Big Chuck’s Favorite Vinyl Treasure: “Harry Chapin: Greatest Stories Live” (1976)

In honor of Independent Small Record Store Day last week, I thought I would share (and ask you for your) my favorite album of all time.

Many of my records were of the super singers of my day:  Beatles, Carole King, Three Dog Night, Credence Clearwater Revival, Motown, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Mamas and Papas, and more.  But Harry Chapin's Greatest Stories is the one I remember most fondly.

Nobody could tell a story in a song like Harry Chapin.  And this is a collection of his absolute best.  Everybody remember "Taxi" and the "Cats in the Cradle."  But there are so many other gems on here."A Better Place to Be" could still be popular on today's radio, "W-O-L-D" is a great disc jockey favorite, "I Wanna Learn a Love Song" has a wonderful hook to it.  And my favorite, "Mr. Tanner," still gives me a lump in my throat.

This is an album I had in vinyl, 8-track, cassette, CD and now on my phone.  It is wonderful.

Needless to say, I was devastated when Harry Chapin was killed in a car crash on Long Island on June 16, 1981 at the age of only 38.

Off all of your records, which one is your favorite?