Willard's Wormholes

2120 South Michigan Ave.
(The Unreleased 1964 Blues LP)
Live At Chess Studios

I had originally scored these Chess Studio sessions via some of those awful Russian bootleg two-fers that once used them as filler bonus tracks. Someone repackaged them with better, studio quality files and a spiffy fake cover for this pleasing collection. I’m not the biggest fan of the early Stones – they were just a bit rudimentary and stiff for my tastes – especially the British Invasion stuff they would traffic in. But these early live recordings made at the famed Chess Studios in Chicago (the place they made a beeline for when they first toured the States) are a lively dose of loose rockin‘ British blues, from a band that wouldn’t even truly understand the stuff for another five years or so. Five of these tracks were released on the 1964 UK EP, 5 X 5. It’s not all root blues material, there’s a lot of Chuck, and why that live version of “Satisfaction” was even added to this set is odd, but this “unreleased album” makes a great case for the Stones’ blues authenticity… if only they had not followed so closely in the pop trail blazed by The Beatles’ success. They would finally come home again for Beggars Banquet & the Mick Taylor years.

It’s All Over Now*
I Can’t Be Satisfied*
Stewed And Keefed*
Around And Around*
Confessin‘ The Blues*
Down In The Bottom*
Empty Heart*
Hi- Heel Sneakers*
Down The Road Apiece*
If You Need Me*
Look What You’ve Done*
Tell Me Baby*
Time Is On My Side (Version 1)*
Reelin‘ And Rockin‘*
Don’t You Lie To Me*
2120 South Michigan Avenue*
What A Shame*
Fanny Mae**
Little Red Rooster**
Time Is On My Side (Version 2)**
Goodbye Girl**
Key To The Highway**
Mercy, Mercy (Version 1)**
Mercy, Mercy (Version 2)**
That’s How Strong My Love Is***
The Under-Assistant West Coast Promotion Man***
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (from Shindig, May 1965)

Recorded *June 11-12, 1964 **November 8, 1964 ***May, 1965