The album marks what could probably be considered the nadir of Muddy Waters’ career.Ĭhess executives … had sent Wolf and Waters into the studio to record what they fondly imagined to be ‘psychedelic versions’ of their greatest hits. Rich Cohen: Machers & Rockers: Chess Records and The Business of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s considered by purists the worst blues record ever made. In the long run it was a fiasco, the artefact most mentioned to suggest the demise of a great label, a classic example of the artist twisted to the monetary fancy of the businessman. It’s as if Marshall Chess locked Muddy in a studio with a wah-wah pedal and said, ‘Don’t come out until you’ve made a record.’ Muddy grumbled, but went along, willing to compromise for a shot at the big time. Pete Welding, Rolling Stone, 9 November 1968 It is nothing more than a parody of both Waters’ music and contemporary instrumental practices … it does a great disservice to one of the blues’ most important innovators, and prostitutes the contemporary styles to which his pioneering efforts have led. What did Muddy say about being dressed up as a choirboy? Or is it a guru? We’ll do the same, then we’ll sell as many.” It may be preferable to the Habitat Psyche of the British one. Did they think, ‘The Beatles and The Stones had plain white sleeves.
Sidney Barnes who co-wrote Herbert Harper’s Free Press was a member of Rotary Connection too.Ĭheck the US original sleeve design. The band were drawn largely from Rotary Connection, who also played on The Howlin’ Wolf Album in 1969- following the same idea. Discogs date both black and white sleeves to 5th October 1968Įither the black one is earlier, or they released two versions for impactĮarly copies (both shades) had an 8 page insert … mine (white US copy) doesn’t have it.Įlectric Mud: Muddy Waters, Chess Concept LP, 1968Ĭharles Stepney – organ, arranger, producer Music From Big Pink: The Band: 50th Anniversary editionĮarly copies came in black.Latest Record Project volume 1 – Van Morrison.Recall The Beginning – A Journey From Eden.Bawdy ballads, lewd lyrics, rugby songs and folk.The 60s: Dancing bands and watching bands.Pye International … sleeves and centres.Badge engineering: labels and sub-labels.EPs: the charts, Cliff Richard and The Shadows.