@@tlee717Russian roulette is partially correct. He was fooling around with some guns and did play Russian roulette with an unloaded revolver. No issues there. He then picked up a gun with a clip and took the clip out. What he didn’t know (tragically) was that there was already a bullet in the chamber, put the gun to his head thinking the gun was safe and pulled the trigger. Horrifyingly tragic.
By the way, there are those who say that 25 or 6 to4 is a drug reference. In a 2013 interview, Robert Lamm said he composed "25 or 6 to 4" on a twelve-string guitar with only ten strings - it was missing the two low E strings - and that he wrote the lyrics in one day. The band first rehearsed the song at the Whisky a Go Go.[2] Lamm said the song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time at which the song is set: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 AM (twenty-five or [twenty-]six [minutes] to four [o’clock]), i.e. 03:34 or 03:35.[3][4] Because of the unique phrasing of the song's title, "25 or 6 to 4" has been interpreted to mean everything from a quantity of illicit drugs to the name of a famous person in code.[
Sure he did and if so it has to be one of the biggest coincidence in rock 25 lsd 624 just happened to be a habbot ind. Quallude so when he sings should I try to do some more ????
Check Out these songs from Chicago like "Saturday In The Park", "Beginnings", "Anybody Really Know What Time It Is", "Colour My World", "Feelin' Stronger Every Day", "Make Me Smile", "Old Days"
I love Feelin' Stronger Every Day. I remember playing it in middle school band and (as young bands would) barely making it recognizable. Chicago was my first ever concert. I also have a friend playing trombone in a professional Chicago cover group. They really had a unique sound.
Questions 67 and 68, Poem 58, Introduction, I'm a Man...those (along with Beginnings and Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?) are all just from their first album. There are so many more.
Yes, the original seven. Terry Kath - guitar & vocals, Peter Cetera - bass & vocals, Robert Lamm - keyboards & vocals, Danny Seraphine - drums, Walter Parazaider - saxophone (and flute), Lee Loughnane - trumpet, Jimmy Pankow - trombone. Terry Kath passed away in 1978, so 1980s Chicago was completely different.
I was dating my girlfriend (now wife) and she just casually mentions that her cousin is Jimmy Pankow.....I lost my shit. I'm a trombone player and love Chicago...
I am 61 years old and I am so glad and envious that you are hearing this kind of music that will probably never be made again. Great to see you can appreciate real music made by very talented musicians. Thank you. Wayne Lewis San Diego Ca.
68 here, and it super-warms my heart that there are fine *young-uns* hearing this and promoting it today. So much is just thrown away / set aside and these genius tracks don't deserve that.
@@jocelynalarcio6137 Saturday In The Park reminds me of one of my old sweethearts... this one reminds me of riding in a spinning ride at the fair. Hah!! After 50+ years I still remember the name... The Himalayan. They played this song for half a ride, then ran it backwards for the rest.
One if the best guitar players ever. Jimmy Hendrix said Terry Kath was the greatest player he ever heard. 25 or 26 minutes to 4 in the morning Try Blood, Sweat and Tears - Go Down Gambling. Has a tuba solo.
@@nestea8385 He's awake at that time and is working on a song. He has writer's block... Waiting for the break of day Searching for something to say Flashing lights across the sky Giving up I close my eyes Sitting cross-legged on the floor 25 or 6 to 4 Staring blindly into space Getting up to splash my face Wanting just to stay awake Wondering how much I can take Should i try to do some more 25 or 6 to 4 Feeling like I ought to sleep Spinning room is sinking deep Searching for something to say Waiting for the break of day 25 or 6 to 4 25 or 5 to 4
25 or 26 minutes to four in the morning. He couldn't sleep, was trying to write a song. I'm so glad you guys loved it. One of my fav guitar solos. Got that record when I was 17. I'm 69 now. Never get tired of it. The whole album (double album) is great. Guitarist Terry Kath! Peter Cetera on vocals.
I've been rocking out to this song since I was a teen (I'm 60 now) I LOVE it🤗. Ty, ty for explaining the title!! Yah man, it's about 25 or 26 minutes to 4 gotta get a move on!
I saw them in July 1970 at Tanglewood Music Center in Lennox, MA. I was in college at that time and they were very popular. The setlist for that concert can be googled. Also, You Tube has some of this concert available.
I like chicago. Do you listen to soul Earth. Wind. And fire is amazing they are known for horns. Give these a listen to Fantasy. That's rhe way of the world. Can't hide love. Ect. Represent your missing out on some great music and artists. Ashame you don't know Diana Ross Marvin Gay Stevie Wonder Tina Turner this is a big part of our culture. And shouldn't be left out or not remembered. Do you know who Net King Cole. Sammy Davis Jr. Is. These are music and artists that your kids should know about as well as you all. I like soft rock pop jazz and soul. Give it a try.. Your missing out. Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer. Show appreciation for his amazing talent.
Jimi Hendrix once said that Terry Kath is the greatest guitarist. Also, I saw Chicago in concert in 1977 in Detroit, and this song was a 20-minute jam. It was the most incredible song I ever heard.
Oh yeah, Terry Kath was an absolute genius on the guitar. All the more tragic and pointless is the way he accidentally ended his life prematurely by holding a loaded gun to his head and pulling the trigger to prove to his roadie that the gun wasn't loaded.
Saw them countless times at Cobo, Pine Knob. I ran the Office of Student Life at Eastern Michigan. I got to work with them, coordinating their concerts in the field house & sat back stage on one of their amps during the whole concert. Oh the good life..
"Blood, Sweat, and Tears" is another fantastic horn band from the 70's, that had numerous hits, and incredible vocals---- I think you guys will love them...
@@puffyd58 I got to see them live with David Clayton Thomas--- it still stands out as one of my best concert experiences ever... I love their cover of "God Bless the Child" with the Latin and jazz breaks..
Yes !! Absolutely !!! The 2 greatest groups with horns = Chicago, and Blood, Sweat, & Tears !!!!! Listen to "Blues Part II", from Blood, Sweat, & Tears - you will be amazed !!!! This song = The BEST !!!!
The song is about the writer trying to stay awake to write music. The title is a reference to what time it is in the morning...25 or (2)6 to 4(am). Meaning it's 3:34 or 3:35 in the morning.
The key word you used is "original" Chicago was fantastic, not so much post-Kath. The song Introduction, played at Carnegie Hall is aptly named, a perfect song for the capabilities of the Chicago Transit Authority !!
It’s like search the world to find the greatest guitar player, the best drummer, the best horns, the best singer of the times together and you realize you never had to leave a single studio and a bunch of guys that call themselves Chicago.
Yes, the Tanglewood 1970 live version. Idk about a restraining order though... I mean, Terry WAS making his guitar LAUGH OUT LOUD (For real! Go back n listen!)
cause it was real musicians playing real instruments before all the fake stuff came out, they created most of the effects still used in studios today! Pioneers of rock!
At 4:30 you guys are thinking "this is pretty sweet", and I'm thinkin' "just wait about 20 seconds". Terry Kath rocks. This song is 51 years ago by the way.
I was 17 y'all. Couldn't wait for 18 and freedom. I had it all planed out. I hitched across the country staying in communes along the way. Kids these days don't have a clue.
Get early Chicago... Terry, the guitar player is an 3sential part. 25: or (2)6: to 4 is the time on the clock. It would seem that someone might have ingested some kind of performance inhansing chemical to help write a song... and then, wanting a little more help, wondered out loud if he could take more.
Im 63 year old black veteran born and raised in Philadelphia. I don't know where exactly I heard this song from Chicago, when I was a child because I was listening to soul music back then, but I have loved it since then.
"Make Me Smile" is my favorite Chicago song. Other greats include "Saturday In the Park," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is?," "Just You and Me," "Question 67 and 68" ...
