Yeah, the idea that there was some drastic change in the band is exaggerated. Their sound did evolve gradually, but no more than any other artist who was around as long as they were (and who weren't named AC/DC). The sorts of later ballads that they're given grief for were there from the start, and heavier or proggier jazz rock, funk etc. elements never went away, either. It's similar to Aerosmith. People who like the early incarnation of the band but hate the later band because of the power ballads seem to not realize that tunes like "You See Me Crying", "Home Tonight" etc. are power ballads that are not that different than the later tunes.
Jimmy Guercio's Caribou Ranch Studio in Nederland, Colorado, where Chicago recorded their albums from 1973-1977. Many other famous artists including Elton John, Supertramp, Earth, Wind & Fire, America, Billy Joel, Dan Fogelberg, The Beach Boys and many others used the studio to record some of their 70's albums.
Could be late in the game, but I want to add that I coincidentally stumbled upon the Transit Authority UK 1st a few years ago and that it absolutely blew me away - been a Chicago lover ever since, though I only own their first album (don't know why, though... I have quite a hard time digging out one of their first 10 LPs here ) My favorite album by them is the third one btw - streamed those earlier albums via Spotify and III took me by storm - perfect fusion of all those musical styles
You should get their sophomore album Chicago (1970) aka Chicago II. It was remixed by Steven Wilson earlier this year and is now available both on vinyl and CD. MoFi also released a hybrid SACD version of the album which I also like. If you love Chicago III (1971), you'll surely like Chicago V (1972) and Chicago VII (1974). Then if you like the sound of vintage Chicago, you should collect the rest of the their classic period albums (1969-1977) on vinyl. There's also a hybrid SACD version of Chicago VI (1973) on MoFi label. Hybrid CD's can be played on a regular CD player but sounds best if you have a player that is capable of playing the SACD layer of the disc.
A Steven Wilson remix? Wonderful, I love his work on Jethro Tull's discography! Thank you for your advice, I'll have to check those out
He did a great job on the remix, I like it a lot more than the original mix (including the Mofi mastering.)
I also love III. Underrated I think. Loneliness is just a word (one of Terry’s best vocals) Travel Suite, Mother (horn fest) Hour in the shower, and Elegy, especially the Approaching Storm. It is a great blend of all the song writers and musicians.
You must be a PC fan. Lowdown is a very good song. It was under appreciated for some reason. Well written and arranged by Peter and Danny. Love the bass lines too.
Chicago is the host of this 1975 New Year's event, with some great renditions of Wishin' You Were Here and Old Days. Olivia Newton John is as adorable and sexy as ever. The Doobie Brothers and Beach Boys also have some memorable moments.
Chicago also played Satin Doll, Auld Lang Syne, the great live version of Pankow's party song, Mongonucleosis, as well as Dialogue, with some great guitar licks from Terry in part II.
Both also had odd lineups-- No Tom Johnston in the Doobies, and the BB's I believe were down to Mike, Carl and Al.
I used to hear both Flight 602 on the radio..also love that one and Low Down. Most of III is excellent.
Tom was unavailable, and I forget the reason...wasn't his illness, as that didn't happen until Spring/Summer 75. Skunk just smokes on the guitar. His slide playing on Down In The Track is tasty.
