“The Complete Checker Hit Singles – 24 High Fidelity R’n’B Classics” by LITTLE MILTON, A Review of the UK 2001 Connoisseur Collection CD.

"…Like Medicine Baby…You’re Good For Me…"

After diligently collecting nearly 1000 Chess, Checker and Cadet tracks across the years, I still find I have only 8 Little Milton songs - so the remaining 16 tracks on this rare UK compilation are welcome inclusions.

A few details first - the word 'Hit' in the title means that just the songs he placed on the US Rhythm 'n' Blues charts between 1962 and 1971 on the Checker label are featured here (some Checker singles didn't chart and are not easily available anywhere on CD). Also all tracks are A-sides except "The Dark End Of The Street" and "I Can't Quit You Baby" which are B-sides (see notes below).

Here's a breakdown of what is on Connoisseur Collection VSOP CD 351 (71:50 minutes):

1. So Mean To Me (January 1962, Checker 994)
2. Losing Hand (July 1962, Checker 1020)
3. What Kind Of Love Is This (August 1964, Checker 1078)
4. Blind Man (December 1964, Checker 1096)
5. We're Gonna Make It (March 1965, Checker 1105)
6. Who's Cheating Who (June 1965, Checker 1113)
7. Your People (December 1965, Checker 1128)
8. We Got The Winning Hand (February 1966. Checker 1132)
9. When Does The Heartache End (April 1966, Checker 1138)
10. Man Loves Two (August 1966, Checker 1149)
11. Feel So Bad (January 1967, Checker 1162)
12. I'll Never Turn My Back On You (June 1967, Checker 1172)
13. More And More (December 1967, Checker 1189)
14. The Dark End Of The Street (1968. Checker 1203)
[B-side of "I (Who Have Nothing)", a non-chart entry, listed here as a `bonus track']
15. Let Me Down Easy (October 1968, Checker 1208)
16. Grits Ain't Groceries (All Around The World) (January 1969, Checker 1212)
17. I Can't Quit You Baby (January 1969, Checker 1212)
[B-side of "Grits Ain't Groceries...")
18. Just A Little Bit (April 1969, Checker 1217)
19. Let's Get Together (July 1969, Checker 1225)
20. Poor Man (October 1969, Checker 1221)
21. If Walls Could Talk (December 1969, Checker 1226)
22. Baby I Love You (April 1970, Checker 1227)
23. Somebody's Changing My Sweet Baby's Mind (July 1970, Checker 1231)
24. I Play Dirty (May 1971, Checker 1239)

Connoisseur Collection were a budget label operating out of Britain in the late Eighties and used to release very good double-albums on vinyl of all sorts of artists (Nils Lofgren, Labi Siffre, Chess Story, Rak Records etc). Their CDs usually featured the full double-album on a single disc, but the sound was only ever ok, rather than great. Well I'm glad to say the sound quality here is fantastic. The material is licensed from Universal who have charge over the entire Chess label and although the liner notes don't advise who remastered what - they sound like the good work of Erick Labson who has handled vast swaths of the Chess catalogue to uniform praise. Veteran compiler Bob Fisher put the compilation together and the booklet features a 8-page appraisal by noted music writer and Blues discographer Neil Slaven.

As you can see from the dates above, a lot of these tracks are from the mid to late Sixties and even into the early Seventies - they're far more funky than you would credit - not just straight up R'n'B or Blues (like "Let Me Down Easy"). Highlights include the Stax Shaft funk of "Poor Man" and the gritty guitar and brass of "I Play Dirty". And while he wasn't as vocally blistering as Bobby Bland at his best, when James "Little Milton" Campbell was working a tune like say "More And More" which has a very Sixties Them feel to it - he came damn close - it's hard-hitting and impressive stuff (lyrics above).

I'm sure there's a Hip-O Select 4 or 5CD mini box set in the future pipeline to compliment their Little Walter, Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry sets, but until then, this will do nicely.

“The Complete Checker Hit Singles – 24 High Fidelity R’n’B Classics” by LITTLE MILTON, A Review of the UK 2001 Connoisseur Collection CD.

"…Like Medicine Baby…You’re Good For Me…"

After diligently collecting nearly 1000 Chess, Checker and Cadet tracks across the years, I still find I have only 8 Little Milton songs – so the remaining 16 tracks on this rare UK compilation are welcome inclusions.

