Born in 1958, Chicago is literally the sound track of my life. At 65, one of the only blessings in my otherwise miserable existence, aside from 2 of the best parents you could ask for, and my 3 loving beagles(Sally, Maggie, and Daisy)has been these guys. When I was made fun of for being fat as a teenager-Chicago was there for me. When I was broken-hearted and alone-Chicago was there. After every single heartache there was always Me, Chicago and one of my howling little hound dogs vocalizing their support for their forlorn daddy. Yes they changed in later years. Things happen. Things move on. Alot of ballads were bad rapped for being canned but that was because they were being crafted for singles or music videos. "Will you still love me", the 1st single released after Pete left, is my favorite song. No one could ever replace Peter Cetera but Jason did a great job! The album cut was so good with the original intro and fade out that most people just think that it was a ballad. No. It was a story of a regular guy finding his other half. Realizing feelings that he either never felt before or may never feel again. Happiness that he had never felt before. So much so he becomes afraid of losing it(her). Finally just telling her that if she just stays around she will never be alone......followed by a beautiful piano fade out...First heard that song in 88. Fell in love in 92. In 2010, after the break up, I've not been able to listen to this song much. Mom, Dad, and my 3 precious beagles have all moved on to their great rewards. I still have Chicago. They have played rock, jazz, big band, disco, country, ballads, and Christmas music all of which have been pretty darned good. I can reasonably say that there are maybe 5 or 6 songs that I don't care for. I believe that there were pictures of the guys in CTA along with a huge poster that covered my entire ceiling at work for 18 years! I've seen them in concert 33 times the 1st being in 1975 at the Chicago stadium with the Beach boys! Dick Clark loved them and produced their 3 huge specials on ABC("Chicago, meanwhile back at the ranch"/"Chicago in the Rockies"/"Chicago's New Years Rockin Eve"). Five consecutive albums on the Billboard hot 200. Yes, Pete, Terry, Bobby, Danny, Walt, Lee and Jimmy were great! But Jason, Bill and Triss added in only make them better. Thank you again for your wonderful reviews. I hope to get out of the nursing home this fall and when I get my pension reinstated I will be joining as a patreon. Thanks-Greg
I really, really, really adore this LP. A year or so after this came out my bro went off to college. I think "Great!" Get the room to meself. Then I realize he took all Chicago lps with him. The nerve. Just 'cause they were his.
ROBERT LAMM ARRESTED IN 1972. Now that have your attn this is true. In March of 1972 I saw Chicago in Oklahoma City. They played them a 3 hour show with an intermission. At the break Robert came out with the voter registration that was in the Carnegie Hall album. He was telling people for a change then register to vote. Robert didn't like then President Nixon. Of course the song came out A Song For Richard and his friends. The 1972 election was in November. A heckler from the audience started yelling at Robert that don't vote it doesn't work, tearing down the system etc. Robert told him to shut the F... up and sit down. Back then in Oklahoma City there was a city ordinance against profanity in a public place from anyone. So the police there hauled Robert off downtown about 3 miles away to jail. I think his bail was two or three hundred dollars. There was a panic due to the time factor it took to get him out and back to the arena to finish the show. They could not go on without Robert. They keep telling the audience there was some issues and hold on. Robert came back they played and finished without an encore. He didn't look at the audience or speak at all just sang and played. It was in the OKC paper the next day. I lost the article darn it. Later in years a couple of times Robert and I talked about it. He laughed and said we at least a great song came out State of the Union. So after reading this go listen to the song and it should make more sense and become clear from the words. We could laugh now but at the show it was total panic and the audience did not know what happened until the next day. Robert walked off the stage out of sight was hand cuffed away. Hard to believe that happen then compared to now days. Take care everyone.
We’ve heard of ppl being arrested for public profanity before, it’s still always interesting hearing about it. We believe that still takes place in some foreign countries. What great bit of Rock History, thanks so much Hopper Video Music!
They did the logo so people would focus on the music. They also numbered their albums in tribute to the great composers who didn't name their symphonies, but numbered them.
I've enjoyed collecting their original LPs in phonograph form because of how amazing the jackets are. I only have V, VI, and VII, but they are actually 3-dimensionally textured! V really feels like wood, VI feels like printed money, and VII feels smooth like well-sculpted leather. I've read that the other covers were similarly uniquely textured. Truly an art form.
If you guys want to see an awesome Chicago album cover check out “chocolate Chicago” (Chicago X). Best tracks “Once or Twice” (Terry), “ Another Rainy Day in New York City” (Robert Lamm vocal and Latin rhythm) and “If You Leave Me Now” (Peter vocal. Worldwide #1 hit).
