Howlin' Wolf: Moanin' In The Moonlight

Moanin' in the Moonlight (Geffen Records 60th Anniversary Reissue)

A Howlin' Wolf Masterpiece Returned to Vinyl Glory
When discussing cornerstone blues albums, few command the reverence of Howlin' Wolf's "Moanin' in the Moonlight." This seminal compilation, gathering singles recorded between 1951 and 1959, captures the raw, haunting power of Chester Burnett at his most formidable. Including the now-legendary "Smokestack Lightning," this collection has rightfully earned its place in the blues pantheon, securing a W.C. Handy Award for "Vintage/Reissue Album" in 1987 and landing at #477 on Rolling Stone's 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Geffen Records' 2018 60th anniversary reissue does justice to this towering work. Meticulously remastered from the original master tapes and pressed on substantial 150-gram black vinyl, the attention to detail extends to the packaging with its classic tip-on jacket that evokes the album's original era.

The Vinyl Verdict
This pressing reveals Howlin' Wolf in his absolute prime, and Geffen's reissue may well stand as the definitive vinyl edition available today. While inevitably constrained by the limitations of the source recordings, what's remarkable is how much sonic information has been coaxed from these tapes. The dynamic range and soundstage achieved here are nothing short of extraordinary for material of this vintage.

Special recognition must go to mastering engineer Alex Abrash, whose work on this project deserves the highest praise. He's managed the near-impossible: translating to vinyl the crackling energy and soul-stirring passion that must have electrified the original recording studios. The primal intensity of Wolf's performances comes through with startling immediacy.

For Wolf aficionados, blues enthusiasts, or simply collectors of exceptional vinyl pressings, this reissue represents an essential addition to any thoughtfully curated collection. The investment yields rich rewards with every spin, making this a purchase you'll appreciate for years to come. 💰

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass