KOKO TAYLOR – What It Takes (Expanded Edition) (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This single disc neatly collects everything of importance that Chicago blues belter Koko Taylor released through Chess and its subsidiary Checker label, presenting a thoroughly enjoyable, collection as historically important for Taylor's sizzling performances as it is for Willie Dixon's sublime compositions and sympathetic production. Those who know these formative years from Taylor's immortal "Wang Dang Doodle" will thrill to realize that the classic isn't even the best entry here. It's a toss-up as to which others challenge it, but "What Came First the Egg or the Hen," with Dixon joining in on vocals, is in the running, as is the absolutely chilling "Insane Asylum," where Dixon interestingly kicks off the song before Taylor appears over a minute later. The producer/bassist/songwriter/singer pens all but one of the 18 songs. Of those, Taylor takes sole songwriting credit on 1964's "What Kind of Man is That?" and covers J.B. Lenoir's "Good Advice." The latter is an unusually pop-oriented moment that she still roughs up with her usual dynamic vocal attack. Taylor tackles politically charged territory in "Bill, Bills and More Bills," one of the few times that the material leans in that direction. While her later Alligator years might have exposed her talents to the world and helped crown her Queen of the Blues, this is where it all started. It shows how Taylor developed, with assistance from Willie Dixon over this fertile, seven-year stretch, to her well-earned legendary status. Hal Horowitz  
Tracklist :
1    I Got What It Takes    3:06
 Willie Dixon
2    Don't Mess With The Messer    2:41
 Willie Dixon
3    Whatever I Am, You Made Me    2:27
 Willie Dixon
4    I'm A Little Mixed Up 2:37
Written-By – Betty James, Edward Johnson
5    Wang Dang Doodle    2:57
 Willie Dixon
6    (I Got) All You Need    2:12
 Willie Dixon
7    (Just) Love Me    2:40
 Willie Dixon
8    What Came First The Egg Or The Hen    2:25
 Willie Dixon
9    Insane Asylum    4:17
 Willie Dixon
10    Fire    2:26
 Willie Dixon
11    I Don't Care Who Knows    2:08
 Willie Dixon
12    Twenty Nine Ways (To My Baby's Door)    3:09
 Willie Dixon
13    Blue Prelude 3:30
Written-By – Gordon Jenkins, Joe Bishop
14    I Need More And More    2:42
 Willie Dixon
15    Um Huh My Baby    3:51
 Willie Dixon
16    Bills, Bills & More Bills    2:50
 Willie Dixon
17    Let Me Love You Baby    2:46
 Willie Dixon
18    I Got What It Takes (Live Duet With Muddy Waters) 6:24
 Willie Dixon
- BONUS TRACKS -
19    What Kind Of Man Is That? 3:00
Written-By – Koko Taylor
20    Blues Heaven 2:19
Written-By – Dick LaPalm, Willie Dixon
21    Tell Me The Truth 2:01
Written-By – Johnnie Mae Dunson
22    Good Advice 2:25
Written-By – J.B. Lenoir
23    Separate Or Integrate    3:04
 Willie Dixon
24    Tease Your Man    4:20
 Willie Dixon