If no one else has told you, this song is about him trying to write a song, and he has writer’s block. He finally just writes about that experience at 25 or 6 to 4 am.
The song is about the lead singer having a writer's block and being unable to write a song. The title "25 or 6 to 4" is in reference to him recognizing the time of the morning it was and how long he had been working on the song. Think of it as 25 or 26 minutes to 4 am
25 or 6 to 4 was written close to four in the morning, the band had played whiskey a go-go a super popular club in Los Angeles around 1969 or 70 and they were lying on the floor, looking out the window where the neon sign was flashing, definitely high waiting for the break of day. They just started writing the song in the words such as feeling like I want to sleep, feeling room is seeking deep, wanting just to stay awake, wondering how much more I can take etc. up to splash my face, etc. this was their second album. On their first album when they were called CTA, which stood for Chicago transit authority, they wrote a song called beginnings. It’s a song about a young man who is just beginning a relationship and what it feels like to him… You should definitely listen to that one!
If there is one thing you can say about Chicago, from the guitarist, to the bassist, to the drums, to the horn section - these are master musicians and they can make their instruments TALK!! So much talent!!
The performances are indeed excellent. But I gotta mention the composing -- this is some seriously excellent $_it, even for / or in spite of the middle of the night.
Pretty much anything Chicago did in the late 1960s throughout the 1970s was absolutely incredible. The song Ballet For A Girl in Buchannon is absolutely incredible and even better live. I highly suggest the 1970 performance in Tanglewood.
Honey, if you like horns, then you'll love Chicago. They built their rep on their horns in the music. And their guitarist can make that guitar talk. I grew up with this band. That's what we listened to when I was in high school. Enjoy!
This is the greatest/ most difficult/ most spectacular single pick guitar solo of all time........ Yes, and IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE: but listen to the first verse: those guitar scales coming at lightning speed during Peter Cetera's 1st verse vocals almost sound like a tuba-ish type horn thing---but are actually Terry Kath's guitar--of 1 lone pick!! But this one is so hard. not metal finger clanging... --Kath is the classic rock GOAT. And this song and "Introduction" are the signature examples. Cetera's vocal performance is rare epic male vocalist in the tenor range.
And Billie Joe Armstrong was doing the same, strumming this song and trying to get his kid to bed when he wrote brainstew which uses the same riff! ^-^ cool story, both songs are so good.
It's SO great to see young people appreciate this older music. Yes, 60's and 70's were full of amazing artists - for me the best time in pop music. 25 or 6 to 4 refers to the songwriter getting stuck writing a song, and he looks at the clock and its 25 or 6 (minutes) to 4 am.
One interpretation of the title is the chemical ratio of a physcodelic drug or the number of joints rolled from a dime of pot. The lyrics suggest someone tripping.
I'm loving the fact that young people today are discovering the greatest music ever made. It just proves how timeless this music from the 60's and 70's really was. The genesis of this song was keyboardist Robert Lamms attempt at writing the song late at night and kind of being out of it and looking at the clock and remembering the time being either 25 or 26 to 4.
Growing up i was always looking for music that satisfied my soul, i found it when i discovered hendrix, floyd, zappa, i now have a huge collection of 60s and 70s cds
I've been listening to this band pretty much my entire life. Bought their 1st album in 1969 and been riding with Chicago ever since. I'm also a musician and producer who was heavily influenced by James William Guercio. The band's producer for their 1st 11 albums. In addition to Terry Kath's guitar work, I LOVE the fact that Danny Seraphine's drum parts are 2 different rhythms on multiple tracks. If you're a drummer and really listen, you'd realize that no one person could play this arrangement live. If you want a REALLY great song to check out, give a listen to "Oh Thank You Great Spirit" from Chicago VIII. It's a Terry Kath BEAST of a performance written as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
Every high school band in the 70s played this song, or at least parts of it. Spirit/pep squads and band letter carriers all had routines to it. Was a fun song. And a great time to be a teen in high school.
This is one of those infamous, "we need one last song to finish the album" gems! What's cool about these reaction videos is the absolute wonder, and amazement we had almost 50 years ago when we first heard this master piece. We get to see a whole new generation "discover" the same magic! PRICELESS! KEEP ON ROCKING!!!!
@@ericleesmith708 The best guitar player has to have a favorite guitar player. Terry Kath was awe struck when he first met Jimi, Jimi tried to promote him and wanted to sign him but as you know Jimi died prematurely
Terry Kath, rest in peace, was an amazing and underrated guitarist, and the baritone vocalist on their early records. His solo on this song Live from Tanglewood, is mind blowing.
I'm 70 and was fortunate enough to grow up in this era. I know the songs and what is coming and it's a joy to see your reactions to the surprises unfolding as the songs progress.
Came here to say that same thing. In one interview I read J8mi was asked if he considered him self the best guitarist in the world. He replied to the effect no, that would be Terry Kath. It's so unfortunate that he died early, Chicago was never the same.
My Dad, who is 88 years old now, just shared a story about being on business in Chicago and going into this tiny, packed bar to have dinner and some drinks. This is the band that was playing 😃. He said it was so loud and very over packed but he was blown away by their musicianship, singing, just incredible unexpected experience for him.
There are multiple versions of Make Me Smile. I like the one with the long instrumental at the beginning, although the final part of the instrumental goes on 8 beats too long. But one of the versions has a weird ending with three descending notes repeating.
I’m glad this was your introduction to Chicago. One of their best songs. Where else can you get a full horn section paired with shredding guitars and a powerful yet smoothe clear lead vocals and great harmonies. Chicago had it all. One of the best bands ever.
Terry Kath wailed on that guitar like it owed him money! Easily one of the best guitarists of all time. And the whole band was super talented. They did anything they wanted with their instruments, and it all sounded fantastic!
Thanks! It was absolutely AMAZING to see your reaction. I agree, Stevie Ray, Jimmy, among MANY others from my Era, are the kings and queens of the most beautiful time in music history. I was blessed to been to all 9 original Monsters of Rock shows at the Coliseum (Billy Graham- a mastermind) Saw the final tours of Zep w/John, AC/DC w/Bon, Skynyrd w/Ronnie etc. Anyway I love watching your vids when you first started out. It warms my heart to see the music flow through your souls. And LMAO...yes you definitely should be jealous of us that grew up & and made love and beautiful families on this music. Love was felt in every song & passed on to our wonderful children. After seeing Skynyrd do Freebird and Page play at the Coliseum, I took all my lawnmowing money & bought my 1st guitar...been playing ever since. That was 47 years ago... Love You both!!! Keep up the love you share
(WARNING: Looooong comment ahead....) THANK YOU!!! You have just been introduced to and reacted to the iconic song from my favorite band in the history of EVER!!! I flipping LOVE these guys - was hooked from the moment I first heard them, just like you two. 😁 Okay, a quick primer of the original, classic lineup you heard here: Danny Seraphine, drums. Had to list him first, because I'm a drummer and I patterned everything I first learned after him. Criminally underrated. Terry Kath, guitar and lead vocals. LEGEND. He absolutely shreds on songs like this, and when Chicago opened on a tour for Jimi Hendrix in the early days, Hendrix told one of the horn players "Your guitar player is better than me." Terry was tragically killed eleven years after the band started. In my opinion, one of the top five guitar players of all time. Peter Cetera, bass and lead vocals. He's the one you hear on this song with the soaring vocals. Robert Lamm, keyboards and lead vocals. The smooooth voice of the band, and an extremely talented keyboard player. Jimmy Pankow, trombone. The primary horn arranger and perpetual motion on stage with his constantly swiveling hips. Lee Loughnane, trumpet. A favorite of Doc Severinsen, band leader of The Tonight Show for decades. Walt Parazaider, saxophone and flute. Plays both instruments with ridiculous ease. In my opinion, this is the best horn section in the history of rock music. Chicago was dominating FM airwaves and putting out phenomenal music over their first ten years that was blowing people out of the water. I strongly encourage you to react to my favorite Chicago song, "Make Me Smile." You'll get MUCH more of the sensational horns, incredible stick work from Danny, and Terry's gritty, soulful vocals (he's often been referred to as the white Ray Charles) along with more of his mind-blowing guitar. Also, both songs are from the album Chicago II, which you had on the screen, and I really think you should give the entire album a listen; it's a fantastic showcase for the incredible musicality and variety these guys had. Oh, and as to the title of this song, the story goes that Robert and the guys had been working on writing the song all through the night, and when he asked what time it was, someone said "About 25 or 6 to 4 (o'clock)." I apologize for how insanely long this comment is, but I did warn you....and it's your fault for checking out my favorite band EVER!! Great, great reactions, and you have a new subscriber!
