I'm no connoisseur of the band, so I'm not the most qualified to make the OP to a thread like this. But a topic praising the downright glorious quality of Chicago's early years wasn't anywhere to be seen (not within my search), and the absence of such a thread a crime that I had to remedy, even with my limited knowledge.
It all began when a friend of mine who's a DJ and loves 60's music introduced me to their song "I'm A Man". Accustomed to their love ballad style of the 80's (think "You're The Inspiration"), I was blown away by the extremely different, but absolutely exquisite mood of the band in its first steps. What an orgasmic guitar they had in store, courtesy of musical genius Terry Kath, who basically made love to his instrument in every single song. She sent another other two songs my way (25 or 6 To 4, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is). I was in awe.
But what really forced me to create this thread was that, earlier this year was the 45th anniversary of Chicago's very first album, The Chicago Transit Authority (as they called themselves back then). Hence, my friend playing this album in its entirety...And it really is something to behold, that they could cram out so many damn classics in their very first try! Introduction, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, Listen, Poem 58, South California Purples....And there's still songs I'm missing to hear! (listening to it live as I type this thread)...I'm genuinely impressed at the sheer quality in display, and again, it's their damn debut album. Can't wait to stop being ignorant and explore the band's early years in depth. What a band. What music.
So come here, GAFers! Those of you who haven't heard this side of Chicago, come and give your ears a treat...and those who know it all well, come here and discuss the genius of this band!
Also, my friend is telling me Chicago's not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fuck them and their couch.
It all began when a friend of mine who's a DJ and loves 60's music introduced me to their song "I'm A Man". Accustomed to their love ballad style of the 80's (think "You're The Inspiration"), I was blown away by the extremely different, but absolutely exquisite mood of the band in its first steps. What an orgasmic guitar they had in store, courtesy of musical genius Terry Kath, who basically made love to his instrument in every single song. She sent another other two songs my way (25 or 6 To 4, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is). I was in awe.
But what really forced me to create this thread was that, earlier this year was the 45th anniversary of Chicago's very first album, The Chicago Transit Authority (as they called themselves back then). Hence, my friend playing this album in its entirety...And it really is something to behold, that they could cram out so many damn classics in their very first try! Introduction, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, Listen, Poem 58, South California Purples....And there's still songs I'm missing to hear! (listening to it live as I type this thread)...I'm genuinely impressed at the sheer quality in display, and again, it's their damn debut album. Can't wait to stop being ignorant and explore the band's early years in depth. What a band. What music.
So come here, GAFers! Those of you who haven't heard this side of Chicago, come and give your ears a treat...and those who know it all well, come here and discuss the genius of this band!
Also, my friend is telling me Chicago's not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fuck them and their couch.
