Third Man Records Chess 7" Color Reissues Rocket "88", Chuck Berry, Howlin' Wolf

$

150

TMR-527 Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats "Rocket 88" b/w "Come Back Where You Belong" 7" (Chess Records reissue)
This is undoubtedly the first distorted rock and roll single ever. It is even sometimes claimed, most prominently by Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, as the first rock and roll single ever. This song's story is a roller coaster, being recorded by Ike Turner and his band, of which Brenston was a member, in March 1951 at Memphis Recording Service. Because Sun Records was yet in operation, the recording then sold to Chess Records in Chicago and was wildly popular, selling over 500,000 copies. Unfortunately, the success and fame of the single caused tense clashes in the band, eventually leading to Ike and Jackie splitting ways to pursue their own solo careers. Black vinyl available everywhere. Limited edition "Chess-Nut Vinyl" available at Third Man Records' Nashville and Detroit storefronts.

TMR-528 Howlin' Wolf "How Many More Years" b/w "Moanin' at Midnight" 7" (Chess Records reissue)
Recorded at Sam Phillips' Memphis Recording Service at the recommendation of Ike Turner in July 1951, this incredibly influential single is the first ever 7" from legendary bluesman Howlin' Wolf. Interestingly enough, the A-side "How Many More Years" was cited by T. Bone Burnett as "in some ways...the first rock and roll song". The single was later referenced by British blues pioneers Led Zeppelin, both in the title and in Plant's vocals, on their debut album track "How Many More Years." The B-side "Moaning at Midnight" is as heavy as it gets, described by Phillips as "the most different record I ever heard." Black vinyl available everywhere. Limited edition "Chess-Nut Vinyl" available at Third Man Records' Nashville and Detroit storefronts.

TMR-529 Chuck Berry "Back in the U.S.A." b/w "Memphis, Tennessee" 7" (Chess Records reissue)
Released in June 1959, Chuck Berry dropped an absolutely classic hit single. The A-side "Back in the U.S.A." was reportedly recorded after an Australian tour where Berry and his bandmates saw firsthand the dismal living conditions of Aboriginal Australians. Of course, it was later parodied by the Beatles with their White Album smash "Back in the U.S.S.R.". The B-side, "Memphis, Tennessee," hit #5 on the Billboard Pop chart and #4 on the R&B chart upon it's release, and is one of Berry's most covered tunes of his catalog, including diverse renditions by Bo Diddley, John Cale, Al Green, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Ernest Tubb, and Silicon Teens. Limited edition "Chess-Nut Vinyl" available at Third Man Records' Nashville and Detroit storefronts.