“Occasional Rain” by TERRY CALLIER. A Review of the 2008 Verve 'ORIGINALS' CD Remaster of his beautiful 1972 Cadet Records album.

This review is part of my "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters Soul, Funk & Jazz Fusion" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00LQKMC6I

 "…He’s Been Dealing Teardrops Since The World Began…"

"Lost Masterpiece", "Forgotten Classic", "...An Album You Must Hear Before You Die" - take your pick, because 1972's "Occasional Rain" genuinely fits them all - it really does.

Hailing out of Chicago and a childhood pal of Curtis Mayfield, Terence Orlando Callier had put out only 1 album before this called "The New Folk Sound Of Terry Callier" on US Prestige 7383 in July 1965. He recorded this debut aged just 23. It was 8-tracks long, half of which were simply acoustic interpretations of American Traditionals, it didn't contain a single original song by him. But despite being a truly beautiful record (and using a folk/soul acoustic style he still uses to this day), it did little business.

Session years then went by until his signing to the Chess offshoot label Cadet, where he made 3 albums with legendary producer and writer CHARLES STEPNEY - the other two albums are "What Color Is Love" (1973) and "I Just Can't Help Myself" (1974) which are equally good - especially "Color".

Charles Stepney is another big name in small circles - a hero of sorts for soul lovers. He was involved in The Rotary Connection with Minnie Riperton, produced four albums with The Dells and even twiddled the knobs on the iconic and now much-vaulted psych-blues-fusion album "Electric Mud" by Muddy Waters. I'd personally scour down anything he had a hand in...a genius...

Two other words printed on the back inlay beneath the CD also give this reissue the edge - GAVIN LURSSEN. He's an American sound engineer and I've sung his praises before (see separate reviews for "Gold" by THE CRUSADERS and "Careless" by STEPHEN BISHOP). Lurssen has just short of 900 mastering, remastering and audio restoration credits to his name (Universal, Hip-O Select) - his work stretches back decades, so he knows his way around a master tape or two.

I mention this because a lot of the songs on here are quietly soulful, Stepney didn't clutter them with instruments except when it complimented the melody - so the remaster needed the deftest of touches and Lurssen has done that. The sound quality isn't trebly or loud or showy - it's just there - sweet as a nut - the music just 'sails' out of your speakers in the most gorgeous way. You're left with a genuine sense of shock on two fronts (a) why has this beautiful soul album gone unnoticed for so long by the vast majority of music lovers out there and (b) a sense of relief - that in finally releasing "Occasional Rain" in 2008, Universal have picked the right guy to do the job.

Musically it breaks down like this - there's eight 8 songs separated by five 40-second "Segue" bits. No one knows why the first Segue is called "Go Ahead On" and the other 4 "Go Head On" (which is what the lyric is)? Some people think the Segues cool, while others feel they haven't worn well and now sound gimmicky. Personally, I find the songs surrounding them so beautiful that I don't notice...they're that good. I would love to hear the full song proper...

The most famous track off the LP is "Ordinary Joe" which has turned up on Acid Jazz type compilations and was a big draw in the UK. Other highlights are the acoustic urban trouble song "Trance On Sedgwick Street" which along with "Blues For Marcus" features the beautiful Cello work of EARL MADISON - and combined with Callier's impassioned vocals makes the tracks sound like Cat Stevens meets Nick Drake - really lovely and soulful. The love songs are up there as well - "Do You Finally Need A Friend" and the truly gorgeous "Golden Circle". There's a strange guitar ping that floats over "Occasional Rain' giving it an ethereal other-worldly feel - very soulful and very Donny Hathaway in structure and churchy feel (lyrics above). Then comes the album's big finisher - and what a peach it is. "Lean On Me" is an impassioned six and half minute long friendship song with backing vocals from Minnie Riperton and Kitty Haywood - it's just gorgeous and finishes the mellowest of LPs on a genuine high.

Downside - although the gatefold card digipak is nice to look at, for me one of the big let downs is the complete lack of a booklet and therefore a sense of history, photos, insights etc... If ever a soul album deserved a little more luxury shown, then "Occasional Rain" is it.

If you're unconvinced and have heard too many praising reviews before - the entire LP is available on iTunes as a download - I'd recommend trying "Golden Circle" or "Occasional Rain" of "Lean On Me"- you'll be hooked. (The 2008 "Originals" remaster of "What Color is Love" is also available on iTunes).

Like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", Donny Hathaway's "Extension Of A Man" and Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions" - this is a proper soul album - a gem all the way through and sill beautiful and inspiring to this day - some 30/40 years after the event.

Of late Terry Callier has morphed (like Richie Havens) into a sort of elder statesman of soul still spreading his gospel of love and understanding - check out "Timepeace" from 1998 and his latest "Hidden Conversations" from 2009 - unbelievably good and relevant to the now and not just past glories.

I've warbled on a bit I know, but this album deserves it.

Buy it, cherish it, enjoy it - and I envy you the journey...

PS: This disc is part of Universal's ORIGINALS Series - digipak reissues of Jazz, Soul, Funk, Fusion and Latin albums (104 and counting) spread across a vast number of labels - see 'comment' section for a full list to August 2009

PPS: Dear knowledgeable compiler sorts at Universal and Hip-O Select - a Charles Stepney box set please - and then a Norman Whitfield box set to follow that - and be quick about it you overpaid lazy schmucks...

- Universal's ORIGINALS Series -
Reissue CDs in Gatefold Digipaks of Classic Albums covering the 1950's through to 1990's. They cover many labels - Verve, Mercury, Fontana, A&M, Cisca, Blue Thumb, Kudo, Philips, Impulse etc... These titles have been released between 2007 and are on-going into 2009 (it's August 2009 now). This List is in Artist and Title Alphabetical Order (with UK Release Date)...

