Review by Esra
Album Review: The Runt by Dave Rich (1966)
Alright, let’s talk about The Runt, the 1966 album by Dave Rich. It’s one of those hidden gems that doesn’t get enough love in today’s world of shiny pop playlists. This record sits snugly in the Folk, World, & Country genre, with a dash of Gospel and Country vibes thrown in for good measure. Produced by Pete Drake—yeah, the Pete Drake—it’s got that warm, heartfelt sound you’d expect from something out of the '60s.
Now, I gotta say, two tracks really stuck with me: “Hang On 'Til The Goin' On Comes On” and the title track, “The Runt.” First off, “Hang On…” feels like a big ol’ hug when life gets rough. The lyrics are simple but hit hard—you know, that whole “keep your chin up” message? But it’s not just preachy; it’s kinda comforting, like someone telling you they’ve been there too. And man, the pedal steel guitar? Total ear candy. You can tell Pete Drake knew what he was doing here.
Then there’s “The Runt,” which is just plain fun. It’s upbeat, quirky even, and tells this little story that makes you smile without trying too hard. There’s something about the rhythm—it’s got this shuffle-y groove that sticks in your head long after the song ends. Honestly, every time I hear it, I picture some dusty old barn dance back in the day. Like, if this song came on at a party, everyone would end up laughing and stomping their feet before they knew what hit ‘em.
What strikes me most about The Runt is how genuine it feels. Back then, albums weren’t overproduced or stuffed full of filler tracks. Every song had purpose, y’know? Listening to this record feels like flipping through an old photo album—it’s nostalgic, raw, and real.
Here’s the kicker though: Dave Rich wasn’t exactly a household name, and neither was this album. But maybe that’s part of its charm. It’s like finding a thrift store treasure no one else noticed. So next time you’re hunting for music that speaks to the soul instead of the charts, give The Runt a spin. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself humming along to “Hang On…” while wondering why more people don’t talk about Dave Rich.
Oh, and hey—if anyone knows where I can snag an original Monument pressing of this thing, holler at me!
