Chess Records reissue series is about to commence!

One of my first album purchases was Chuck Berry’s Greatest Hits (Chess LP-1485, mono). It was of course a vinyl LP, as that was the only format available in 1964 (ignoring reel-to-reel tape. No one I knew---including every parent of me and all my friends---had a tape machine). I played it just as much as my Ventures (my first favorite band), Beach Boys, Paul Revere & The Raiders (laugh if you want, but give a listen to "Just Like Me." Awesome!), and Beatles albums.

Chess also released albums by Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter (still my favorite harp player), Etta James, and many other black artists of the 50’s and 60’s. Numerous songs originally recorded by Chuck, Muddy, Wolf, Walter, and Etta were covered by The Beatles, The Stones, and hundreds of other 60’s and 70’s (and onward) Rock Bands and solo artists, most often in inferior versions.

Unfortunately, Chess Records’ LP’s were the lowest quality pressings in the business. So it is fantastic news that the Chess catalog is about to become available in new high quality pressings, beginning next month with Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf titles. The lacquers are being cut from the original analog master tapes, and given the whole audiophile grade Tip-On jacket treatment. I for one will be buying them all!

Here’s Mike from The InGroove making the announcement:

https://youtu.be/_TlrDE05zE0?si=Sl1TRRYArOdlbqS2