A few details first - the word 'hit' in the title means that just the songs he placed on the US Rhythm 'n' Blues charts between 1962 and 1971 on the Checker label are featured here (some Checker singles didn’t chart and are not easily available anywhere on CD).
Also All tracks are A-sides except “The Dark End Of The Street” and “I Can’t Quit You Baby” which are B-sides (see notes below).

Here’s a breakdown of what is on Connoisseur Collection VSOP CD 351 (71:50 minutes):

1. So Mean To Me (January 1962, Checker 994)
2. Losing Hand (July 1962, Checker 1020)
3. What Kind Of Love Is This (August 1964, Checker 1078)
4. Blind Man (December 1964, Checker 1096)
5. We're Gonna Make It (March 1965, Checker 1105)
6. Who's Cheating Who (June 1965, Checker 1113)
7. Your People (December 1965, Checker 1128)
8. We Got The Winning Hand (February 1966. Checker 1132)
9. When Does The Heartache End (April 1966, Checker 1138)
10. Man Loves Two (August 1966, Checker 1149)
11. Feel So Bad (January 1967, Checker 1162)
12. I'll Never Turn My Back On You (June 1967, Checker 1172)
13. More And More (December 1967, Checker 1189)
14. The Dark End Of The Street (1968. Checker 1203)
[B-side of “I (Who Have Nothing)”, a non-chart entry, listed here as a ‘bonus track’]
15. Let Me Down Easy (October 1968, Checker 1208)
16. Grits Ain't Groceries (All Around The World) (January 1969, Checker 1212)
17. I Can't Quit You Baby (January 1969, Checker 1212)
[B-side of “Grits Ain’t Groceries…”)
18. Just A Little Bit (April 1969, Checker 1217)
19. Let's Get Together (July 1969, Checker 1225)
20. Poor Man (October 1969, Checker 1221)
21. If Walls Could Talk (December 1969, Checker 1226)
22. Baby I Love You (April 1970, Checker 1227)
23. Somebody's Changing My Sweet Baby's Mind (July 1970, Checker 1231)
24. I Play Dirty (May 1971, Checker 1239)

Connoisseur Collection were a budget label operating out of Britain in the late Eighties and used to release very good double-albums on vinyl of all sorts of artists (Nils Lofgren, Labi Siffre, Chess Story, Rak Records etc). Their CDs usually featured the full double-album on a single disc, but the sound was only ever ok, rather than great. Well I’m glad to say the sound quality here is fantastic. The material is licensed from Universal who have charge over the entire Chess label and although the liner notes don’t advise who remastered what – they sound like the good work of Erick Labson who has handled vast swaths of the Chess catalogue to uniform praise. Veteran compiler Bob Fisher put the compilation together and the booklet features a 8-page appraisal by noted music writer and Blues discographer Neil Slaven.

As you can see from the dates above, a lot of these tracks are from the mid to late Sixties and even into the early Seventies – they’re far more funky than you would credit – not just straight up R’n’B or Blues (like “Let Me Down Easy”). Highlights include the Stax Shaft funk of “Poor Man” and the gritty guitar and brass of “I Play Dirty”. And while he wasn’t as vocally blistering as Bobby Bland at his best, when James “Little Milton” Campbell was working a tune like say “More And More” which has a very Sixties Them feel to it - he came damn close – it’s hard-hitting and impressive stuff (lyrics above).

I’m sure there’s a Hip-O Select 4 or 5CD mini box set in the future pipeline to compliment their Little Walter, Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry sets, but until then, this will do nicely.

“Chess Blues”, 1993 USA-Only 4CD Box Set on MCA/Chess CHD4-9340. A Review…

“…I Woke Up This Morning…Couldn’t Even Get Out Of Bed…”

Released in early 1993 in the USA, the 101 tracks on this 4CD box represented the first proper overview by MCA of the Chess Blues legacy since their acquisition of its entire catalogue way back in 1985. And even now (in late 2009) with many subsequent compilations and box sets having followed - I estimate there are still at least 20 to 30 tracks exclusive to this set.

