Howlin' Wolf - Moanin' In The Moonlight

Howlin' Wolf — Moanin' in the Moonlight (Mono)

Chess Records 75 Series from Chess Records and Acoustic Sounds!

Haunting 1959 album debut introduced Wolf's signature growl on "Smokestack Lightnin'" and "Evil"

All-analog mastering by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab 

180-gram vinyl pressed at Quality Record Pressings

Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time rated No. 477/500! 

Howlin' Wolf's Moanin' in the Moonlight is a compilation album released by Chess Records in 1959, comprising songs recorded between 1951 and 1959 previously issued as singles, including the iconic hit "Smokestack Lightnin'." As Rolling Stone put it, "The Wolf had the biggest roar in Chicago blues — he raved in a fierce growl, backed by explosive playing from guitar geniuses Willie Johnson and Hubert Sumlin. His 1959 debut album has some of the meanest electric blues ever heard ... from the eerie railroad drone 'Smokestack Lightnin' to the lowdown 'I Asked for Water (She Gave Me Gasoline)."

Founded in 1950 by Polish immigrant brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, Chess Records emerged from the south side of Chicago and enhanced and transformed the blues from folk music to popular sound. Wolf added the raw, untamed electricity that turned the blues into a primal force. With Willie Dixon's songwriting magic, Hubert Sumlin's razor-sharp guitar lines, and Wolf's voice — a voice that sounds like it was carved out of granite with a switchblade — Moanin' in the Moonlight became an anchor of the Chess empire.

Each release in the Chess Records 75 Series is remastered from the original analog tapes by Matt Lutthans at The Mastering Lab, the wizard who understands that the Wolf's growl should shake your floorboards, not your ears! Likewise, if vinyl had a luxury spa, Quality Record Pressings would be it. Dead-quiet surfaces, 180-gram heft, and grooves so pristine — it's Chess mono magic, restored with soul! It's big, it's warm, and the sound is alive. Like Wolf himself just walked into your listening room. Lastly, reissues in this series are housed in archival quality tip-on gatefold jackets, offering both audiophiles and collectors a premium listening experience. 

Bottom line — Moanin' in the Moonlight isn't just an album; it's the cornerstone of electric blues. It's the sound of raw power before marketing departments figured out how to package it. Spin this reissue and rediscover why blues fans treat this record like sacred text — because when the Wolf howls, the world still listens.

 

Side A

1. Moanin' At Midnight

2. How Many More Years

3. Smokestack Lightnin'

4. Baby, How Long

5. No Place To Go

6. All Night Boogie

Side B

1. Evil

2. I'm Leavin' You

3. Moanin' For My Baby

4. I Asked For Water (She Gave Me Gasoline)

5. Forty-Four

6. Somebody In My Home

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 1 person(s) rated this product.

PURE HOWLIN' WOLF BLUES BLISS posted on 10/23/2025 5 Stars Reviewer: Ben S. Finally, one of the greatest blues artists of all time receives the audiophile treatment he deserves! When Chad Kassem announced the Chess 75 Series, he said that nothing would be held back and no expense spared. He delivered with aces!! From the top quality packaging to the excellent sound, everything is solid on this brilliant release . The vinyl is as quiet as a church mouse. Matt Lutthans' mastering choices are perfect with warmth and vibrance I've never heard on this album before. Wolf's vocals sound so soulful on this album, and the music just takes you to the moon with him. I very highly recommend this album to fans of early electric blues.

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