Yeah, no. That’s really ok, I read your whole comment and I fully appreciate your enthusiasm, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Yes, this was definitely a track that stopped you in your tracks whenever and wherever you first heard it. You’d be asking strangers- who is this? What is this!! Awesome.
As someone from the city by the lake, I'm glad to see your reactions to this! This song is from the 70s, and were originally called "Chicago Transit Authority" until the real CTA caught wind and asked them to change the name, so it was shortened to just "Chicago." Also, this song is ironically about songwriting - incredibly meta song. The title is in reference to being up all night and not knowing what time it is anymore, lol. If you enjoyed this, may I recommend "Chicago- Saturday In The Park."
The story behind the song "25 or 6 to 4 is is that Chicago needed one more song to finish their second album. The various members of the group were all sitting around the studio, trying to come up with one more song, but they were all too tired to be very creative. They'd been working all day since early the previous morning, and now it was in the middle of the night. At which point Robert Lamm (the keyboardist) turned to James Pankow (one of the trombone players) and asked, "What time is it, anyway?" Pankow replied that it was "25, maybe 26 minutes to 4 o'clock" (in the morning). Lamm was thus inspired to write a song about being up until Oh-God-Thirty in the morning, trying to write one last song to fill an album. And one of Chicago's biggest hits was born. About Terry Kath, Chicago's lead guitarist, there's a legend. Supposedly, Jimi Hendrix was once asked "How does it feel being the best guitarist in the world?" According to the legend, Jimi responded, "I don't know. Ask Terry Kath." No one knows if its true or not, but its a great story.
It is a great story, however there have been at least 4 other guitarists (possibly more) that the statement from Jimmy made this comment about. Tons of research, never has there been any print, audio, or video evidence...nor any reputable people who knew Jimmy support it.
That was the popular story I believed for a long time but after seeing actual interviews of Chicago band members years later this turns out to not be the case. Here's one version that keeps constantly being recounted; www.songfacts.com/facts/chicago/25-or-6-to-4 and it makes sense being that the band for a while was the house band at the Whiskey in Hollywood and where they rehearsed new material before recording at Columbia down the street.
@@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames sounds like you're the one with your panties all up in a bunch. Sorry for correcting your "story" which was long winded and definitive sounding. Just trying to clear up one of the many inaccuracies that the internet has floating around. If it offended you then quite honestly that sounds like a personal problem. It's better to be right before you write don't you think?!
I do not listen to the music of today that much because it feel so fake to me. I always listen to the music of the 50's- the hair bands of the 80s with some Alternative of the 90s early 2000s and a few alternative bands of the later 2000's but anything else does not bring the magic of the past with the soul, vibes and passion. Find some classic rock stations on the radio and crank it up and sing away like no one is watching never mind hearing lol. Chicago greatest hits album I wore it out back in the day and had worn out the replacement as well lol.
@@Peaceful-Dez That Chicago greatest hits album is fantastic. Every song on there is fantastic- no fillers at all. I wish they would release that in high-resolution format.
Look into "Try a Little Tenderness", from Three Dog Night. Top musicians have covered it as recently as 2018. It came out and was popular 90 years ago, in 1931.
Since she asked: 25 or 6 to 4 is a song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time of night when the song was written: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 a.m., like twenty-five or -six to four o'clock]," (i.e. 03:35 or 03:34 a.m.)...😴🤯😂
Another AWESOME reaction! And... welcome to Chicago. You have a long and incredible journey ahead of you. 25 or 6 to 4 is over FIFTY years old! The early years of Chicago - 1967 thru around 1980 or so... epic jams. Feelin' Stronger Every Day, Beginnings, I'm A Man (would be an excellent 2nd choice), Free, Make Me Smile... so many more. Great work, you two!
Yes it's about being up all night, and I forget which band member it was, but he looked at the clock and he couldn't tell if it said 25 minutes to 4 or 26 minutes to 4, so he's saying 25 or 6 to 4, the 6 actually meaning 26
OMG this song is one of my favorite songs by Chicago along with “Saturday in the Park” and the unforgettable very short yet PERFECT song “Color my World”. 🔥🔥🔥
Hey guys, that you for giving this masterpiece track a careful listen. Hard to believe this song was composed in late 1969 and recorded in early 1970. Thanks, guys! Oh, the song is about "writing this song" late in the early morning. Robert Lamm (keyboard/writer) was composing this song in the wee hours of the morning and looked at the clock. He was unsure if it was 25 minutes to 4am or 6 minutes to 4am. That's the story and the music is classic Chicago featuring the inimitable talent of guitarists Terry Kath.
I'm 72, so I grew up with this music, so much great music and tremendous bands in the late 60s and all through the 70s. But guys, it's still all there, you just have to find it, and savour the moments of first time hearing what to my generation are timeless classics.
This was peak Chicago for me, I'm not the greatest fan of them with their music that came out in the 80s but I love their stuff in the 70s. I'd like to throw out a suggestion for Traffic with the song Low spark of high heeled boys.
For horns, Chicago is the band to listen to, hands down. The trio of James Pankow (trombone), Lee Loughnane (trumpet), and Walter Parazaider (saxophone and flute) always bring it.
The great Terry Kath (RIP) on guitar and Jazz inspired drummer, Danny Seraphine! Unfortunately (to me), with passing of Terry the band changed directions and focused more on Power Ballads and Love Songs. Much of their early stuff is under their first band name; Chicago Transit Authority.
Welcome to Chicago! Chicago is like the Doobie Brothers in that there's early Chicago and later Chicago, and the style is different depending on the era. Early Chicago is like this, featuring Terry Kath's guitar funk, while later Chicago features Peter Cetera's crooning love songs. As with the Doobies, both eras are good, but so different that people usually pick a favorite era.
I'm also not in that camp. I love early and later Chicago. Or early and later Human League (very different styles/genres/whatever, I know… but frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn)
I understand that this song is about writing this song . Sitting cross leg on the floor at 25 or 6 to 4 in the morning . They were going to record their first album and needed one more song for it. Waiting for the break of day , searching for something to say . Listen to the lyrics , it seems to make sense . LOVE YOUR CHANNEL !!!!!
This song is about the Kent State massacre. The National Guard shot and killed 4 students on a college campus who were peacefully protesting the Viet Nam war. Apparently some idiot threw a rock or something and the N G opened fire. 4 students were “left dead on the floor” by “25 or 6 (N G ) to (against) 4” students. I was a teenager when this was released. ✌️
@@leetroy3129 I was a teenager then also . First time I ever heard this song is about Kent State . I know that Buffalo Springfields "For What It's Worth" is about Kent State . Thanks for the comment .
@@davidboatright3009 You are correct. Buffalo Springfield did the Kent State song, this song is nothing more than album filler written at 25 or 6 to 4 in the morning that turned into a masterpiece.
Chicago Transit Authority was there original name, when this song came out in the early 70’s..... their horn section is their signature sound, set them apart from the other bands at that time. Eventually had to change their name to Chicago as the real CTA objected to the use of their name.
