Search - Keith Richards :: Main Offender

***3/4. It'll grow on you

Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 08/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded with the same band that backed Keith Richards on 1988's "Talk Is Cheap", "Main Offender" is more of the same no-frills guitar-driven rock n' roll.

It's not quite as consistent as its predecessor, perhaps, but "Main Offender" offers a handful of really great, tough rock n' rollers, like the #3 single "Wicked As It Seems", the driving "Will But You Won't" and the low-key "Hate It When You Leave". The Rolling Stones should play more of this kind of straight-ahead unassuming rock n' roll.



The best songs here are tighter and more focused than the ones on "Talk Is Cheap", and Richards' vocals are some of his best on record...check out the lean, mean riff-rockers "Eileen" and "Runnin' Too Deep", two of his best songs. And the production is excellent, clear and uncluttered without being slick or glossy.

There is a bit of filler here, sure, but fans of the Human Riff will definitely find this album worth their while. Songs like "Words Of Wonder", "Demon" and "999" may not leap right out and grab you by the throat, but Keith Richards sings and plays as well as he ever did, and "Main Offender" will grow on you if you give it half a chance."

Keith IS the Stones

Tim Huguet | AMSTERDAM Holland | 05/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For the earlier writer, 999 is the code number for pharmeceutical heroin. That should shed some light on the "Don't Panic!" line in the middle of the song.
And one more thing; DOES ANYONE KNOW WHEN KEITH IS GONNA MAKE A NEW ALBUM!?!?!?!?!"

Amazing album, but takes time to dig

Frederic Doucet | San Diego, CA | 10/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album long time ago when it came out. At first, I did not think much of it, and that Wicked as it seems has a real nice riff. However, this album really grew on me, as it is very subtle yet fundamental. Great guitar, great lyrics. I find it a great album to listen to, in the same way as exile on main street, when one goes through the struggles of life."