1. New Orleans Nights - LOUIS ARMSTRONG (29 April 2008)
2. Satchmo At Pasadena - LOUIS ARMSTRONG and the ALL STARS (22 February 2009)
3. A Tear To A Smile - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY (11 August 2009)
4. Change Up The Groove - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY (21 October 2008)
5. He's Coming - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY (25 May 2009)
6. Lifeline - ROY AYERS (22 October 2007)
7. Ubiquity - ROY AYERS (23 February 2009)
8. Vibrations - ROY AYERS (28 July 2008)
9. Virgo Red - ROY AYERS (9 June 2009)
10. You Send Me - ROY AYERS (23 September 2008)
11. Basie Land - COUNT BASIE (9 June 2009)
12. Chapter One: Latin America - GATO BARBIERI (23 February 2009)
13. Chapter Three: Viva Emiliano Zapata - GATO BARBIERI (9 June 2009)
14. Chapter Two: Hasta Siempre - GATO BARBIERI (25 May 2009)
15. Ruby. Ruby - GATO BARBIERI (1 October 2007)
16. Tropico - GATO BARBIERI (11 August 2009)
17. On My Way & Shoutin' Again - COUNT BASIE (16 February 2009)
18. Intimacy - WALTER BEASLEY (21 October 2008)
19. Just Kickin' It - WALTER BEASLEY (21 October 2008)
20. Walter Beasley - WALTER BEASLEY (1 July 2008)
21. I Got A Woman And Some Blues - GEORGE BENSON (5 May 2008)
22. Shape Of Things To Come - GEORGE BENSON (1 October 2007)
23. Soul Finger - ART BLAKEY and the JAZZ MESSENGERS (14 April 2009)
24. Bobo Motion - WILLIE BOBO (1 September 2008)
25. The Brazilian Scene - LUIZ BONFA (18 August 2008)
26. Braziliana - LUIZ BONFA and MARIA TOLEDO (18 August 2008)
27. Return Of The Brecker Brothers - THE BRECKER BROTHERS [Randy and Michael]
(1 September 2008)
28. Just Between us - NORMAN BROWN (1 July 2008)
29. Occasional Rain - TERRY CALLIER (28 July 2008)
30. What Color Is Love - TERRY CALLIER (23 September 2008)
31. Children Of Forever - STANLEY CLARKE (15 October 2007)
32. A Love Supreme - JOHN COLTRANE (18 August 2008)
33. Ascension - JOHN COLTRANE (24 March 2009)
34. Crescent - JOHN COLTRANE (18 August 2008)
35. Impressions - JOHN COLTRANE (18 August 2008)
36. Kulu Se Mama - JOHN COLTRANE (24 March 2009)
37. Live At Birdland - JOHN COLTRANE (18 August 2008)
38. The John Coltrane Quartet Plays... - JOHN COLTRANE QUARTET (24 March 2009)
39. John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman - JOHN COLTRANE and JOHNNY HARTMAN
(18 August 2008)
John Coltrane - see also DUKE ELLINGTON
40. New Thing At Newport - JOHN COLTRANE and ARCHIE SHEPP (24 March 2009)
41. Pass The Plate - THE CRUSADERS (23 September 2008)
42. Old Socks, New Shoes...New Socks, Old Shoes - THE CRUSADERS (28 July 2008)
43. Images - THE CRUSADERS (9 June 2009) [see also Joe Sample)
44. Ascenseur Pour L'echafaud - MILES DAVIS (18 September 2007)
Paul Desmond - see also Gerry Mulligan
45. Feel - GEORGE DUKE (23 September 2008)
46. I Love The Blues, She Heard My Cry - GEORGE DUKE (21 October 2008)
47. Duke Ellington Meets Coleman Hawkins -
DUKE ELLINGTON and COLEMAN HAWKINS (22 October 2007)
48. Duke Ellington & John Coltrane -
DUKE ELLINGTON and JOHN COLTRANE (18 March 2008)
49. Out Of The Cool - GIL EVANS ORCHESTRA (15 October 2007)
50. Octet - MAYNARD FERGUSON (1 September 2008)
51. Ella In Hamburg (Live) - ELLA FITZGERALD (18 September 2007)
52. Ella In Hollywood - ELLA FITZGERALD (25 May 2009)
53. Porgy & Bess - ELLA FITZGERALD and LOUIS ARMSTRONG (5 May 2008)
54. Big Band Bossa Nova - STAN GETZ and GARY McFARLAND (23 September 2008)
55. Stan Getz At The Shrine - STAN GETZ (25 May 2009)
56. Stan Getz In Stockholm (Live) - STAN GETZ (21 October 2008)
57. Sweet Rain - STAN GETZ (1 September 2008)
58. Jazz Giants '58 -
STAN GETZ, GERRY MULLIGAN, HARRY EDISON, LOUIS BELSON and The OSCAR PETERSON TRIO
(5 May 2008)
59. Swing Is Here - TERRY GIBBS (25 May 2009)
60. The Astrud Gilberto Album - ASTRUD GILBERTO (18 August 2008)
61. Look To The Rainbow - ASTRUD GILBERTO and GIL EVANS (18 August 2008)
62. A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness -
ASTRUD GILBERTO and WALTER WANDERLEY (18 August 2008)
63. The Cool World - DIZZY GILLESPIE (1 September 2008)
64. Dizzy On The French Riviera -
DIZZY GILLESPIE with CHRIS WHITE, RUDY COLLINS, LALO SCHIFRIN and LEO WRIGHT
(25 May 2009)
65. I Just Dropped By To Say Hello - JOHNNY HARTMAN (15 October 2007)
66. Used To Be Duke - JOHNNY HODGES and his ORCHESTRA (25 May 2009)
67. Lady Sings The Blues - BILLIE HOLIDAY (18 September 2007)
68. Treasure Island - KEITH JARRETT (25 May 2009)
69. Rio Revisited - ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM and GAL COSTA
(18 August 2008) (For ACJ see also Ellis Regina)
70. Quincy Jones Explores The Music Of Henry Mancini - QUINCY JONES (9 June 2009)
71. The Quintessence - QUINCY JONES ORCHESTRA (15 October 2007)
72. You've Got It Bad Girl - QUINCY JONES (22 February 2009)
73. Arabesque - JOHN KLEMMER (21 October 2008)
74. Barefoot Ballet - JOHN KLEMMER (1 September 2008)
75. Goin' Latin - RAMSEY LEWIS (1 September 2008)
76. The In Crowd - RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO (15 October 2007)
77. Live At The Bohemian Caverns - RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO (28 July 2008)
78. Home Is Where The Music Is - HUGH MASEKELA (2LP set on 1CD) (1 September 2008)
79. Down Here On The Ground - WES MONTGOMERY (9 June 2009)
80. Goin' Out Of My Head - WES MONTGOMERY (1 October 2007)
81. Blues In Time - GERRY MULLIGAN and PAUL DESMOND QUARTET (9 June 2009)
82. The Blues And The Obscure Truth - OLIVER NELSON [featuring Paul Chambers, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Roy Haynes and Freddie Hubbard] (15 October 2007)
83. In A Romantic Mood - OSCAR PETERSON (21 October 2008)
84. Oscar Peterson Plays The Jerome Kern Songbook - OSCAR PETERSON (9 June 2009)
85. Oscar Peterson and Nelson Riddle - OSCAR PETERSON and NELSON RIDDLE
(23 February 2009)
86. Oscar Peterson Trio + One - OSCAR PETERSON TRIO and CLARK TERRY (1 October 2007)
Oscar Peterson - see also SONNY STITT
87. Come Into Knowledge - RAMP (22 October 2007)
88. Elis & Tom - ELLIS REGINA and ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM
(3 June 2008) (see also Antonio Carlos Jobim)
89. Quiet As It's Kept - MAX ROACH (9 June 2009)
90. On Impulse! - SONNY ROLLINS (15 October 2007)
91. Swing Street Café - JOE SAMPLE and DAVID T. WALKER (23 September 2008) [Keyboardist and Guitarist with The Crusaders]
92. Piano, Strings And Bossa Nova - LALO SCHIFRIN (23 September 2008)
93. Everybody's Somebody's Fool - LITTLE JIMMY SCOTT (21 October 2008)
Archie Shepp - see JOHN COLTRANE
94. Let It Be Me (Live) - NINA SIMONE (23 February 2009)
95. Hobo Flats - JIMMY SMITH (21 October 2008)
96. Live At The Village Gate - JIMMY SMITH TRIO (5 May 2008)
97. Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? - JIMMY SMITH (1 October 2007)
98. Sonny Stitt Sits In With The Oscar Peterson Trio -
SONNY STITT and OSCAR PETERSON (21 October 2008)
Clark Terry - see also OSCAR PETERSON
99. ...Plays The Contemporary Music Of Mexico And Brazil -
CAL TJADER (23 September 2008)
100. All The King's Horses - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (23 September 2008)
101. A Secret Place - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (9 June 2009)
102. Feels So Good - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr (23 February 2009)
103. Reed Seed - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (3 August 2009)
104. Soul Box - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (21 October 2008)

