Chicago - Stone of Sisyphus (XXXII)
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Free Music Notes for Stone of Sisyphus (XXXII)
Free Music Review: Wow! An amazing album!
Hit: 5 Stars
When I received my package from Amazon today containing Chicago XXXII: Stone of Sisyphus, I was almost too anxious to play the CD at all. I had read so much hype about this previously unreleased album, so many blogs, posts, comments, etc. that I was certain that there was no way that the disc could actually live up to the hype.
With this in mind, I ripped the package open and threw it in the player immediately. From the first notes, I was not disappointed!
This album is fun, exciting, fresh, creative, varied and well-crafted. There are radio-ready cuts ("Bigger than Elvis", "All the Years"), there are big, rock melodies ("Stone of Sisyphus", "The Show Must Go On"), there is even a rap ("Sleeping in the Middle of the Bed"). Throughout the CD, the presence of the big horn section is a joy unto itself.
THIS is what Chicago always used to be to me. No, this is NOT a return to Chicago II or their timeless debut. But it contains elements of the creativity of a band that crossed genres in order to invent their own genre. It contains political statements, tender ballads, social commentary... all the things that made Chicago what it was before the record companies decided to turn them into a cheesy ballad band.
This CD should have been released 15 years ago. Who knows whether it would have changed the direction for Chicago over the years or not or if it would have helped keep real Rock on the radio. But it most certainly would have kept more people interested in this excellent band.
I am thrilled that this CD has finally been released and that it does, in fact, live up to the hype. I highly recommend it to any and all fans of Chicago and melodic rock in general.
Free Music Review: Back to Form
Hit: 5 Stars
I've been a fan of Chicago ever since CTA came out and own all of their (non-greatest hits) albums/CDs. Ever since Chicago 17 had it's run I've been hoping Chicago would release something that was mostly upbeat, horn-laden, creative and not so commercial. Chicago 18, 19, 21 and 30 had some very good tunes but none of them were as creative as a collective work as this band is capable of. (Chicago 25/What's it Gonna Be Santa is an exceptional recording but since it's a seasonal work I'm not considering it in this review.)
With that in mind I'm thrilled that the "mysterious" Stone of Sisyphus has finally been released because it is exactly what I've been waiting for. The songs are interesting, creative, mostly upbeat, horn-laden and full of great hooks. The two ballads on this CD are enjoyable and listenable instead of just another attempt to write a hit ballad. You can tell the band worked hard at this release from beginning to end instead of churning out another attempted hit maker with a few creative numbers thrown in.
If you're looking for the edgy, wild days of the first few albums you'll be disappointed in SoS, but if you've found something enjoyable in the various phases the band has gone through over the years (especially the past 20) you're going to really enjoy this one.
Free Music Review: No returrn, just greatness!
Hit: 5 Stars
Look! To compare this album to Chicago's early years is just insane. What this is, in a nutshell, is the best thing this band has recorded with it's new intity and personnel. It's my belief that music, and bands for that matter, must evolve, or they will die. It's unfortunate how some of this bands evolution took place, but the fact of the matter, musically speaking, is that this band has evolved beautifully, and this album is proof. It's like the missing link which gives these younger, and newer guys merit.
Jason Scheff is a gifted singer, and bass player. Bill Champlin, although he can never be Terry Kath (nor can I guess he would want to be), is an integral, soulful rock voice for this band. The rest takes care of itself, with intriguing horn lines from a horn section we've grown accustomed to over the years, and Robert Lamm, like so many times before, who becomes the super-glue which binds this album together - permanently.
If you're a fan of Chicago, I know I'm preaching to the choir. If not, stop, take a second, and consider that you are listening to a piece of history. This band has earned it's place there, and this album is now a part of the archives.
Free Music Review: Get On This?
Hit: 5 Stars
I was overjoyed when I heard Rhino was going to release Chicago's long lost masterpiece Stone of Sisyphus. I obtained a bootleg copy about ten years ago and it is easily the best album they have made since their days with Columbia Records. All of the tracks were written by band members (no Diane Warren whatsoever) and the horns and guitars are back up in the mix.
That being said this album does not try to recreate their original sound. This is the Champlin/Scheff era's masterpiece. Warner Brothers may have been right about it's commercial viability, this isn't necessarily going to please fans of their Jazz/Rock period or fans of their 80's era ballads. This is an album for hardcore Chicago fans who have kept up with them through all of the lineup changes. For the record the band does still tour with four of it's original members.
One complaint about this edition of the album is the elimination of "Get On This" a killer rock track that was originally part of the album's track list. I have a couple of theories as to why it was deleted (inter- band politics better saved for debate on a Chicago message board).
Free Music Review: Finally... Indeed!!
Hit: 5 Stars
So there I was in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in Milwaukee in 1993 watching a terrific Chicago concert, when lo and behold, they unveiled a terrific new song, "The Pull", that would be featured on their new album, Chicago XXII. I waited, grabbed a VHS of their live concert at the Greek Theatre so I could hear "The Pull" again, and waited and waited. You all know the story, we heard about the mysterious Sisyphus off and on during the late '90's and early 2000's, but I don't think anyone ever dreamed we'd ever hear it. I finally, finally got my copy today, and it is simply fabulous. A reflection of the early greatness of the band, and their ability to cover ever single approach, musically and vocally. I indeed hear reflections of "Sonny Think Twice" here. Okay, I'm not a rap fan and so "Sleeping in the Middle of the Bed" isn't my favorite, but I applaud the guys for venturing in that direction. As Robert says, its really too bad that this album didn't come out in 1993, it would have been a spectacular hit. We can feel blessed we have it now, and for those of you not sure about buying it, hesitate no longer. Its just great!