Marianne Faithfull – Rich Kid Blues

Marianne Faithfull is an English singer, songwriter, and actress. She achieved popularity in the 1960s with the release of her hit single “As Tears Go By” and became one of the lead female artists during the British Invasion in the United States. From 1966 to 1970, she had a highly publicised romantic relationship with Mick Jagger. Her popularity was further enhanced by her film roles, such as I’ll Never Forget What’s’isname (1967), The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968), and Hamlet (1969). However, her popularity was overshadowed by personal problems in the 1970s. During that time she was anorexic, homeless, and a heroin addict. Noted for her distinctive voice, Marianne Faithfull’s previously melodic and higher registered vocals (which were prevalent throughout her career in the 1960s) were affected by severe laryngitis, coupled with persistent drug abuse during the 1970s, permanently altering her voice, leaving it raspy, cracked and lower in pitch. This new sound was praised as “whisky soaked” by some critics for helping capture the raw emotions expressed in her music. Rich Kid Blues is one of Faithfull’s most interesting albums. Recorded in 1971, just before her addictions would lead her on the streets, this is a collection of classic covers from the singer-songwriter era containing  two styles: spare acoustic and a fuller hybrid of country- and folk-rock, with some gems among both. Track list includes covers of Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, George Harrison, and more.

Label: Demon Records
Cat. # DEMREC295