Text: Dai Man

Fortunately few artists ever have the tangled, drug-addled histories of this artist. One time girlfriend of Mick Jagger, Faithfull almost lost, not just her career but also her life due to heroin addiction throughout the 1970’s. Heroin and cocaine use in the 80’s had a profound and permanent affect on her voice which is why she has sounded so gravelly ever since, or whiskey-soaked for some critics. But then in 1979 Faithfull shot back into the hearts and minds of the public with her hugely successful album Broken English. Since then she has on and off over the years released some great and critically acclaimed albums, well worth a listen to those of you perhaps interested in learning more about this rock ‘n roll icon (2002’s Kissin’ Time is not a bad place to start). Here on Easy Come, Easy Go she sings songs by a quite compelling range of very diverse artists. Some of these covers suit her dirty old voice, her years of struggle adding texture and perspective; some of these songs are a real miss. But Easy Come, Easy Go is a double album and about half of it, especially the first CD is rather compelling. If you like sugar rich pastries this is not music for you, but if you like your treats more savoury, Faithfull has plenty in her kitchen that may appeal.