"The Chess Story - 1947 - 1975". A Review of the 15CD Universal Box Set.

You Can Get Less For More…And Should…

When this Chess label behemoth was released by Universal USA in 1999 - as you can imagine - it was something of an event. Remastered by tape maestro ERICK LABSON (over 800 credits to his name), it was housed in a hard card outer with three colour-coded wood-effect books inside and a further printed 70-page hardback beside them. It certainly looked the part.

Each book carried 5CDs - 15 in total - offering up 340 tracks dating from 1947 to 1975 across 13 audio discs - Disc 14 and 15 being an interview disc and a CD-Rom. Many were first time on CD and exclusive to this set. It was later broken down into 3 separate releases in 2001 offering a cheaper option. Ten years down the line into 2009, however, and time hasn't been to kind to either the original big box or the three reissues.

Each of the three 'books' has a crappy centred booklet at the top which lists the song and artist, but amazingly for a retrospective of this size, doesn't provide a catalogue number nor which personnel played on what. The 70-page hardback book is nice to look at, but again deceptively slight - it gives us a history of the label by Robert Pruter (of Chicago Soul magazine), a printed version of the interviews on Disc 14 (repeating itself) and a Chess R&B Charts list at the very end. While Pruter's story of Chess is very entertaining, and the music on Disc 1 to 13 simply sensational, precisely because of its cost, you still feel like you've been short changed.

I've reviewed all 3 boxes separately and provided track-by-track catalogue numbers, but reviewing the full box now - something occurs to me.

Good releases - especially between 2007 and 2009 - have made much of the box's exclusivity redundant and its price tag since deletion a bit of an expensive extravagance (300 to 400 sterling or 500 to 600.00 dollars). The now ludicrous cost of acquiring this set coupled with the less than stellar packaging makes me think that you must be able to get better elsewhere. So I set about a trawl to find alternatives and have come up with the following list, which will provide fans with 90% of what's on this 15CD box while throwing in a good 20% more - and all of it for less than half the money...

All of the following are remastered by the best labels and have superb and detailed liner notes:

1. The Very Best Of - FONTELLA BASS (2006 CD, 25 Tracks)
2. Gold - CHUCK BERRY (2005, 2CDs, 50 Tracks, Remasters)
3. Standing Ovation - The Very Best Of - THE DELLS
(2007, 2CDs, 39 Tracks, Remasters)
4. Go Go Power - Complete Chess Singles 1961-1966 -SUGAR PIE DeSANTO
(2009 CD, 26 Tracks)
5. Gold - BO DIDDLEY (2008, 2CDs, 41 Tracks, Remasters)
6. Gold - JOHN LEE HOOKER (2007, 2CDs, 35 Tracks, Hip-O Select Remasters)
7. The Real Folk Blues/More Folk Blues - HOWLIN' WOLF
(2003, 2LP on 1CD, 24 Tracks, US Hip-O Select)
8. Gold - ETTA JAMES (2007, 2CDs, 36 Tracks - Hip-O Select Remasters)
9. The Chess Collection - LAURA LEE (2006 CD, 20 Tracks)
10. Hoochie Coochie Man - Complete Chess Masters Vol.2 - MUDDY WATERS
(2004, 2CD Hip-O Select Book set, 51 Tracks)
11. The Real Folk Blues/More Folk Blues - MUDDY WATERS
(US Hip-O Select)
12. Fathers & Sons - MUDDY WATERS (2001, 2LP set on 1 CD with bonus tracks)
13. The Real Folk Blues/More Folk Blues - SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON
(2003, 2LPs on 1CD, US Hip-O Select)
14. Chess Uptown Soul - VARIOUS (1997, 24 Tracks, UK Kent Compilation)
15. Chess Club Rhythm & Soul - VARIOUS
(1996, 25 Tracks, UK Kent Compilation)
16. Chicago Radio Soul - VARIOUS
(1996, 26 Tracks, Chess Labels, UK Kent Compilation)
17. Chess Chartbusters Vol. 1 to 6 - VARIOUS
(UK Budget-Priced 20 Track Compilations, 120 songs in total)
18. Chess Tearjerkers - VARIOUS (UK Mojo Comp 20 Tracks)
19. Chess Soul Sisters - VARIOUS (UK Mojo Comp, 20 Tracks)
20. Chess Northern Soul - VARIOUS (UK Mojo Comp, 20 Tracks)
21. Chess Blues - VARIOUS (1993, 4CD Box Set, 101 Tracks)
22. Just Keep On Dancing - Chess Northern Soul - VARIOUS
(1996, 24 Tracks, UK Kent Compilation)

There are over 500 tracks on 1 to 22 above and the cost is about £150 including P&P. Universal can't of course be held responsible for retailers trying to chance £350 on a deleted and desirable rarity, but punters should know that the same material - and better - is available elsewhere - and for a fraction of the cost.

Like Atlantic and Motown, Chess is a label worth taking that time and effort for.

"The Chess Story" PART 3 1965-1975. A Review of Universal's 5CD Box Set [Part 3 of 3].

"We May Not Have A Cent To Pay The Rent…But We’re Gonna Make It…”

Part 3 of 3. A long hardback book-shaped box set - coloured mahogany/red - 5CDs.

I've supplied the catalogue numbers for the 3 Audio CDs - it'll help those fans of Chess and its associate labels that are trying to hunt down that elusive tune... The last 2CDs are an Interview Disc and a CD-ROM.

Made in the USA, the 70 tracks of the 3 Audio CDs are remastered from the original master tapes by one of Universal's top engineers ERICK LABSON and soundwise (with over 800 mastering credits to his name) it's a typically superb job. Apart from the truly horrific “My Ding A Ling”, Disc 13 in particular is a JOY both in track choice and sound quality – song after son just an ABSOLUTE BLAST.

