LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Chicago’s electric blues/blues-rock band formed in 1963 around harmonica-and-vocal dynamo Paul Butterfield, with Elvin Bishop (guitar), Jerome Arnold (bass), and Sam Lay (drums); guitarist Mike Bloomfield and keyboardist Mark Naftalin joined shortly after. The band helped carry Chicago blues to rock audiences, later featuring horn alumni such as David Sanborn, and recorded primarily for Elektra between 1965 and 1971.

Their self-titled debut on Elektra—produced by Paul A. Rothchild following earlier shelved sessions—is a raw, live-leaning statement that defined amplified Chicago blues for the rock era. Released in October 1965, it later earned “greatest albums” recognition from outlets like Rolling Stone and DownBeat.

TRACK LISTING

• A1 Born In Chicago 2:55
• A2 Shake Your Money-Maker 2:27
• A3 Blues With A Feeling 4:20
• A4 Thank You Mr. Poobah 4:05
• A5 I Got My Mojo Working 3:30
• A6 Mellow Down Easy 3:40
• B1 Screamin' 4:30
• B2 Our Love Is Drifting 3:25
• B3 Mystery Train 2:45
• B4 Last Night 4:15
• B5 Look Over Yonders Wall 2:23