On "State of the Union" this was Peter Cetera on lead vocals, not Terry Kath. Terry Kath's deep baritone vocals were other worldly. He is sorely missed for both his vocals and guitar talents, as well as his songwriting ability. "Byblos" is my favorite Terry Kath song. Back when I was a kid and the Chicago albums were being released I would go to the record store on the day of release to grab the latest album, wondering what the iconic John Berg/Nick Fasciano design team for the Chicago logo would have for the latest album. AND what goodies would be included. Many of the early release albums had posters. Chicago IV Live At Carnegie Hall had multiple posters including a HUGE 4 foot by 6 foot poster. Chicago VIII with the embroidered cardinal patch cover design included an iron-on transfer of that logo for the fan to put on their own t-shirt.
Robert was the political radical in the band (Terry, to a lesser extent, not so overt), but it's funny hearing Peter "It's Hard For Me To Say It's Chicago" Cetera (favorite bassist) declaring to tear the system down.... down to the ground... This was based on a true story of Robert's (audio interview available)
Not sure if it was deliberate, and i don't like politics very much, but March 1 is the date of Pres. Biden's first State Of The Union Address. Irony? Chicago, along with Tower Of Power, have the best brass sections in all of Rock and Roll. Average White Band is pretty good too.
Immediately 'What Is Hip' comes to mind. Loads to choose from. Percolates on high start to finish. I just bought - age 65 - my first ever hash pipe. That stuff? Ick. I know you're kidding, luv yas! D Yeah, I knew you guys "got it", but it's reassuring, heartwarming, etc. to hear you reiterate and echo for us down a generation or so, the massive, near incomprehensible loss that Terry's death represented to the band, the broader community that loved and respected him too, and to music lovers everywhere.
This song is mediocre, compared to some of their other works, like 25 or 6 to 4 and Beginnings. Or color My World. The horns just sound bored, and it doesn't have that sizzle, to me.
Born in 1958, Chicago is literally the sound track of my life. At 65, one of the only blessings in my otherwise miserable existence, aside from 2 of the best parents you could ask for, and my 3 loving beagles(Sally, Maggie, and Daisy)has been these guys. When I was made fun of for being fat as a teenager-Chicago was there for me. When I was broken-hearted and alone-Chicago was there. After every single heartache there was always Me, Chicago and one of my howling little hound dogs vocalizing their support for their forlorn daddy. Yes they changed in later years. Things happen. Things move on. Alot of ballads were bad rapped for being canned but that was because they were being crafted for singles or music videos. "Will you still love me", the 1st single released after Pete left, is my favorite song. No one could ever replace Peter Cetera but Jason did a great job! The album cut was so good with the original intro and fade out that most people just think that it was a ballad. No. It was a story of a regular guy finding his other half. Realizing feelings that he either never felt before or may never feel again. Happiness that he had never felt before. So much so he becomes afraid of losing it(her). Finally just telling her that if she just stays around she will never be alone......followed by a beautiful piano fade out...First heard that song in 88. Fell in love in 92. In 2010, after the break up, I've not been able to listen to this song much. Mom, Dad, and my 3 precious beagles have all moved on to their great rewards. I still have Chicago. They have played rock, jazz, big band, disco, country, ballads, and Christmas music all of which have been pretty darned good. I can reasonably say that there are maybe 5 or 6 songs that I don't care for. I believe that there were pictures of the guys in CTA along with a huge poster that covered my entire ceiling at work for 18 years! I've seen them in concert 33 times the 1st being in 1975 at the Chicago stadium with the Beach boys! Dick Clark loved them and produced their 3 huge specials on ABC("Chicago, meanwhile back at the ranch"/"Chicago in the Rockies"/"Chicago's New Years Rockin Eve"). Five consecutive albums on the Billboard hot 200. Yes, Pete, Terry, Bobby, Danny, Walt, Lee and Jimmy were great! But Jason, Bill and Triss added in only make them better. Thank you again for your wonderful reviews. I hope to get out of the nursing home this fall and when I get my pension reinstated I will be joining as a patreon. Thanks-Greg
Thanks for sharing Greg! It’s always been true that music will be there for us even when no one else is. Thanks so much for being here
Terry was such an important part of this band. They got replacement guitarists but they never replaced him.
I really, really, really adore this LP. A year or so after this came out my bro went off to college. I think "Great!" Get the room to meself. Then I realize he took all Chicago lps with him. The nerve. Just 'cause they were his.
This was definitely a different Chicago than what came later. I always loved the bass, drums, and bari sax on this track
That was Peter on lead vocals. Again showing his range as a great hard rockin' vocalist
Doesn't it feel like that whenever Terry gets a solo on guitar or vocal, he absolutely tears into it?
Oh yeah
"State Of The Union" is delightful! Pure funk.🤟🎸
ROBERT LAMM ARRESTED IN 1972. Now that have your attn this is true. In March of 1972 I saw Chicago in Oklahoma City. They played them a 3 hour show with an intermission. At the break Robert came out with the voter registration that was in the Carnegie Hall album. He was telling people for a change then register to vote. Robert didn't like then President Nixon. Of course the song came out A Song For Richard and his friends. The 1972 election was in November.
A heckler from the audience started yelling at Robert that don't vote it doesn't work, tearing down the system etc. Robert told him to shut the F... up and sit down.