The packaging I feel could have been better, given the huge cost - disappointing booklet, reproduction of the interview that’s on CD 14 anyway - but for Chess fans many of these tracks remain unavailable anywhere else. Disc 13 in particular (apart from the abomination of "My Ding A Ling") makes for the most fantastic listen - perfect mixture of soul, blues and r'n'b, great production values, top remastering - very tasty indeed...

CD 12:
1. Love Is A Five-Letter Word (James Phelps)
2. We're Gonna Make It (Little Milton)
3. Ain't No Big Thing (The Radiants)
4. Temptation 'Bout To Get Me (The Knight Brothers)
5. Sitting In The Park (Billy Stewart)
6. Who's Cheating Who? (Little Milton)
7. The In Crowd (The Ramsey Lewis Trio)
8. Rescue Me (Fontella Bass)
9. Summertime (Billy Stewart)
10. Searching For My Love (Bobby Moore) (The Rhythm Aces)
11. Wang Dang Doodle (Koko Taylor)
12. Dirty Work Goin' On (Little Joe Blue)
13. In The Basement (Etta James) (Sugar Pie Desanto)
14. Landslide (Tony Clarke)
15. In The Mood (John Lee Hooker)
16. It's A Man's Man's World (Big Maybelle)
17. Wade In The Water (The Ramsey Lewis Trio)
18. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer (John Lee Hooker)
19. Without A Woman (Kip Anderson)
20. Peak Of Love (Bobby McClure)
21. Sweeter Than The Day Before (The Valentinos)
22. To Know I Can't Touch (Barbara) (The Browns)
23. I Fooled You This Time (Gene Chandler)
24. Try My Love Again (Bobby Moore) (The Rhythm Aces)
25. Ooh Baby (Bo Diddley)
26. I Feel So Bad (Little Milton)

CD 12:
1. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Marlena Shaw)
2. Dirty Man (Laura Lee)
3. I'm Shorty (Tommy Tucker)
4. Cheater Man (Irma Thomas)
5. O-O I Love You (The Dells)
6. Tell Mama (Etta James)
7. Some A Your Sweet Love (Wayne Cochran)
8. Uptight Good Man (Laura Lee)
9. There Is (The Dells)
10. I'm Just What She Needs (Johnny Sayles)
11. You Left The Water Running (Maurice & Mac)
12. It Ain't Necessary (Mamie Galore)
13. Sitting Home Alone (Hound Dog Taylor)
14. Cadillac Jack (Andre Williams)
15. Good To Me (Irma Thomas)
16. Security (Etta James)
17. Stay In My Corner (The Dells)
18. You Name It, I've Had It (Willie Walker)
19. Without A Woman (Kip Anderson)
20. Here Comes The Judge (Pigmeat Markham)
21. Look At Me Now (Terry Callier)
22. Walking Thru The Park (Muddy Waters)
23. Girls Ain't Groceries (Little Milton)
24. Love You Like A Woman (Koko Taylor)

CD 13:
1. I Had A Dream (John Littlejohn)
2. Oh What A Night (The Dells)
3. If Walls Could Talk (Little Milton)
4. Who's Been Talking (Howlin' Wolf)
5. Baby, I Love You (Little Milton)
6. Losers Weepers (Etta James)
7. Recouperating (Lee Eldred)
8. Can You Be A One-Woman Man (Sam Dees)
9. Tease Your Man (Koko Taylor)
10. Sad, Sad Day (Muddy Waters)
11. My Ding-A-Ling (Chuck Berry)
12. Give Your Baby A Standing Ovation (The Dells)
13. Can't Get No Grindin' (Muddy Waters)
14. Can't Stay Here (Howlin' Wolf)
15. Bio (Chuck Berry)
16. I Miss You (The Dells)
17. I'll Be Holding On (Big Al Downing)
18. Don't Make Me No Promises (The Dramatics)
19. I'm Leaving On That Late, Late Train (Solomon Burke)
20. Tell Me What You Want (Jimmy Ruffin)
21. Going Down To Main Street (Muddy Waters)

CD 11 The Chess Story 1965-1966 (76:04 minutes):
1. Argo 5499 [A]
2. Checker 1105 [A]
3. Chess 1925 [A]
4. Checker 1107 [A]
5. Chess 1932 [A]
6. Checker 1113 [A]
7. Cadet 5506 [A]
8. Checker 1120 [A]
9. Chess 1966 [A]
10. Checker 1129 [A]
11. Checker 1135 [A]
12. Checker 1141 [A]
13. Cadet 5539 [A]
14. Chess 1979 [A]
15. Chess 1965 [A]
16. Chess 1967 [A]
17. Cadet 5541 [A]
18. Chess LP 1508
(“The Real Folk Blues” by JOHN LEE HOOKER, 1966, USA)
19. Checker 1145 [A]
20. Checker 1153 [A]
21. Chess 1977 [A]
22. Chess (Europe) GCH 8118
(“The Southern Soul Stock, Vol.2” by VARIOUS, 1989 on Green Line)
23. Checker 1155 [A]
24. Checker 1156 [A]
25. Checker 1158 [A]
26. Checker 1162 [A]

CD 12 – The Chess Story 1967-1968 (69:02 minutes):
1. Cadet 5557 [A]
2. Chess 2013 [A]
3. Checker 1178 [A]
4. Chess 2010 [A]
5. Cadet 5574 [A]
6. Cadet 5578 [A]
7. Chess 2020 [A]
8. Chess 2030 [A]
9. Cadet 5574 and Cadet 5590 [A]
10. Chess 2033 [A]
11. Checker 1197 [A]
12. St. Laurence 1012 [A]
13. Chess (Germany) LP 628601
(“Chess Blues” by VARIOUS, 1990’s)
14. Checker 1205 [A]
15. Chess 2036 [A]
16. Cadet 5594 [A]
17. Cadet 5612 [A]
18. Checker 1198 [A]
19. Chess 2049 [A]
20. Cadet 5623 [A]
21. Chess LPS-127
(“Fathers & Sons” by MUDDY WATERS, 2LP Set, 1969)
22. Checker 1212
23. Chess LPS-1532
(“Koko Taylor” by KOKO TAYLOR, USA, 1969)

CD 13 – The Chess Story 1969-1975 (75:54 minutes):
1. Chess LP 6074
2. Cadet 5649 [A]
3. Checker 1226 [A]
4. Chess LP 60008
(“The London Sessions” by HOWLIN’ WOLF & FRIENDS, 1971)
5. Checker 1227 [A]
6. Cadet 5676 [A]
7. Chess 2105 [A]
8. Chess 2109 [A]
9. Chess LP 50018
(“Basic Soul” by KOKO TAYLOR, 1972)
10. Chess LP 60013
(“The London Sessions” by MUDDY WATERS & FRIENDS, 1971)
11. Chess 2131 [A]
12. Cadet 5696 [A]
13. Checker 2143 [A]
14. Chess LP 50045
(“Back Door Wolf” by HOWLIN’ WOLF, 1974)
15. Chess 2140 [A]
16. Cadet 5700 [A]
17. Chess 2158 [A]
18. Cadet 5706 [A]
19. Chess 2159 [A]
20. Chess 2160 [A]
21. Chess LP 60035
(“The Woodstock Album” by MUDDY WATERS, 1975)

