Feel Like Going Home The Songs of Charlie Rich (Memphis International, 2016)
Various Artists
Reviewed by Dan MacIntosh
This is a tribute to Rich's Memphis, rockabilly-inspired period. "Break Up," for example, is performed by Charlie Rich, Jr., and is the sort of piano-pounding rockabilly song most closely associated with Jerry Lee Lewis, a Sun Records alum. Some feisty women also receive a few well-deserved spotlights. Juliet Simmons Dinallo storms through "Whirlwind," while Holli Mosely points out a serial cheater with "Who Will the Next Fool Be."
There aren't a lot of big names on this disc. Guys like Jim Lauderdale and Shooter Jennings aren't exactly household names. However, this is a project filled with wonderful music. The blues of Johnny Hoy on "Don't Put No Headstone on My Grave" is worth the price of admission alone.
Hardcore country music fans, as well as many contemporary Americana artists, have always known about Rich's extensive career. This album is a way for many of these roots rockers to show their appreciation of Rich's early years. It's also a good way for those unfamiliar with Rich's artistic genesis to get a good taste for what the man sounded like at the beginning.
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