This is probably one of my favorite reactions from you two. 25 or 6 to 4 is a classic and it is so fun watching you discover and enjoy it. I've watched this reaction many many times. My other fave is your discovery of Time and Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. Us old geezers have been enjoying this stuff for decades. You two are the best "Rection Team" out there. Thank you!
Early Chicago is just like discovering a lost continent full of music.
Well-said!!
What a excellent way to put it, love it!
My favorite band!
And venturing beyond the overcharted regions of 80s love ballads 😆
Perfect!
You guys just heard one of the best guitarists EVER - Terry Kath.
Ever!
PERIOD!
At least they now know 👌
word.
RIP
One of the greatest guitar solos ever. Terry Kath!
1 of the greatest guitar players, EVER!
rip Terry Kath!
Russian roulette
@@tlee717Russian roulette is partially correct. He was fooling around with some guns and did play Russian roulette with an unloaded revolver. No issues there. He then picked up a gun with a clip and took the clip out. What he didn’t know (tragically) was that there was already a bullet in the chamber, put the gun to his head thinking the gun was safe and pulled the trigger.
Horrifyingly tragic.
By the way, there are those who say that 25 or 6 to4 is a drug reference. In a 2013 interview, Robert Lamm said he composed "25 or 6 to 4" on a twelve-string guitar with only ten strings - it was missing the two low E strings - and that he wrote the lyrics in one day. The band first rehearsed the song at the Whisky a Go Go.[2]
Lamm said the song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time at which the song is set: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 AM (twenty-five or [twenty-]six [minutes] to four [o’clock]), i.e. 03:34 or 03:35.[3][4] Because of the unique phrasing of the song's title, "25 or 6 to 4" has been interpreted to mean everything from a quantity of illicit drugs to the name of a famous person in code.[
Sure he did and if so it has to be one of the biggest coincidence in rock 25 lsd 624 just happened to be a habbot ind. Quallude so when he sings should I try to do some more ????
@@jonathanlund590 It was the time of the morning, just like the man said
It was how long they would be practice and get home.
It relates to the time in the morning, trying to write a song, a song written about struggling to write a song, total genius and a classic
Google it.
Check Out these songs from Chicago like "Saturday In The Park", "Beginnings", "Anybody Really Know What Time It Is", "Colour My World", "Feelin' Stronger Every Day", "Make Me Smile", "Old Days"
I love Feelin' Stronger Every Day. I remember playing it in middle school band and (as young bands would) barely making it recognizable. Chicago was my first ever concert. I also have a friend playing trombone in a professional Chicago cover group. They really had a unique sound.
Colour My World... PLEASE review this song for your viewers.
Questions 67 and 68, Poem 58, Introduction, I'm a Man...those (along with Beginnings and Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?) are all just from their first album. There are so many more.
“Saturday in the Park” has such a great summertime vibe, one of my all greats of any music…
Perfect list!
Terry Kath was probably the most under rated guitar genius EVER.
And Jimi saw them in concert said Terry was a better guitar player than him!
uh, no, Kath wasn't under rated. Your stupid ass comment is under rated, so STFU.
@@Mannymoe7 something along the lines of, “your horn section sounds like they share a lung, and your guitar player is better than I am.”
@@randolphwellington1704 u don't know what underrated means
@@randolphwellington1704 Kath underated ?....Don't think so but underrecognized due to a short life. WL But.... Jimi knew
The original Chicago lineup was some of the greatest musical talent ever assembled.
Yes, the original seven. Terry Kath - guitar & vocals, Peter Cetera - bass & vocals, Robert Lamm - keyboards & vocals, Danny Seraphine - drums, Walter Parazaider - saxophone (and flute), Lee Loughnane - trumpet, Jimmy Pankow - trombone. Terry Kath passed away in 1978, so 1980s Chicago was completely different.
All apart from Terry Kath were music students at the same college. TK was a self taught guitar genius who couldn't even read music.
@@stevebagnall7621 and a great vocalist.
I was dating my girlfriend (now wife) and she just casually mentions that her cousin is Jimmy Pankow.....I lost my shit. I'm a trombone player and love Chicago...
@mags jay Anywhere
I am 61 years old and I am so glad and envious that you are hearing this kind of music that will probably never be made again. Great to see you can appreciate real music made by very talented musicians. Thank you. Wayne Lewis San Diego Ca.
Yup 65 here and we grew up in probably one of the greatest eras of music ever!
our only hope is that they invent a time machine so we can go back
68 here, and it super-warms my heart that there are fine *young-uns* hearing this and promoting it today. So much is just thrown away / set aside and these genius tracks don't deserve that.
@@davidroosa4561 If I go back will I be as stupid as I was then . . ?
61 in March...LOVE THE 60'S AND 70'S MUSIC!!
Amber … you’ll GO CRAZY over the horns on “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is”, I promise!
I was 10 I97O
Another song from them is Saturday in the park.
@@jocelynalarcio6137 Saturday In The Park reminds me of one of my old sweethearts... this one reminds me of riding in a spinning ride at the fair. Hah!! After 50+ years I still remember the name... The Himalayan. They played this song for half a ride, then ran it backwards for the rest.
Don't forget to check out "call on me" by Chicago. Great horns as well
Do more Chicago. You won’t regret it.
One if the best guitar players ever. Jimmy Hendrix said Terry Kath was the greatest player he ever heard.
25 or 26 minutes to 4 in the morning
Try Blood, Sweat and Tears - Go Down Gambling. Has a tuba solo.
RIP, Terry Kath.
Jimi got plenty of opportunities to watch Kath... They opened for Hendrix when I saw him in 69.
I have NEVER known what that meant. Thank you!
@@nestea8385 He's awake at that time and is working on a song. He has writer's block...
Waiting for the break of day
Searching for something to say
Flashing lights across the sky
Giving up I close my eyes
Sitting cross-legged on the floor
25 or 6 to 4
Staring blindly into space
Getting up to splash my face
Wanting just to stay awake
Wondering how much I can take
Should i try to do some more
25 or 6 to 4
Feeling like I ought to sleep
Spinning room is sinking deep
Searching for something to say
Waiting for the break of day
25 or 6 to 4
25 or 5 to 4
Hendrix also said the same thing about billy gibbons
25 or 26 minutes to four in the morning. He couldn't sleep, was trying to write a song. I'm so glad you guys loved it. One of my fav guitar solos. Got that record when I was 17. I'm 69 now. Never get tired of it. The whole album (double album) is great. Guitarist Terry Kath! Peter Cetera on vocals.
Thx for saying what 25 or 6 to 4 is. I hate when people say it's the formula for heroine. 😂
Even Hendricks said the guitar solo was the best he ever heard. RIP Terry...
I've been rocking out to this song since I was a teen (I'm 60 now) I LOVE it🤗. Ty, ty for explaining the title!! Yah man, it's about 25 or 26 minutes to 4 gotta get a move on!
Gotta watch it live ua-cam.com/video/7uAUoz7jimg/v-deo.html&ab_channel=ChicagoonMV
I saw them in July 1970 at Tanglewood Music Center in Lennox, MA. I was in college at that time and they were very popular. The setlist for that concert can be googled. Also, You Tube has some of this concert available.
So blessed to have my teen years in the 70s. The music! I’m thrilled y’all loved it.
I was there, such great times, so full of hope, what happened?
Beginnings would have been the song for their first time!...
Well Amber if you like horns this is the band for you
Try led zeppelin stairway to heaven live
also for horns, groups Blood, Sweat & Tears and Earth, Wind & Fire. 2 Stevie Wonder songs "Sir Duke" and "I Wish" have great horns too!
Chicago's not called "the rock band with horns" for nothing!
I agree and would like to recommend Soul Rebels cover of Sweet Dreams. If you want great horns, this is for you.