CD 14 – The Chess Story (73:31 minutes):
Tracks 1 to 4 are a Phil Chess interview conducted at his home in Tuscon, Arizona on the 14th of February 1999 (produced by Mary Katherine Alvin)
Tracks 5 to 18 are a Marshall Chess interview conducted by Paul Jones on Radio Jazz FM in London (no date supplied)

CD 15 is a CD-Rom – an interactive journey through The Chess Story, complete Chess Legendary Masters Series catalogue and US Catalogue listing, stock footage of The Dells and Chuck Berry, scenes of Chicago and the Chess pressing plants, web links etc… Requires Windows 95/98 operating system on a PC and OS7 onwards on an Apple.

Recommended - even at a cost.

PS:
PART 1, the 1st box, is 5 discs also and covers 1947-1956, 131 tracks (see separate review)

PART 2, the 2nd box, is 5 discs too and covers 1957-1964, 133 tracks (see separate review).

PPS: title of this review is from Track 2 on CD11 - "We’re Gonna Make It” by LITTLE MILTON

The “CHESS GOLDEN DECADE” Series Of Vinyl LPs on the Checker and Chess Labels in the UK between 1973 and 1975…

CONTENT:
A quick browse through the track lists of these fabulous themed albums will reveal the familiar and the extremely obscure. Even now in March 2009 (36 years after their release) die-hard collectors of Fifties and Sixties Rhythm ‘n’ Blues and Soul will have trouble recognizing some of these artists and their quirky little tunes - Bobby Tuggle, Don & Bob, Rusty York anybody? And that of course is what makes the CHESS GOLDEN DECADE series of eight albums such a great listen.

Released across 1973, 1974 and 1975 (ending with a cheap Sampler album in February 1975), all 8 were compiled by NIGEL GRAINGE and given year-by-year themes for each volume. The original MONO and STEREO recordings were used - although some were dubbed from vinyl because no tapes existed. The artwork was colour coded, each afforded the luxury of a gatefold sleeve with the Chess Horse’s Head logo embossed across the front and rear. On the inner gatefold each sported informative and enthusiastic liner notes by ROB FINNIS, BILL MILLAR and other notable experts - peppered with black and white pictures of the musical offenders between the texts. With quality pressed Phonogram vinyl, a budget price, rarities as well as old favourites – and all that eye-catching artwork – the albums were a joy to look at and hear. The release dates are from PHONOGRAM catalogues for 1975 and 1976 - so they're accurate.

RARITIES/UNRELEASED TRACKS:
There were for the time – several scoops in the series. Probably the biggest was “All My Life” by THE FOUR TOPS. It was from the same sessions that produced their rare debut single on Chess 1623 “Could It Be You? b/w Kiss Me, Baby” – it was a previously unreleased track and a huge draw for Motown collectors. Bobby Charles, Rufus Thomas, Bobby Cisco, Harvey And The Moonglows, Piano Red, Jimmy McCracklin and others featured with previously unreleased material too. [Note: in order to give more info for enthusiasts and collectors, I’ve detailed the original vinyl release information under each track for each volume – also noting earlier issues and which are the unreleased tracks].

COMPILERS:
The series was made with the input of RALPH BASS at the Chess Studios in Chicago, LEN DIAMOND and CHARLIE GILLETT at Radio London, CLIVE RICHARDSON at Shout magazine, ROGER ST. PIERRE, the Soul Columnist at the NME (New Musical Express) and BILL MILLAR and MIKE LEADBETTER of the Blues Unlimited magazine. These UK-based specialist publications also supplied the black and white photos of the artists for the inner gatefolds. The albums were sold at Phonograms Super Mid Price level initially – cheaper that a standard album. Sleeve design was by HARDY/ESCASANY/LODWICK with the front cover photo of the gold Chess piece by ROD SHONE. (The liner notes on the sampler album are by JOHN PEEL and are particularly funny, informative and full of his joy for the music – and they’re now of course terribly poignant in the light of his tragic loss.)

CD EQUIVALENTS:
Chess and its subsidiary labels (Argo, Cadet and Checker) have been done to death on CD over the last few decades, so most of these tracks are out there now in some digital form or another. Many, however, are not easy to locate – especially when it isn’t the usual suspects - Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters or Howlin’ Wolf. Here are a few suggestions on where to look…


1. The MCA/Chess “Blues Classics – Remastered & Revisited” Series of CDs came out of Universal in the States in 2002 and numbers 10 great titles (not all are from the classic Chess periods of the Fifties and Sixties, but most are). I’ve posted a complete list of them on Listmania in Amazon.co.uk and reviewed most (relevant titles to this series are pictured above). They’re ERICK LABSON remasters and the sound quality is fabulous - he has over 800 mastering credits to his name and has almost exclusively handled the entire Chess catalogue.


2. If you want almost all of it – it’s available – but prepare your bank manager first – because they’re now expensive collector’s items. Erick Labson did a huge chunk of the catalogue via the “The Chess Story: 1947-1975” box set in 2000 (15 CDs - pictured above). There’s also 3 smaller part boxes with 5 in each – all four are now deleted and extremely pricey.


3. I also loved the MOJO Magazine’s themed series of 4 Chess titles from 2005. Mojo’s staff choices are an expert mixture of the familiar and the obscure – but all of it good – tracks you should know and would want in your life. They came out in card digipaks with detailed booklets - there’s “Chess Originals” (9830156 - pictured above), “Chess Tearjerkers” (9830154), “Chess Northern Soul” (9830153) and “Soul Sisters” (9830155). They have the “MOJO” logo on the spine and front sleeve. Well worth hunting down.


4. If you just want an excellent overview of the label and its entire output, then 2005’s “Chess Pieces – The Very Best Of Chess Records” set is superb value for money (pictured above). At under £10.00 including p&p from most online retailers, it has 2CDs and a whopping 48 remastered tracks.


5. But the best and cheapest is a new series of discs that turned up in April and December of 2008 called “Chess Chartbusters” Volumes 1 to 6 (pictured above). Clearly aping the Motown Chartbusters market, each has themed artwork, 20 great tracks and cost a fiver (or thereabouts). 120 corkers for £30 is great value in any man’s language.

