Customer Reviews

Best Of Chess: Original Versions Of Songs in Cadillac Records

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great CD, with re-mastered versions of the original blues songs featured in the film, Cadillac Records. These are the real thing, blues written and performed by by Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Little Walter, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. And the quality is very good, thanks to remasters of old tapes laid down in the 40s, 50s and early 60s.

Known at the time as "race records," these original blues tunes by people we now call African-Americans set the stage for early rock n roll and for white rockers like Elvis Presley to score huge hits with songs like My Babe, one of Little Walter's signature tunes. Eventually some of the black singers had cross-over hits. For instance, At Last by Etta James got decent airplay on mainstream stations, but more often than not it was the white bands that made it big. This was especially in the South, where white and black audiences were segregated by law and many clubs refused to book black performers.

The stars of Cadillac Records (Beyonce and Mos Def, for example) do fine versions of these songs in the film, but there really isn't anything like hearing the original recordings. I recommend buying this disk and the film soundtrack and listening to them together. It's a great experience and it's also satisfying to know that Muddy and many of the Chess artists are finally getting the broad recognition they deserve.

Regardless of the merits of "Cadillac Records," which chronicles the story of the Chess brothers founding of one of the great record dynasties, the sixteen tracks contained on this disc are the real deal and are required listening for any serious music collector. Accept no substitutes. Each of these six artists has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And how could they not? The far reaching influence of these six artists is incalculable. So forget the soundtrack album; this is what you need. The raw power of these songs is staggering.

If there's a criticism to be leveled, it's the brevity of this collection (which clocks in under 45 minutes). If you're ready to move on from this introductory lesson into the blues, Chess has a number of multi-disc sets available. 1997's two-disc THE CHESS BLUES-ROCK SONGBOOK also includes such blues stalwarts as John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, Lowell Fulson, J. B. Lenoir and Elmore James. If that's not enough, 1992's 4-CD box set contains 101 tracks of classic blues. But if you're looking for a solid introduction of what Chess Records was all about, you can't go wrong with this single-disc collection. This is essential listening. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED [Running Time - 44:07]

SOOOOOOOOOO happy I chose to buy the original Chess Recordings when faced with a choice between this CD and the Soundtrack. Worth the price just for Little Walter's "My Babe" - I was instantly 13 years old again, dancing in the gym at Roosevelt Jr. High!

This recording is a good example of honest, soulful blues music and early rock and roll as is was before rampant commercialism kidnapped the music industry. Every track is a classic, and that is why these songs are still played by blues bands today.

The CD is a good representation of what you might hear in a juke joint in the 1950s or today. It is an enjoyable collection of familiar standards for us veteran blues listeners, and a terrific introduction to good blues and artists for new blues fans.

This is vital music and I congratulate the producers and investors whose efforts are helping to keep it alive and available.

Emerging rock and blues guitarists should note that the Chuck Berry tracks are actually twelve-bar blues progressions, that same song form as most of the other songs on this CD, but hopped up with quicker tempos to appeal to younger listeners.

Got a random though that it would be nice to have some tunes from Chess Records so did a search and found this album. I had no great expectations, but after hearing the tracks I was blown away. All are very strong and really have a grit and energy that puts most modern music to shame. Buy this album and get ready for some great songs!

This is a great CD with Chess Records great line-up. What more can you ask for than lots of Chuck Berry plus Muddy Walters and Etta James. Without these folks, we wouldn't have had rock'n'roll.

This CD deserves the highest praise. You are certain to enjoy this music. During the early 50's and 60's, chess records also recorded some of the great Doo-Wop groups(Flamingos, Moonglows and early Miracles and Four Tops) as well as jazz artis. The movie, cadillac records focused on the blues. This CD is a valuabe and must have treat for fans of blues and r&b music.

Original artists Etta James, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Howlin' Wolf singing
their songs. Didn't know the sound of Etta James or Howlin' Wolf and they
can break your heart. So good can listen to them over and over.

I really enjoyed this CD. Nothing could compare to the orginal artists singing thier own songs. Much more enjoyable then the remade version from the Cadillac Records Soundtrack. Awesome!

If this was a review of the movie "Cadillac Records" I'd have to give it one star for the many omissions. Since it is not I can only say one thing and that's - GREAT STUFF. Nothing like these originals - now or ever.