Back then in Oklahoma City there was a city ordinance against profanity in a public place from anyone. So the police there hauled Robert off downtown about 3 miles away to jail.
I think his bail was two or three hundred dollars. There was a panic due to the time factor it took to get him out and back to the arena to finish the show. They could not go on without Robert. They keep telling the audience there was some issues and hold on.
Robert came back they played and finished without an encore. He didn't look at the audience or speak at all just sang and played. It was in the OKC paper the next day. I lost the article darn it.
Later in years a couple of times Robert and I talked about it. He laughed and said we at least a great song came out State of the Union.
So after reading this go listen to the song and it should make more sense and become clear from the words.
We could laugh now but at the show it was total panic and the audience did not know what happened until the next day. Robert walked off the stage out of sight was hand cuffed away. Hard to believe that happen then compared to now days.
Take care everyone.
We’ve heard of ppl being arrested for public profanity before, it’s still always interesting hearing about it. We believe that still takes place in some foreign countries. What great bit of Rock History, thanks so much Hopper Video Music!
Pete Cetera singing with major attitude. Love this tune.
Just as good this SOTU 😉
They did the logo so people would focus on the music. They also numbered their albums in tribute to the great composers who didn't name their symphonies, but numbered them.
Nice timing!
How apropo!! Wow... It's been a long time since I heard this one!! Fire, indeed!!
"Dialogue Part I and Part 2" is another song from Chicago V that has political overtones - but its musical attributes surpass any boundaries.
"If I were a system, I would love to be torn down to this groove." LOL 7:15
☺️thanks Jonathan!
Good choice by Ben! The guitar solo at the end really smokes in the Live in Japan version of this.
wish they hadn't faded out the song for so long. A lot of gold in them thar fade out
УЙ.. ТАМ СОЛО ПРОСТО БОМБА.
I've enjoyed collecting their original LPs in phonograph form because of how amazing the jackets are. I only have V, VI, and VII, but they are actually 3-dimensionally textured! V really feels like wood, VI feels like printed money, and VII feels smooth like well-sculpted leather. I've read that the other covers were similarly uniquely textured. Truly an art form.
🤯incredible
Peter Cetera lead vocal.
If you guys want to see an awesome Chicago album cover check out “chocolate Chicago” (Chicago X). Best tracks “Once or Twice” (Terry), “ Another Rainy Day in New York City” (Robert Lamm vocal and Latin rhythm) and “If You Leave Me Now” (Peter vocal. Worldwide #1 hit).
Thanks for the suggestion Michael!
@Bookhouse Boy I agree. I always liked Mama Mama better than IYLMN.
On "State of the Union" this was Peter Cetera on lead vocals, not Terry Kath. Terry Kath's deep baritone vocals were other worldly. He is sorely missed for both his vocals and guitar talents, as well as his songwriting ability. "Byblos" is my favorite Terry Kath song.
Back when I was a kid and the Chicago albums were being released I would go to the record store on the day of release to grab the latest album, wondering what the iconic John Berg/Nick Fasciano design team for the Chicago logo would have for the latest album. AND what goodies would be included. Many of the early release albums had posters. Chicago IV Live At Carnegie Hall had multiple posters including a HUGE 4 foot by 6 foot poster. Chicago VIII with the embroidered cardinal patch cover design included an iron-on transfer of that logo for the fan to put on their own t-shirt.
Great info, thanks Craig!
So Awesome. Thanks for sharing Craig!
Robert was the political radical in the band (Terry, to a lesser extent, not so overt), but it's funny hearing Peter "It's Hard For Me To Say It's Chicago" Cetera (favorite bassist) declaring to tear the system down.... down to the ground... This was based on a true story of Robert's (audio interview available)
Not sure if it was deliberate, and i don't like politics very much, but March 1 is the date of Pres. Biden's first State Of The Union Address. Irony? Chicago, along with Tower Of Power, have the best brass sections in all of Rock and Roll. Average White Band is pretty good too.
That’s hilarious, we didn’t plan it at all!
That song is all Peter satera that's Peter on bass and vocals Terry's just plain league guitar
Дамочка вообще не волокёт в джаз-роке 50 летней давности...Канэчно... это же не рэп, а чувак просто по друмам морщился. Комедия.
Immediately 'What Is Hip' comes to mind. Loads to choose from.
Percolates on high start to finish. I just bought - age 65 - my first ever hash pipe. That stuff? Ick. I know you're kidding, luv yas! D
Yeah, I knew you guys "got it", but it's reassuring, heartwarming, etc. to hear you reiterate and echo for us down a generation or so, the massive, near incomprehensible loss that Terry's death represented to the band, the broader community that loved and respected him too, and to music lovers everywhere.
This song is mediocre, compared to some of their other works, like 25 or 6 to 4 and Beginnings. Or color My World. The horns just sound bored, and it doesn't have that sizzle, to me.
Ha! It's a favorite of mine.
It’s all about that bass.
It's-over-your-head.