The UK-only CHESS GOLDEN DECADE Albums Vol.1 to 8 and their SAMPLER LP in detail



1. Chess Golden Decade Volume 1 – “The Early Fifties”
Light Blue Colour, Embossed Card Gatefold Sleeve
Released in the UK October 1973 on Checker 6445 205 [MONO]

Side 1:
1. Ain’t Gonna Be Your Dog (No More Doggin’ Around) – RUFUS THOMAS
[1951 USA 78” on Chess 1492, A-Side (produced Sam Phillips)]
2. Juiced – JACKIE BRENSTON
[1951 USA 78” single on Chess 1472, A-Side]
3. Mardi Gras Mambo – THE HAWKETTS
[Earliest recordings of Art Neville of The Neville Brothers]
[1954 USA 7” single on Chess 7780, A-Side]
4. Reconsider Baby – LOWELL FULSOM
[1954 USA 7” single on Checker 804, A-Side]
5. Most Of All – THE MOONGLOWS
[1955 USA 7” single on Chess 1589, A-Side]
6. White Cliffs Of Dover – THE BLUE JAYS
[1952 USA 78" on Checker 782, A-Side]
7. My Babe - LITTLE WALTER
[1955 USA 7” single on Checker 811, A-Side]
8. Bo Diddley – BO DIDDLEY
[1955 USA 7” single on Checker 814, A-Side]

Side 2:
1. 64,000 Dollar Question – BOBBY TUGGLE
[1955 USA 7” single on Checker 823, A-Side]
2. Tippety Top – THE RAYS
[1956 USA 7” single on Chess 1613, A-Side]
3. I’m Mad – WILLIE MABON and HIS COMBO
[1953 USA 78” on Chess 1538, A-Side]
4. Sincerely – THE MOONGLOWS
[1954 USA 7” single on Chess 1581, A-Side]
5. In My Diary – THE MOONGLOWS
[1955 USA 7” single on Chess 1611, A-Side]
6. Sinner’s Dream – EUGENE FOX
[1954 USA 7” single on Checker 792, A-side]
7. Jock-A-Mo – JAMES ‘SUGARBOY’ CRAW
[1954 USA 7” single on Checker 787, A-Side]
8. See You Later Alligator – BOBBY CHARLES
[1955 USA 7” single on Chess 1609, A-Side]


2. Chess Golden Decade Volume 2 1956 – “Take It Easy Greasy”
Beige Colour, Embossed Card Gatefold Sleeve
Released in the UK October 1973 on Checker 6445 206 [MONO]

Side 1:
1. Take It Easy Greasy – BOBBY CHARLES
[1956 USA 7” single on Chess 1628, B-Side of “Only Time Will Tell”]
2. Ain’t Got No Home – CLARENCE ‘FROGMAN’ HENRY
[1956 USA 7” single on Argo 5259, A-Side]
3. Troubles, Troubles – CLARENCE ‘FROGMAN’ HENRY
[1956 USA 7” single on Argo 5259, B-Side of “Ain’t Got No Home”]
4. The Music Goes Round & Round – PAUL GAYTEN
[1956 USA 7” single on Argo 5257, A-Side]
5. Driving Home, Part 1 – PAUL GAYTEN
[1957 USA 7” single on Argo 5263, A-Side]
6. A Kiss From Your Lips – THE FLAMINGOS
[1956 USA 7” single on Checker 837, A-Side]
7. When I’m With You – THE MOONGLOWS
[1956 USA 7” single on Chess 1629, B-Side of “See Saw”]
8. Roll Over Beethoven – CHUCK BERRY
[1956 USA 7” single on Chess 1626, A-Side]

Side 2:
1. Tall Dark Handsome Man – BOBBY CISCO
[1957 USA 7” single on Chess 1650, A-Side]
2. Rock, Rock – BOBBY CISCO
[Unreleased Chess Session]
3. Smokestack Lightnin’ – HOWLIN’ WOLF
[1956 USA 7” single on Chess 1618, A-Side]
4. I Knew From The Start – THE MOONGLOWS
[1957 USA 7” single on Chess 1646, B-Side of “Over & Over Again”]
5. I’ll Be Home – THE FLAMINGOS
[1956 USA 7” single on Checker 830, A-Side]
6. All My Life – THE FOUR TOPS
[Rare Previously Unreleased 1956 Chess Session]
7. I’ll Turn Square For You – BOBBY CHARLES
[Unreleased Track]
8. Who Do You Love – BO DIDDLEY
[1955 USA 7” single on Checker 814, A-Side]


3. Chess Golden Decade Volume 3 1957 – “Dime Store Pony Tail”
Pink Colour, Card Embossed Gatefold Sleeve, ROB FINNIS Liner Notes
Released in the UK October 1973 on Checker 6445 207 [MONO]

Side 1:
1. The Walk – JIMMY McCRACKLIN
[1958 USA 7” single on Checker 885, A-Side]
2. You Can Suit Yourself – BOBBY CHARLES
[1957 USA 7” single on Chess 1658, B-side of “No More”]
3. I Can’t Wait – RAY STANLEY
[1957 USA 7”single on Argo 528, B-side of “Over A Coke”]
4. Over The Mountain, Across The Sea – JOHNNIE & JOE
[Johnnie Richardson and Joe Rivers, 1957 USA 7” on Chess 1654, A-Side]
5. The Clock – LEE ANDREWS and THE HEARTS
[1957 USA 7” single on Chess 1665, B-Side of “Long Lonely Nights”]
6. Long Lonely Nights – LEE ANDREWS and THE HEARTS
[1957 USA 7” single on Chess 1665, A-Side]
7. Jelly Bean – THE NITE CAPS
[1957 USA 7” single on Chess 1694, A-Side]
8. Rock This Morning – LOWELL FULSOM
[1957 USA 7” single on Checker 882, A-Side]

Side 2:
1. Dime Store Pony Tail – BOBBY DEAN
[1958 USA 7” single on Chess 1673, B-Side of “Just Go Wild Over Rock’n’Roll”]
2. Flat Foot Sam – OSCAR WILLS [aka TV SLIM]
(This re-recording is credited to O WILLS – his real name. However, it was recorded in 1956 on Cliff 103 under his more common stage name TV SLIM)
[1957 USA 7” single on Argo 527, A-Side]
3. Teardrops – LEE ANDREWS and THE HEARTS
[1957 USA 7” single on Chess 1675, A-Side]
4. This Love – THE MOONGLOWS
[1958 USA 7” single on Chess 1701, A-Side]
5. Happy, Happy Birthday Baby – THE TUNE WEAVERS
[1957 USA 7” single on Checker 872, A-Side]
(Originally on Casa Grande 4037 earlier in 1957)
6. M.T.Y.L.T.T. – THE DREAM KINGS
(More Than Yesterday Less Than Tomorrow)
[1957 USA 7” single on Checker 858, A-Side]
7. Oh Oh – EDDIE BOYD
[1957 USA 7” single on Chess 1698, A-Side]
8. Susie-Q – DALE HAWKINS
[1957 USA 7” single on Checker 863, A-Side]


