Charlie Rich - Charlie Rocks (2009)

Charlie Rich did so many things so well that it can be easy to overlook what a terrific rock & roller he was. Bear Family rectifies that wrong with their Charlie Rocks compilation, rounding up 31 of the best rockers he cut for Sun, Smash, and RCA during the '50s and '60s. A lot of his signature tunes are here -- including "Big Boss Man," "Mohair Sam," "I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water," "Break Up," and two takes of "Lonely Weekends," all sequenced roughly chronologically -- but this shouldn't be seen as a hits collection; but rather a way to hear some of Rich's music that may have been unfairly overlooked even by some dedicated fans. As useful as this is in gaining further appreciation for Rich, what really is important about Rocks is that the whole thing is just a flat-out party, rocking from beginning to end.