For those not familiar with Rich, his material is available on four labels: Sun, Smash, RCA and Columbia. The albums most often recommended are: Lonely Weekends (Sun 110) a repackage of the early hits, The Many New Sides of Charlie Rich (Smash 67070) which contains “Mohair Sam,” and is generally regarded as the best Rich, and The Fabulous Charlie Rich (Epic 26516) which Peter says is his favorite and includes “Life’s Little Ups and Downs.”
We’re confident that both Guralnick and Rich are worth discovery; you can discover why below.