4. Chess Golden Decade Volume 4 1958-59 – “Book Of Love”
Brown Colour, Embossed Card Gatefold Sleeve, BILL MILLAR Liner Notes
Released in the UK July 1974 on Checker 6445 200 [MONO]
[This LP is actually sports the ‘Chess’ label, but there’s a sticker on the inside of the gatefold stating that ‘Checker” is the correct label (their mistake); also Track 3 on Side 1 of the label only mistakenly credits PIANO RED as PIANO ‘C’ RED]

Side 1:
1. Book Of Love – THE MONOTONES
(Originally released on Mascot 124 in November 1957)
[1958 USA 7” single on Argo 5290, A-Side]
2. Nothin’ Shakin’ – EDDIE FONTAINE
[1958 USA 7” single on Argo 5309, A-Side]
3. Sugaree – RUSTY YORK
(Originally issued earlier in 1959 on Note 10021)
[1959 USA 7” single on Chess 1730, A-Side]
4. 1-2-3 – PIANO RED
[1959 USA Checker Records, Previously Unreleased Session]
5. She’s Alright With Me – HARVEY and THE MOONGLOWS
[1959 USA Chess Records, Previously Unreleased Session]
6. Been So Long – THE PASTELS
(Originally released on Mascot 123 in 1957)
[1958 USA 7” single on Argo 5287, A-Side]
7. The Wobble – JIMMY McCRACKLIN
[Alternate previously unreleased version of his 1958 7” A on Checker 885]
8. Say Man – BO DIDDLEY
[1958 USA 7” single on Checker 931, A-Side]

Side 2:
1. Everybody Rock – JIMMY McCRACKLIN
[1958 USA 7” single on Checker 893, A-Side]
2. He Knows The Rules – JIMMY McCRACKLIN
[1959 USA Checker Records, Previously Unreleased Session]
3. Boogie Rebop – PIANO RED
[1959 USA Checker Records, Previously Unreleased Session]
4. Zombie – THE MONOTONES
[1958 USA 7” single on Argo 5301, B-Side of “Tom Foolery”]
5. This Broken Heart – THE SONICS
(Originally issued on Harvard 801 in early 1959)
[1959 USA 7” single on Checker 922, A-Side]
6. Ten Commandments Of Love – HARVEY and THE MOONGLOWS
[1958 USA 7” single on Chess 1705, A-Side]
7. False Alarm – THE RE-VELS [aka THE REVELS]
[1958 USA 7” single on Chess 1708. A-Side]
8. Legend Of Sleepy Hollow – THE MONOTONES
[1958 USA 7” single on Argo 5321, A-Side]


5. Chess Golden Decade Volume 5 1959-61 – “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl”
Lime Colour, Embossed Card Gatefold Sleeve
Released in the UK July 1974 on Checker 6445 201 [MONO]

Side 1:
1. But I Do – CLARENCE ‘FROGMAN’ HENRY [aka (I Don't Know Why) But I Do]
[1961 USA 7” single on Argo 5378, A-Side]
2. If I Can’t Have You – ETTA and HARVEY (Etta James and Harvey Fuqua)
[1960 USA 7” single on Chess 1760, A-Side]
3. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl – DON and BOB [Don Level, Bob Love]
[1961 USA 7” single on Argo 5400, A-Side]
4. Goin’ Back To Memphis – (JUMPIN') GENE SIMMONS
[1960 USA 7” single on Checker 948, B-Side to “Bad Boy Willie”]
5. Back To School Blues – DALE HAWKINS
[1960 USA 7” single on Checker 934, B-side to “Liza Jane”]
6. My Baby’s Got Soul – LARRY WILLIAMS
[1959 USA 7” single on Chess 1736, A-Side]
7. Louisiana Blues – FREDDY FENDER
[1960 USA Argo Records, Previously Unreleased Session]
8. Just You And I – GUITAR RED
[1961 USA 7” single on Checker 988, A-Side]

Side 2:
1. Every Day Of The Week – THE STUDENTS
(Originally issued on Checker 902 in 1958, B-Side to “I’m So Young”)
[1961 USA 7” single reissue on Argo 5386, B-Side to “I’m So Young”]
2. Knee Socks – THE IDEALS
[1959 USA 7” single on Checker 920, A-Side]
(Was reissued in 1961 on Checker 979 as Johnny Brantley and The Ideals]
3. I Need A Change – THE MIRACLES
[1960 USA, 2nd and last 7” single on Chess 1768, A-Side]
4. You Always Hurt The Ones You Love – CLARENCE ‘FROGMAN’ HENRY
[1961 USA 7” single on Argo 5388, A-Side]
5. I’m So Young – THE STUDENTS
[(Originally issued on Checker 902 in 1958, A-Side)
[1961 USA 7” single reissue on Argo 5386, A-Side]
6. Bad Girl – THE MIRACLES
[1959 USA, 1st 7” single on Chess 1734, A-Side]
7. The Chant – RAMSEY LEWIS
[1959 USA 7” single on Argo 5352, A-Side]
8. Let It Rock – CHUCK BERRY
[1960 USA 7” single on Chess 1747, B-side of “Too Popped To Pop (Casey)”]

6. Chess Golden Decade Volume 6 1961-62 - “Talkin’ Trash”
Yellow Colour, Embossed Card Gatefold Sleeve
Released in the UK October 1974 on Checker 6445 202 [MONO]

Side 1:
1. Let Me In – THE SENSATIONS
[1961 USA 7” single on Argo 5405, A-Side]
2. Mama Didn’t Lie – JAN BRADLEY
[1962 USA 7” single on Chess 1845, A-Side]
3. Smokey Places – THE CORSAIRS (Featuring The Voice Of Jay "Bird" Uzzell
[1961 USA 7” single on Tuff CH-1808, A-Side]
4. Stop The Wedding – ETTA JAMES
[1962 USA 7” single on Argo 5418, A-Side]
5. Talkin’ Trash – THE VIBRATIONS
[1961 USA Checker Records, was the B-side of “Peanut Butter” on the withdrawn USA 7” single Arvee 5027]
6. Rinky Dink – DAVE ‘BABY’ CORTEZ
[1962 USA 7” single on Chess 1829, A-Side]
7. She’s My Baby – STEVE ALAIMO
(Originally issued in 1957 in the USA on Marlin 6067 as the A-side, it was initially credited to Steve Alaimo and The Redcoats)
[1961 USA Checker Records, Previously Unreleased Session?]
8. Chicken Scratch – J.C. DAVIS
(James C. Davis, One Time Sax Player for James Brown’s Famous Flames]
[1962 USA 7” single on Chess 1831, A-Side]

