Little Richard, of course best known for his seismic impact on popular music in the 1950s, had a surprisingly potent run of strong releases in the early '70s. Collectors' Choice Music has reissued a trio of albums that prove the artist remained largely in command of his talents a decade and a half after his debut. Mixing original songs with well-chosen covers, Little Richard updated his sound for a new generation. Sadly not many record buyers paid attention, but these new reissues give the worthy music a second chance.
The Rill Thing was originally released in 1970. Its lead-off single "Freedom Blues" actually managed to put Little Richard back in the charts, peaking at #47 on Billboard's Hot 100 and reaching a healthy #28 on the R&B chart. The song, with its driving funk rhythm, doesn't sound at all like nostalgia. The vocal is strong and vital, setting the tone for a solid comeback album. "Greenwood, Mississippi" managed to slip into the lower reaches of Billboard's Hot 100, but otherwise the comeback fizzled on a commercial level. The title track is a ten-minute instrumental R&B work-out, with constantly shifting grooves keeping the piece interesting.
"Dew Drop Inn" is a throwback to Little Richard's '50s style, with pounding piano and rambunctious sax riffing. "Spreadin' Natta, What's the Matter?" is a churning funk track with a full throttle lead vocal. This material is raw, gut-bucket funky soul delivered with absolute conviction. A cover of The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" reworks the song as a horn-driven soul jam, and points the way toward Richard's cover-dominated follow-up album.
The year 1971 saw the release of King Of Rock and Roll, and if anything it's even more self-assured than the previous album. However, there is a more self-conscious approach as the artist attempts to "reclaim his throne" as the true king of rock 'n' roll. There is too much preaching in the form of rambling monologues used to introduce several songs. While it's amusing when heard the first time, as Little Richard shouts boasts like "the beauty is on duty," and "I am the Georgia Peach," they don't do repeated listens any favors.
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