Chicago - The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning
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Free Music Notes for The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning
Free Music Review: "I've Been Searchin' So Long" for a Chicago best of this good!
Hit: 4 Stars
As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.
"The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning" was released by Rhino in July of 2002 with great anticipation because it promised to be the first best of that would finally bring all the hits/radio songs together. The good news is excluding "Harry Truman" it certainly delivered on the promise but there are unique edits on "Make Me Smile", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is", and "I'm A Man." If that doesn't deter you the ride to Chicago will be the most pleasant one you've had.
Opening the 39-song celebration is "Make Me Smile." A terrific choice as it symbolizes the great diversity the band offers. Mixing rock, jazz, pop, and improvisation with drummer extraordinaire Danny Seraphine the first phase of the band would give the world a plethora of hits and radio staples forever. "25 Or 6 To 4" to this day explodes from the speakers as the opening power chords are thrust upon us. "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" is a lesson on how people seem to chase nothing and do it well. "Questions 67 And 68" is one of the bands finest and most underrated works. The perfect mixture of vocal and instrumentation create a gem for the ages. "Colour My World" wasn't simply a hit but commandeered many a radio station when it was riding high on the charts. The now defunct but legendary New York City radio station WXLO had a "Colour My World" weekend. The song was played several times an hour over a two day period because of the mass appeal. "Lowdown" is another song that you may not remember until you hear it on the CD player but it will soon be getting more than the occasional spin. "Saturday In The Park" is one of the best examples of words painting pictures. Especially on a warm summer day you can picture yourself walking through the park and seeing everything the tune described. The beauty that "Another Rainy Day In New York City" creates can't be described with words, your ears must be the ones to experience the wonders of the composition. The myriad of tracks also capture phase two of the band when the sound became more adult contemporary in its configuration but there was one more rocker that could make even the oldest of individual feel young again for three minutes-thirty seconds, "Old Days" is tremendous. Everything laid out in simple fashion and yet it is so profound. "Take Me Back To Chicago", "Alive Again", and "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" represent the next phase of the band. The final cut on the best of will get your attention. Chicago covers Louis Prima ("Sing, Sing, Sing") with the help of the Gypsy Kings!
The Chicago Transit Authority proudly welcomes you to the Windy City. Have a great time.
Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"
Free Music Review: God, I needed this!
Hit: 5 Stars
I graduated high school in '76,so CHICAGO was a huge part of my musical formitive years.Have to admit I was somewhat of a musical snob-all about the musicianship,and CHICAGO fit the bill perfectly.So edgy,raw,and powerful.Even their ballads back then had such soul and substance.
This is the music that got me through the rough times,takes you away to a whole different place.When I saw this set on Amazon,I had to have it;and I've not been dissappointed.When I played disc 1,I got chills just like back in the day. Rhino's remastering kicks serious a--!Rich,clear and full sound.I know the few edits are kind of a pain,but hey-no biggie.Just sit back,crank up the headphones and FEEL the music. Now I know what you other hard-core fans are saying-"What about disc 2?" I've got a tip for you-when you listen to the second disc,just listen to it for what it is-not as a CHICAGO fan.It's really pretty good stuff.Besides,the 1st disc is worth the price of the whole set anyway. Those of you who are not too familiar with the group,here's what you'll get-superior musicianship,powerful horns,extraordinary guitar work(Kath),a very strong,much overlooked rythum section and wonderful vocal harmonies.A band with incredible range and versatility. What else can I say! Five stars-easy!
Free Music Review: Chicago CD
Hit: 5 Stars
We listen to this ALL the time... everyone who comes over comments on it. Great music. I bought it as a gift for my husband, who noticed that one of his favorites ("Colour My World"), is not included. Other than that, its a great 2-CD compilation of all their best tunes.Free Music Review: The very best!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a two-disc set containing just about every hit song I remember by Chicago. I have to say I enjoyed the first disc more than the second as it has the earlier songs. I have always enjoyed the brass in Chicago's sound and this album brings it on fantastically. If you want to hear the very best of Chicago, this is the album to buy!Free Music Review: BIG DEAL ANOTHER GREATEST HITS COLLECTION. THERE ARE OTHER CHICAGO ALTERATIVES...........
Hit: 5 Stars
You could buy all the Chicago Rhino record remasters with fine linear notes, if one or a few of your favorites are missing. I like the remastering on this Chicago collection, I hate that Rhino edited a few songs. Yeah! I know no "Harry Truman" is missing, what a mistake that was. A nice Chicago collection if you just want the hits spanning their nearly fortyone year career. The beginning of the Chicago band was the best, actually the first nine years with Terry Kath and James William Guerico producing all of the Chicago recording output, up to Chicago XI, 1977, (output from 1969 to 1977). Ironically Chicago XI would be Terry Kaths last record with Chicago before his untimely death in January 1978. Wheather you like or hate the 1980s, 1990s material, this greatest hits collection, still speaks for Chicago as a band that has lasted since its conception in 1967. I like some of the 1980s material, despite Chicago being Peter Ceteras backup band at this time. I like 2006 release Chicago XXX, which I really thought had some of the old Chicago sound despite some ballads. Chicago still has four original members in the band as of 2007. I wish the bad blood with Peter Cetera and Danny Seraphine would clear and both would rejoin Chicago, fat chance at that happening. This is a nice Rhino remastered "Chicago Greatest Hits" Remaster with a few flaws, that I remedied by getting all the Chicago Rhino Remasters.