Side 2:
1. Peanut Butter – THE MARATHONS [aka THE VIBRATIONS]
[1961 USA 7” single on Argo 5389, A-Side]
2. Watusi – THE VIBRATIONS
[1961 USA 7” single on Checker 969. A-Side]
3. Music, Music, Music – THE SENSATIONS
[1961 USA 7” single on Argo 5391, A-Side]
4. Story Of My Life – ‘BIG’ AL DOWNING
[1962 USA 7” single on Chess 1817, A-Side]
5. Everyday I Have To Cry – STEVE ALAIMO
[1962 USA 7” single on Checker 1032, A-Side]
6. Stormy – THE CORSAIRS
[1963 USA 7” single on Tuff-CH 1847, A-Side]
7. I Got A Woman – STEVE ALAIMO
[1962 USA, A Track off the “Mashed Potatoes” album on Checker Records]
8. Happy Weekend – DAVE ‘BABY’ CORTEZ
[1962 USA 7” single on Chess 134, A-Side]

7. Chess Golden Decade Volume 7 1963-65 – “Hi-Heel Sneakers”
Violet Colour, Embossed Card Gatefold Sleeve
Released in the UK November 1974 on Chess 6445 203 [STEREO]

Side 1:
1. Hi-Heel Sneakers – TOMMY TUCKER
[February 1964 USA 7” single on Checker 1067, A-Side]
2. Soulful Dress – SUGAR PIE DeSANTO
[August 1964 USA 7” single on Checker 1082, A-Side]
3. Selfish One – JACKIE ROSS
[August 1964 USA 7” single on Chess 1903, A-Side]
4. Voice Your Choice – THE RADIANTS
[December 1964 USA 7” single on Chess 1904, A-Side]
5. Sitting In The Park – BILLY STEWART
[July 1965 USA 7” single on Chess 1932, A-Side]
6. Get Closer Together – JOE TEX
[1964 USA 7” single on Checker 1087, B-Side to “Sit Yourself Down”]
7. Help Me – SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON
[April 1963 USA 7” single on Checker 1036, A-Side]
8. (The Story Of) Woman, Love And A Man (Part 1) – TONY CLARKE
[1964 USA 7” single on Chess 1880, A-Side (Part 2 was the B-Side)]

Side 2:
1. Dancing Danny – THE VIBRATIONS
[1963 USA 7” single on Checker 1061, A-Side]
2. Meddlin’ – LITTLE WALTER
[1963 USA 7” single on Checker 1063, A-Side]
3. One Hundred And Two (Still Can’t Do It Like I Used To) – PIANO RED
[1963 USA Checker Records, Previously Unreleased Session]
4. The Entertainer – TONY CLARKE
[March 1965 USA 7” single on Chess 1924, A-Side]
5. I Do Love You – BILLY STEWART
[February 1965 USA 7” single on Chess 1922, A-Side]
6. I Had A Talk With My Man – MITTY COLLIER
[October 1964 USA 7” single on Chess 1907, A-Side]
7. Temptation 'Bout To Get Me – THE KNIGHT BROTHERS
[May 1965 USA 7” single on Checker 1107, A-Side]
8. Slip-In Mules (No Hi-Heel Sneakers) – SUGAR PIE DeSANTO
[1964 USA 7” single on Checker 1073, A-Side]


8. Chess Golden Decade Volume 8 1965-66 – “The 'In' Crowd”
Pink Colour, Embossed Card Gatefold Sleeve, ROGER ST. PIERRE Liner Notes
Released in the UK January 1975 on Chess 6445 204 [STEREO]

Side 1:
1. Summertime – BILLY STEWART (George Gershwin cover)
[August 1966 USA 7” single on Chess 1966, A-Side]
2. Rescue Me – FONTELLA BASS
[September 1965 USA 7” single Checker 1120, A-Side]
3. The ‘In’ Crowd – THE RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO
[August 1965 USA 7” single on Argo 5506, A-Side]
4. In The Basement (Part 1) – ETTA JAMES and SUGAR PIE DeSANTO
[August 1966 USA 7” single on Cadet 5539, A-side]
5. We’re Gonna Make It – LITTLE MILTON
[August 1965 USA 7” single on Checker 1105, A-side]
6. It’s A Man’s Man’s World – BIG MAYBELLE [Mabel Louise Smith]
(Cover version of the famous James Brown song)
[1966 USA 7” single on Chess 1967, A-Side]
7. See Me Through – BOBBY WOMACK
[1966 USA Chess Records session, Previously Unreleased]
8. Feel So Bad – LITTLE MILTON
[January 1967 USA 7” single on Checker 1162, A-Side]

Side 2:
1. Wade In The Water – THE RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO
[July 1966 USA 7” single on Cadet 5541, A-Side]
2. Wang Dang Doodle – KOKO TAYLOR
(Written, Produced & Featuring On Backing Vocals – Willie Dixon)
[April 1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1135, A-Side]
3. Don’t Mess Up A Good Thing – FONTELLA BASS and BOBBY McCLURE
[February 1965 USA 7” single on Checker 1097, A-Side]
4. Searching For My Love – BOBBY MOORE and THE RHYTHM ACES
[February 1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1129, A-Side]
5. Come A Long Way – BOBBY WOMACK
[1966 USA Chess Records session, Previously Unreleased]
6. Recovery – FONTELLA BASS
[January 1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1131, A-Side]
7. You Came A Long Way From St. Louis – CHUCK BERRY
(Features THE FIVE DIMENSIONS, Recorded in London in 1965)
[1965, on the Chess Album “Chuck Berry In London”]
8. We’re Gonna Get Married – BO DIDDLEY
[1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1142, A-Side]


9. Chess Golden Decade Sampler
Pictures all 8 volumes on the front, single laminate sleeve
Released in the UK February 1975 on Chess 6830 181
[Liner Notes by JOHN PEEL]

Side 1:
1. See You Later Alligator – BOBBY CHARLES (from Vol.1)
2. Sincerely – THE MOONGLOWS (from Vol.1)
3. Smokestack Lightnin’ – HOWLIN’ WOLF (from Vol.2)
4. Ain’t Got No Home – CLARENCE ‘FROGMAN’ HENRY (from Vol.2)
5. The Walk – JIMMY McCRACKLIN (from Vol.3)
6. Susie-Q – DALE HAWKINS (from Vol.3)
7. Book Of Love – THE MONOTONES (from Vol.4)
8. Ten Commandments Of Love – HARVEY and THE MOONGLOWS (from Vol.4)
Side 2:
1. But I Do – CLARENCE ‘FROGMAN’ HENRY (from Vol.5)
2. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl – DON & BOB (from Vol.5)
3. Rinky Dink – DAVE ‘BABY’ CORTEZ (from Vol.6)
4. Peanut Butter - THE MARATHONS (Vibrations) (from Vol.6)
5. Hi-Heel Sneakers – TOMMY TUCKER (from Vol.7)
6. The Entertainer – TONY CLARKE (from Vol.7)
7. Rescue Me – FONTELLA BASS (from Vol.8)
8. Summertime – BILLY STEWART (from Vol.8)