I like chicago. Do you listen to soul Earth. Wind. And fire is amazing they are known for horns. Give these a listen to Fantasy. That's rhe way of the world. Can't hide love. Ect. Represent your missing out on some great music and artists. Ashame you don't know Diana Ross Marvin Gay Stevie Wonder Tina Turner this is a big part of our culture. And shouldn't be left out or not remembered. Do you know who Net King Cole. Sammy Davis Jr. Is. These are music and artists that your kids should know about as well as you all. I like soft rock pop jazz and soul. Give it a try.. Your missing out. Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer. Show appreciation for his amazing talent.
Jimi Hendrix once said that Terry Kath is the greatest guitarist. Also, I saw Chicago in concert in 1977 in Detroit, and this song was a 20-minute jam. It was the most incredible song I ever heard.
Jimi also said that Rory Gallagher
Oh yeah, Terry Kath was an absolute genius on the guitar. All the more tragic and pointless is the way he accidentally ended his life prematurely by holding a loaded gun to his head and pulling the trigger to prove to his roadie that the gun wasn't loaded.
This is one of rocks most underrated solo. RIP
Saw them countless times at Cobo, Pine Knob. I ran the Office of Student Life at Eastern Michigan. I got to work with them, coordinating their concerts in the field house & sat back stage on one of their amps during the whole concert. Oh the good life..
Terry Kath is grossly underrated and was truly one of the most talented guitarists of all time
"Blood, Sweat, and Tears" is another fantastic horn band from the 70's, that had numerous hits, and incredible vocals---- I think you guys will love them...
Absolutely! Especially "Spinning Wheel" and "Lucretia Macevil." Great horns and vocals by David Clayton Thomas.
Bill Chase also.
Oh yes!!!
@@puffyd58 I got to see them live with David Clayton Thomas--- it still stands out as one of my best concert experiences ever...
I love their cover of "God Bless the Child" with the Latin and jazz breaks..
Yes I suggested BST too
The 2 great horn groups, Chicago & Blood, Sweat & Tears. Both were filled with brilliant musicians.
Yes !! Absolutely !!! The 2 greatest groups with horns = Chicago, and Blood, Sweat, & Tears !!!!! Listen to "Blues Part II", from Blood, Sweat, & Tears - you will be amazed !!!! This song = The BEST !!!!
u forgot EWF!
I'd say BST IS 1st, Chicago 2nd and EWF 3rd. All were great.
Chase as well
TOP
The 70's guys.
It was such a blast.
We were spoiled rotten.
Fantastic music every day from every genre.
You got that right. That's why the 70's is still my favorite decade of music. It had something for everyone to enjoy...
yes we were!
It was a blast and we were spoiled for sure. I think that's why we all think we're still young. ✌💞🌻
Never to be repeated never just not going to happen
@@Teresia12 ...Hey...I am still young...just don't look it...lol.
The song is about the writer trying to stay awake to write music. The title is a reference to what time it is in the morning...25 or (2)6 to 4(am). Meaning it's 3:34 or 3:35 in the morning.
truth.
About doing LSD , 25 Hour TRIP or 10 hour Trip (6to4)
@@e.t.in3-d226 lol, NOT. Arf is correct- The actual songwriter has even said as much. And I think HE would know.
@@e.t.in3-d226 NO it's NOT moron, they talk about the clock on the wall and the time and how long they were there
@@e.t.in3-d226 WRONG!
The original Chicago lineup stack's up to any band, any era musicianship, hands down.
Indeed.
Jimi Hendrix once said Terry Kath was better than he on guitar.
The key word you used is "original" Chicago was fantastic, not so much post-Kath. The song Introduction, played at Carnegie Hall is aptly named, a perfect song for the capabilities of the Chicago Transit Authority !!
@@rickgarcia7334 I was about to say Terry Kath, guy was beyond great
It’s like search the world to find the greatest guitar player, the best drummer, the best horns, the best singer of the times together and you realize you never had to leave a single studio and a bunch of guys that call themselves Chicago.
Chicago was on tour with EWF this summer. Two of the best horn bands of all time together. Mind blowing!
Don't forget Tower of Power horn section!
Terry Kath was just amazing. In the live version of this song, the guitar took out a restraining order on Terry after the show. A must see.
Great quote.
Tanglewood 1970. Legendary performance. Check also his vocals on “Make Me Smile” from that show
Best line ever about playing guitar
Yes, the Tanglewood 1970 live version. Idk about a restraining order though... I mean, Terry WAS making his guitar LAUGH OUT LOUD (For real! Go back n listen!)
TOO FUNNY!😃
70's rock is a whole different level of rock.
cause it was real musicians playing real instruments before all the fake stuff came out, they created most of the effects still used in studios today! Pioneers of rock!
At 4:30 you guys are thinking "this is pretty sweet", and I'm thinkin' "just wait about 20 seconds". Terry Kath rocks. This song is 51 years ago by the way.
Crap… that means I’m older than this. Yup, remember playing this song in school band, 1973, grade 6.
I was 17 y'all. Couldn't wait for 18 and freedom. I had it all planed out. I hitched across the country staying in communes along the way. Kids these days don't have a clue.
Get early Chicago... Terry, the guitar player is an 3sential part. 25: or (2)6: to 4 is the time on the clock. It would seem that someone might have ingested some kind of performance inhansing chemical to help write a song... and then, wanting a little more help, wondered out loud if he could take more.
74 year old black Vietnam veteran. Chicago Transit Authority. Introduction. Their first album.
Im 63 year old black veteran born and raised in Philadelphia. I don't know where exactly I heard this song from Chicago, when I was a child because I was listening to soul music back then, but I have loved it since then.
Yup -- "Introduction" pretty well lays out the challenge. That thing was flat *s-s-sMOKIN'* wasn't it?!
Jimmy Hendrix was once asked who was the best guitarist he ever heard. Jimmy said Terry Kath from Chicago!
I heard he said that about Billy Gibbons.
Us 70s brats were over spoiled ,,
Hendrix was a humble guy. He would’ve said that about me. Terry was legend though
Come on man.....JIMI
I heard Jimi said it was Phil Keaggy.
"Make Me Smile" is my favorite Chicago song. Other greats include "Saturday In the Park," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is?," "Just You and Me," "Question 67 and 68" ...
Also Dialogue part 1&2.
One of my favorites too
oh Stronger is an wesome too
If no one else has told you, this song is about him trying to write a song, and he has writer’s block. He finally just writes about that experience at 25 or 6 to 4 am.
"I wish I grew up in that era." Yes. Yes, you do. And you're just scratching the surface of all of the great music we grew up with!
The song is about the lead singer having a writer's block and being unable to write a song. The title "25 or 6 to 4" is in reference to him recognizing the time of the morning it was and how long he had been working on the song. Think of it as 25 or 26 minutes to 4 am
close, he looked at the clock and it was 25 to 4 (AM) close his eyes for a moment, when opened, it was 6min to 4. time flies
I don't think the lead singer in this case Peter Cetera wrote this, think it was another member of the band
And should they take some more mushrooms or not
@@cesarmiller5972 Lamm wrote it, but, Bassist Cetera sang lead on this one.
Check out the video of them doing this song at Tanglewood. Terry Kath goes off on his guitar!
YES!
What Terry Kath used to do to a guitar was just abusive, incredible and beautifully nasty. I’m a man is pure joy.
Yes!! The live solo in this song is unreal!
Amber would probably really love Earth, Wind and Fire.
Actually EW&F collaberated with Chicago on this song. Must check out that video!
How would Amber’s parents not have her listen to Chicago or Earth Wind & Fire???
@@4ClassicmarketingG that is a definite mystery. Who does that?😅🤣
And Tower of Power!
Boogie Wonderland!!
