I agree. A quick look at my record collection shows I reached for (i.e. bought) 17 Blakey albums before this one.
Though I do have and enjoy the MOANIN' album, it is not even close to being among my favorites by Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. The sessions with Mobley and Dorham, or Byrd, or Morgan; with McLean and Hardman; with Clifford Brown and Lou Donaldson; and the ones with Hubbard or Morgan with Shorter all rate higher in my book.
Not sure why, but I prefer Golson on the albums where he is the leader far more than when with the Jazz Messengers.
Very much with you on all of that, Peter!