Here's a basic breakdown (each CD has a themed label):

Disc 1, 1947-1952, 25 Tracks, Yellow Aristocrat Label (73:31 minutes)
Disc 2, 1952-1954, 25 Tracks, Blue Chess Label (73:01 minutes)
Disc 3, 1954-1960, 26 Tracks, Plum Checker Label (73:08 minutes)
Disc 4, 1960-1967, 25 Tracks, Brown Argo Label (71:30 minutes)

"Chess Blues" was produced and co-compiled by ANDY McKAIE and features a wonderful 64-page booklet detailing track-by-track liner notes by MARY KATHERINE ALDIN of the LIVING BLUES Magazine (she handled the liner notes for many of the early Chess compilations). The text is peppered with classy black & whites photos of Chess giants like MUDDY WATERS, JOHN LEE HOOKER, LITTLE WALTER, HOWLIN' WOLF, WILLIE DIXON, SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON, CHUCK BERRY and ETTA JAMES. There are a few reproduced trade adverts and an opening comment by PHIL CHESS. Best of all though is the read - the paragraphs have great insights into the songs and revelatory information on long forgotten artists like LAURA RUCKER, ROBERT NIGHTHAWK and ARBEE STIDHAM. Just like Peter Grendysa's liner notes in the "Chess Rhythm & Roll" box that followed it, the booklet in this is a peach.

Remastered from Aristocrat and Chess master tapes by ERICK LABSON (over 800 credits to his name), the sound is great throughout - excepting a few tracks dubbed from disc ("Memory Of Sonny Boy" by FOREST CITY JOE from 1949 is one of them).

The music is far grittier than the "Rhythm & Roll" box where the Blues morphed into Rhythm 'n' Blues and then into Soul, but it's equally brilliant.

Unreleased gems include the fabulous piano-boogie of "Cryin' The Blues" by LAURA RUCKER sounding like a blues'd up version of Nellie Lutcher (lyrics above) - and a truly electrifying stripped down alternate take of "All Night Long" by Muddy Waters (just Muddy on guitar and Little Walter on harmonica) where he wants his woman to "rock me...all night long...'til my back has no bone..." Great stuff!

Listening to "Chess Blues" a full 16 years after its release is still a fabulous experience - and although it's not nearly as rare as it's follow-up set "Chess Rhythm & Roll", it's just as desirable...

Recommended - big time.

PS:
See also 5 separate reviews - the 1994 4CD box set "Chess Rhythm & Roll", the mammoth 15CD box set "The Chess Story 1947-1975" issued in 2000 and it's 3 separate parts issued as stand-alone 5CD sets in 2003

“Spoon So Easy - The Chess Years” by JIMMY WITHERSPOON - A Review of the 1990 USA-Only CD Compilation.

“…One Day We’ve Got Ham And Bacon…The Next Day Ain't Nothin' Shakin'…”

Transferred from the original analogue mono tapes by DOUG SCHWARTZ, “Spoon So Easy” was released in 1990 in the USA on CHD-93003. It was a 12-track LP and 14-track CD (with the two CD bonus tracks being “Mack & Jay” and “Just To Prove My Love To You”). This early Chess compilation is a mix of 7” singles, an LP track and several previously unreleased outtakes. The period is 1954 and 1955 on Chess’ subsidiary label CHECKER.

“It Ain’t No Secret” is Checker 826, “When The Lights Go Out” and “I Can Make It With You” are the A & B of Checker 798 and “I Don’t Know Why (Why Do I Love You Like I Do)” is Checker 826. “Goin Down Slow” is off the Anthology LP “Blues: Shoutin’ Swingin’ And Makin’ Love” (Chess LP 412) while the other 8 tracks are all previously unreleased. Willie Dixon composed the excellent “Live So Easy” (previously unreleased), “I Can Make It With You” and the sexed-up single that should have charted “When The Lights Go Out”.

Soundwise – it’s good – rather than great – but in 2009, the transfer quality of 1990 is really showing its age – especially in the light of Erick Labson’s stunning remasters of almost all the Chess catalogue in 1998 and onwards in the 2000s. The short but affectionate liner notes are by MARY KATHERINE ALDIN of the LIVING BLUES Magazine.

Slow blues – a couple of shouters - it’s a good set, and cheap too - but like so many of the Chess compilations of the period, it’s in real need of an upgrade.

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)