25 or 6 to 4 was written close to four in the morning, the band had played whiskey a go-go a super popular club in Los Angeles around 1969 or 70 and they were lying on the floor, looking out the window where the neon sign was flashing, definitely high waiting for the break of day. They just started writing the song in the words such as feeling like I want to sleep, feeling room is seeking deep, wanting just to stay awake, wondering how much more I can take etc. up to splash my face, etc. this was their second album. On their first album when they were called CTA, which stood for Chicago transit authority, they wrote a song called beginnings. It’s a song about a young man who is just beginning a relationship and what it feels like to him… You should definitely listen to that one!
The problem with trying to make a "Top Five" is that 50 groups belong in it.
I have about 200 in my top 5.
FAAAAAAAACTS. 🔥
And there all from the 70's
Not a problem at all if the unit of measurement is hundreds (says the math geek). 🤓
@@teknikel I got even more
"Roundabout" by Yes (1971) will give you that soaring feeling.
1971
One of my ALL TIME favourite tracks. Love that song. Love Yes
1971
@@peterthompson8014 Corrected. ty
Yes, I have too say yes too "Yes".
If there is one thing you can say about Chicago, from the guitarist, to the bassist, to the drums, to the horn section - these are master musicians and they can make their instruments TALK!! So much talent!!
Talk? They make their instruments TESTIFY!
@@RichardX1 AMEN!
Jimmi Hendrix said Terry Kath was better than him.
@@jjjones-e5r I AGREE!! Sorry Jimi fans, that’s my opinion and it’s a fact
The performances are indeed excellent. But I gotta mention the composing -- this is some seriously excellent $_it, even for / or in spite of the middle of the night.
Pretty much anything Chicago did in the late 1960s throughout the 1970s was absolutely incredible. The song Ballet For A Girl in Buchannon is absolutely incredible and even better live. I highly suggest the 1970 performance in Tanglewood.
Honey, if you like horns, then you'll love Chicago. They built their rep on their horns in the music. And their guitarist can make that guitar talk. I grew up with this band. That's what we listened to when I was in high school. Enjoy!
This is the greatest/ most difficult/ most spectacular single pick guitar solo of all time........ Yes, and IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE: but listen to the first verse: those guitar scales coming at lightning speed during Peter Cetera's 1st verse vocals almost sound like a tuba-ish type horn thing---but are actually Terry Kath's guitar--of 1 lone pick!! But this one is so hard. not metal finger clanging... --Kath is the classic rock GOAT. And this song and "Introduction" are the signature examples. Cetera's vocal performance is rare epic male vocalist in the tenor range.
The late, great Terry Kath absolutely SHREADING that guitar solo.
The writer of the song and keyboard player, Robert Lamm, was sitting on the floor, at 25 or 26 to 4, trying to write a song. He did.
And Billie Joe Armstrong was doing the same, strumming this song and trying to get his kid to bed when he wrote brainstew which uses the same riff! ^-^ cool story, both songs are so good.
I have been listening to this song for 50 years and never knew what the hell 25 or 6 to 4 meant. Now I do! Thank you.
It's SO great to see young people appreciate this older music. Yes, 60's and 70's were full of amazing artists - for me the best time in pop music. 25 or 6 to 4 refers to the songwriter getting stuck writing a song, and he looks at the clock and its 25 or 6 (minutes) to 4 am.
You'll also love the horns from HOF,er sly and the family stone.from the same era.
One interpretation of the title is the chemical ratio of a physcodelic drug or the number of joints rolled from a dime of pot. The lyrics suggest someone tripping.
My understanding was that he had asked the janitor what time it was and 25 or 6 to 4 was what he replied.
Exactly
This band is FULL of world class musicians.
One of the best bangers ever made...but...there is a live version at Tanglewood that blows this album version away 😉😬
Watching the Terry kath solo in that version is amazing
Amen
Tanglewood version is fantastic!!!
"Saturday, in the park" would be a great song for the Up coming 4th of July!
Absolutely
A KILLER ending with the horns section! It just doesn't get any better!!!
Terry Kath was the guitar player.
You should hear him when Chicago played in Tanglewood in 1970.
She is gorgious and feels the music in her soul and he makes me happy the way he enjoys every single second. Beautiful people. From Germany with love.
I concur
I'm loving the fact that young people today are discovering the greatest music ever made. It just proves how timeless this music from the 60's and 70's really was. The genesis of this song was keyboardist Robert Lamms attempt at writing the song late at night and kind of being out of it and looking at the clock and remembering the time being either 25 or 26 to 4.
totally agree
Growing up i was always looking for music that satisfied my soul, i found it when i discovered hendrix, floyd, zappa, i now have a huge collection of 60s and 70s cds
First released in 1983 in the UK, fabulous horn section.
This song was released on my 9th birthday in 1970. I bought their first album when I was 8.
I've been listening to this band pretty much my entire life. Bought their 1st album in 1969 and been riding with Chicago ever since. I'm also a musician and producer who was heavily influenced by James William Guercio. The band's producer for their 1st 11 albums.
In addition to Terry Kath's guitar work, I LOVE the fact that Danny Seraphine's drum parts are 2 different rhythms on multiple tracks. If you're a drummer and really listen, you'd realize that no one person could play this arrangement live.
If you want a REALLY great song to check out, give a listen to "Oh Thank You Great Spirit" from Chicago VIII. It's a Terry Kath BEAST of a performance written as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
Every high school band in the 70s played this song, or at least parts of it. Spirit/pep squads and band letter carriers all had routines to it. Was a fun song. And a great time to be a teen in high school.
This is one of those infamous, "we need one last song to finish the album" gems!
What's cool about these reaction videos is the absolute wonder, and amazement we had almost 50 years ago when we first heard this master piece. We get to see a whole new generation "discover" the same magic! PRICELESS! KEEP ON ROCKING!!!!
Closest we get to hearing the songs for first time again
the guitarist, Teri Kath, was actually one of Jimi Hendrix' favorites..
Terry was THE favorite guitar player of Jimi’s - he admitted that Terry was BETTER than he was - period!
@@ericleesmith708 The best guitar player has to have a favorite guitar player. Terry Kath was awe struck when he first met Jimi, Jimi tried to promote him and wanted to sign him but as you know Jimi died prematurely
So was Roy Clark
@@ericleesmith708 true!
Terry Kath - most underrated guitar player of the rock era.
Terry Kath, rest in peace, was an amazing and underrated guitarist, and the baritone vocalist on their early records. His solo on this song Live from Tanglewood, is mind blowing.
ooh yes it is
Vocally, he stated he wanted to be the white Ray Charles.
I'm 70 and was fortunate enough to grow up in this era. I know the songs and what is coming and it's a joy to see your reactions to the surprises unfolding as the songs progress.
Terry Kath is the man who Jimi Hendricks looked up to when it came to guitar. He even went so far as to describe him as the best in the universe.
Came here to say that same thing. In one interview I read J8mi was asked if he considered him self the best guitarist in the world. He replied to the effect no, that would be Terry Kath. It's so unfortunate that he died early, Chicago was never the same.
The soul of Terry's playing is from Hendrick's influence. The funk you hear is from Jimi.
This makes me happy for some reason lol
My Dad, who is 88 years old now, just shared a story about being on business in Chicago and going into this tiny, packed bar to have dinner and some drinks. This is the band that was playing 😃. He said it was so loud and very over packed but he was blown away by their musicianship, singing, just incredible unexpected experience for him.
Thanks for sharing!
Whoa!!!! How cool is that??
Your dad was so fortunate
One of my first LP's!!
I used to jam on the drums to this!! I would end up a sweaty mess!! But boy what a great song!!
"Make me smile" is another good one by Chicago. The vocals are amazing
There are multiple versions of Make Me Smile. I like the one with the long instrumental at the beginning, although the final part of the instrumental goes on 8 beats too long. But one of the versions has a weird ending with three descending notes repeating.
I’m glad this was your introduction to Chicago. One of their best songs. Where else can you get a full horn section paired with shredding guitars and a powerful yet smoothe clear lead vocals and great harmonies. Chicago had it all. One of the best bands ever.
Man, that was me in 1970. I couldn’t wait to see your faces when the wa-wa on the guitar kicked in. Priceless.
If you want to hear the Chicago horns roll big time listen to "Beginnings".
Chicago - a Band of incredible musicians that - so brilliant, so many hits, so much music that you could enjoy and not have to worry about language.
Chicago not only great musicians but they were on the radio constantly
Hit after hit
Do EARTH WIND AND FIRE
They are out of this universe ❤
Terry Kath wailed on that guitar like it owed him money! Easily one of the best guitarists of all time. And the whole band was super talented. They did anything they wanted with their instruments, and it all sounded fantastic!
That is so funny. 'wailed on that guitar...
Hard to find another band who played TOGETHER in such a wonderful way.
Chicago had it all! One of their best is Feeling Stronger Every Day.
Dirty guitar……Rock on ! You must checkout other Chicago hits. Amber will love them !
I'm a Man would be a classic example of "dirty guitar."
Thanks! It was absolutely AMAZING to see your reaction. I agree, Stevie Ray, Jimmy, among MANY others from my Era, are the kings and queens of the most beautiful time in music history. I was blessed to been to all 9 original Monsters of Rock shows at the Coliseum (Billy Graham- a mastermind) Saw the final tours of Zep w/John, AC/DC w/Bon, Skynyrd w/Ronnie etc.
Anyway I love watching your vids when you first started out. It warms my heart to see the music flow through your souls. And LMAO...yes you definitely should be jealous of us that grew up & and made love and beautiful families on this music. Love was felt in every song & passed on to our wonderful children. After seeing Skynyrd do Freebird and Page play at the Coliseum, I took all my lawnmowing money & bought my 1st guitar...been playing ever since. That was 47 years ago... Love You both!!! Keep up the love you share
(WARNING: Looooong comment ahead....)
THANK YOU!!! You have just been introduced to and reacted to the iconic song from my favorite band in the history of EVER!!! I flipping LOVE these guys - was hooked from the moment I first heard them, just like you two. 😁 Okay, a quick primer of the original, classic lineup you heard here:
Danny Seraphine, drums. Had to list him first, because I'm a drummer and I patterned everything I first learned after him. Criminally underrated.
Terry Kath, guitar and lead vocals. LEGEND. He absolutely shreds on songs like this, and when Chicago opened on a tour for Jimi Hendrix in the early days, Hendrix told one of the horn players "Your guitar player is better than me." Terry was tragically killed eleven years after the band started. In my opinion, one of the top five guitar players of all time.
Peter Cetera, bass and lead vocals. He's the one you hear on this song with the soaring vocals.
Robert Lamm, keyboards and lead vocals. The smooooth voice of the band, and an extremely talented keyboard player.
Jimmy Pankow, trombone. The primary horn arranger and perpetual motion on stage with his constantly swiveling hips.
Lee Loughnane, trumpet. A favorite of Doc Severinsen, band leader of The Tonight Show for decades.
Walt Parazaider, saxophone and flute. Plays both instruments with ridiculous ease.
In my opinion, this is the best horn section in the history of rock music.
Chicago was dominating FM airwaves and putting out phenomenal music over their first ten years that was blowing people out of the water. I strongly encourage you to react to my favorite Chicago song, "Make Me Smile." You'll get MUCH more of the sensational horns, incredible stick work from Danny, and Terry's gritty, soulful vocals (he's often been referred to as the white Ray Charles) along with more of his mind-blowing guitar. Also, both songs are from the album Chicago II, which you had on the screen, and I really think you should give the entire album a listen; it's a fantastic showcase for the incredible musicality and variety these guys had.
Oh, and as to the title of this song, the story goes that Robert and the guys had been working on writing the song all through the night, and when he asked what time it was, someone said "About 25 or 6 to 4 (o'clock)."
I apologize for how insanely long this comment is, but I did warn you....and it's your fault for checking out my favorite band EVER!! Great, great reactions, and you have a new subscriber!
That's ok, a couple of clicks/scrolls and it is past and forgotten, so no problem.
Yeah, no. That’s really ok, I read your whole comment and I fully appreciate your enthusiasm, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Yes, this was definitely a track that stopped you in your tracks whenever and wherever you first heard it. You’d be asking strangers- who is this? What is this!! Awesome.
Check out leonid and friends chicago tribute band from russia
I never thought I would be moved by watching somebody hear Chicago and experience Terry Kath's guitar for the first time. That was great!
Danny Serraphine is the drummer. I tried my best as a young drummer to copy him stick for stick. Also, amazing horn arrangement on 'Beginnings'.
Introduction too.
As someone from the city by the lake, I'm glad to see your reactions to this! This song is from the 70s, and were originally called "Chicago Transit Authority" until the real CTA caught wind and asked them to change the name, so it was shortened to just "Chicago." Also, this song is ironically about songwriting - incredibly meta song. The title is in reference to being up all night and not knowing what time it is anymore, lol.
If you enjoyed this, may I recommend "Chicago- Saturday In The Park."
The story behind the song "25 or 6 to 4 is is that Chicago needed one more song to finish their second album. The various members of the group were all sitting around the studio, trying to come up with one more song, but they were all too tired to be very creative. They'd been working all day since early the previous morning, and now it was in the middle of the night. At which point Robert Lamm (the keyboardist) turned to James Pankow (one of the trombone players) and asked, "What time is it, anyway?"
Pankow replied that it was "25, maybe 26 minutes to 4 o'clock" (in the morning). Lamm was thus inspired to write a song about being up until Oh-God-Thirty in the morning, trying to write one last song to fill an album. And one of Chicago's biggest hits was born.
About Terry Kath, Chicago's lead guitarist, there's a legend. Supposedly, Jimi Hendrix was once asked "How does it feel being the best guitarist in the world?" According to the legend, Jimi responded, "I don't know. Ask Terry Kath." No one knows if its true or not, but its a great story.
It is a great story, however there have been at least 4 other guitarists (possibly more) that the statement from Jimmy made this comment about. Tons of research, never has there been any print, audio, or video evidence...nor any reputable people who knew Jimmy support it.
That was the popular story I believed for a long time but after seeing actual interviews of Chicago band members years later this turns out to not be the case.
Here's one version that keeps constantly being recounted; www.songfacts.com/facts/chicago/25-or-6-to-4
and it makes sense being that the band for a while was the house band at the Whiskey in Hollywood and where they rehearsed new material before recording at Columbia down the street.
My Problem Child, a book about and from the scientist who discovered LSD, has 25.6to4 as the formula
@@artsilva Hence my labeling it "the story". Don't get your panties in a knot, dude.
@@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames sounds like you're the one with your panties all up in a bunch. Sorry for correcting your "story" which was long winded and definitive sounding.
Just trying to clear up one of the many inaccuracies that the internet has floating around.
If it offended you then quite honestly that sounds like a personal problem. It's better to be right before you write don't you think?!
All this love for a song that’s over 50 years old is awesome. Will people still love the music of today 50 years from now? I kinda doubt it.
I do not listen to the music of today that much because it feel so fake to me. I always listen to the music of the 50's- the hair bands of the 80s with some Alternative of the 90s early 2000s and a few alternative bands of the later 2000's but anything else does not bring the magic of the past with the soul, vibes and passion. Find some classic rock stations on the radio and crank it up and sing away like no one is watching never mind hearing lol. Chicago greatest hits album I wore it out back in the day and had worn out the replacement as well lol.
@@Peaceful-Dez That Chicago greatest hits album is fantastic. Every song on there is fantastic- no fillers at all. I wish they would release that in high-resolution format.
They haven’t made music like this in 35 years
Look into "Try a Little Tenderness", from Three Dog Night. Top musicians have covered it as recently as 2018. It came out and was popular 90 years ago, in 1931.
Greatness transcends.....
Another great 70s band with a horn section is "Tower of Power". They backed up many bands then.
Lee Thornburg plays horns for Joe Bonamassa's band
Since she asked: 25 or 6 to 4 is a song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time of night when the song was written: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 a.m., like twenty-five or
-six to four o'clock]," (i.e. 03:35 or 03:34 a.m.)...😴🤯😂
Another AWESOME reaction! And... welcome to Chicago. You have a long and incredible journey ahead of you. 25 or 6 to 4 is over FIFTY years old! The early years of Chicago - 1967 thru around 1980 or so... epic jams. Feelin' Stronger Every Day, Beginnings, I'm A Man (would be an excellent 2nd choice), Free, Make Me Smile... so many more. Great work, you two!
Lowdown, questions 67 & 68. I used to wear out those albums.
@@viacrucis2509 ....omg lowdown!!!! Also the lesser known happy man.
Imagine being creative enough to write such a great song about not being able to write a song. Amazing.
Their version of "I'm a Man" kicks total a$$.
Especially Terry Kath on lead vocal.
"I'm a Man" is one of my favorite songs! Peter Cetera's opening bass line is killer.
Listen to this and you'll never be the same...
Spencer Davis Group version for me every time.
Yes!! That is definitely a MUST LISTEN
Classic band and music. Never gets old just better. There is just so much more from them.
That band was the best part of my childhood growing up! Terry Kath is one of greatest guitarists ever!
The song is about staying up all night, trying to write a song.
And getting high
Taking acid and tripping and wondering what time it is
Yes it's about being up all night, and I forget which band member it was, but he looked at the clock and he couldn't tell if it said 25 minutes to 4 or 26 minutes to 4, so he's saying 25 or 6 to 4, the 6 actually meaning 26
OMG this song is one of my favorite songs by Chicago along with “Saturday in the Park” and the unforgettable very short yet PERFECT song “Color my World”. 🔥🔥🔥
Saturday in the Park is a fantastic song! Puts me in that perfect Saturday mood!
"Color my world" is perfect, yes.
@@Joshua-rq3om Will agree with that.
I’m embarrassed to say but back in the day we took this music for granted. There was SO much of this type of great music.
Everyday.
The 60's and 70's was the best time for popular music
Abso-freaking-lutely
Hey guys, that you for giving this masterpiece track a careful listen. Hard to believe this song was composed in late 1969 and recorded in early 1970. Thanks, guys! Oh, the song is about "writing this song" late in the early morning. Robert Lamm (keyboard/writer) was composing this song in the wee hours of the morning and looked at the clock. He was unsure if it was 25 minutes to 4am or 6 minutes to 4am. That's the story and the music is classic Chicago featuring the inimitable talent of guitarists Terry Kath.
I think you'd love hearing Edgar Winters doing Frankenstein. That is such a fantastic song.
I'm 72, so I grew up with this music, so much great music and tremendous bands in the late 60s and all through the 70s. But guys, it's still all there, you just have to find it, and savour the moments of first time hearing what to my generation are timeless classics.
This was peak Chicago for me, I'm not the greatest fan of them with their music that came out in the 80s but I love their stuff in the 70s. I'd like to throw out a suggestion for Traffic with the song Low spark of high heeled boys.
YES!!!!
I believe Terry died in 78, so YES the later love songs.... just not the same. But we had this Chicago from 68 to...
I heard this band 10 years ago and they would still get you on your feet. A smaller group but - what a great show.
For horns, Chicago is the band to listen to, hands down. The trio of James Pankow (trombone), Lee Loughnane (trumpet), and Walter Parazaider (saxophone and flute) always bring it.
The great Terry Kath (RIP) on guitar and Jazz inspired drummer, Danny Seraphine!
Unfortunately (to me), with passing of Terry the band changed directions and focused more on Power Ballads and Love Songs.
Much of their early stuff is under their first band name; Chicago Transit Authority.
They actually only did one album under the name, Chicago Transit Authority, but it is an incredible album, and it has some of their best songs!
These guys just blew us away when we first heard them. Simply incredible live.
I think you would like to hear some "Ambrosia"..."Holding on to Yesterday" & Biggest Part of Me"....really good instrumental & harmonies!!
“If you leave me now” is a full dose of Peter Cetera.
Welcome to Chicago! Chicago is like the Doobie Brothers in that there's early Chicago and later Chicago, and the style is different depending on the era. Early Chicago is like this, featuring Terry Kath's guitar funk, while later Chicago features Peter Cetera's crooning love songs. As with the Doobies, both eras are good, but so different that people usually pick a favorite era.
My personal preference is early for both Chicago & Doobies. Later stuff is solid but, to me, lacks the passion of the earlier music.
Early Chicago but later Doobies for me.
I'm also not in that camp. I love early and later Chicago. Or early and later Human League (very different styles/genres/whatever, I know… but frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn)
If you like horns, try any thing earth ,wind and fire.
HAVE to do "September" by Earth Wind and Fire!
Yes!
Oh God YASSSSSSS!!!!
Getaway. That song is a banger!
YEAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
I am loving the reactions, I am really appreciating the music we grew up with and took for granted, we were surrounded by excellent musicians…
I understand that this song is about writing this song . Sitting cross leg on the floor at 25 or 6 to 4 in the morning . They were going to record their first album and needed one more song for it. Waiting for the break of day , searching for something to say . Listen to the lyrics , it seems to make sense . LOVE YOUR CHANNEL !!!!!
I thought it was about heroin. Lol.
This song is about the Kent State massacre. The National Guard shot and killed 4 students on a college campus who were peacefully protesting the Viet Nam war. Apparently some idiot threw a rock or something and the N G opened fire. 4 students were “left dead on the floor” by “25 or 6 (N G ) to (against) 4” students. I was a teenager when this was released. ✌️
@@leetroy3129 I was a teenager then also . First time I ever heard this song is about Kent State . I know that Buffalo Springfields "For What It's Worth" is about Kent State . Thanks for the comment .
@@davidboatright3009 You are correct. Buffalo Springfield did the Kent State song, this song is nothing more than album filler written at 25 or 6 to 4 in the morning that turned into a masterpiece.
Twenty-five or twenty-six minutes to four o'clock in the morning. The song is about writer's block.
Chicago's live version of 25 Or 6 To 4 in Tanglewood in 1970 is simply sublime. The lead guitar player looks absolutely possessed.
Chicago Transit Authority was there original name, when this song came out in the early 70’s..... their horn section is their signature sound, set them apart from the other bands at that time. Eventually had to change their name to Chicago as the real CTA objected to the use of their name.
The layers of amazing musicianship makes Chicago my favorite band!!!!
Chicago's lead singer, Peter Cetera, gave us one of the great power ballads of all time. You owe it to yourselves to do "Glory of Love."
Y'all seem to like our 70s songs, awesome huh. Imagine being in high school with all this jam😉❤
That is easy. I was.
@@wmason1961 Me too
Not only was I in high school, but was in the school pep band playing this song at basketball games!
don't have to imagine just remember
I was in drill team performing to the songs while the band played
You should see the live version, Terry Kath, the guitarist absolutely shreds his guitar.
That live version from 1970 is out-of-this-world!
Tanglewood is amazing
Hendrix thought Terry was awesome, rightly so
This is probably one of my favorite reactions from you two. 25 or 6 to 4 is a classic and it is so fun watching you discover and enjoy it. I've watched this reaction many many times. My other fave is your discovery of Time and Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. Us old geezers have been enjoying this stuff for decades. You two are the best "Rection Team" out there. Thank you!