What does it sound like?:
I was rather surprised to read late last year that Steven Wilson had been asked to remix this album, given that he’s best known for his work with prog artists such as Yes and Jethro Tull.
Nevertheless, I’m pleased to report that he’s done a superb job on this, Chicago’s second album, originally released as a double set back in 1970. Listeners mainly familiar with the band’s much later period of AOR music may not be aware of their terrific early albums, which contained a heady combination of blues, rock and soul powered by a terrific brass section and even combined at times with some politically charged lyrics. The album combines a selection of shorter pieces such as the big hit single ’25 or 6 to 4’, with a number of longer more ambitious and dramatic compositions. Overall these have aged remarkably well, although there are one or two parts, especially lyrically, that are a bit ‘of their time.’
The downside of the original sprawling set was the quality of the recording process used, which gave the whole thing rather a muddy sound. The work Steven Wilson has done in remixing the original master tapes is nothing short of a revelation – so many new sounds, so much musical detail now springs into sonic clarity for the first time. Songs like the epic centre piece of the album ‘Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon’ have never sounded so good before. It’s almost like listening to a different album compared to the original. I’d go as far as to say this is one of the most successful remixes Wilson has done, and I speak as one who’s pretty familiar with most, if not all, of them.
What does it all *mean*?
If you’ve never heard this music before, there’s no better way to hear it than on this new take on a classic album. Astonishing to think it’s almost fifty years old now!
Goes well with…
A glass or two of good bourbon..
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Rock, blues, soul, brass, inventionary music, it’s all here.
Colin H says
I wonder who will remix Steven Wilson’s albums in 40 years time? He puts out a new one, usually collaborating with people, every three weeks. Jedward may have a future ahead of them yet…
Bargepole says
And he’s even found the time to work on a new solo album too….
Vulpes Vulpes says
‘scuse my French, but that sounds fucking brilliant.
Bargepole says
SW album announcement coming soon…..
http://stevenwilsonhq.com/
Moose the Mooche says
I’m waiting for him to do Fulham Fallout in 5.1.
Colin H says
I wonder could Steven bring anything to the work of Sham 69?
Moose the Mooche says
Does he have a lump hammer?
Vulpes Vulpes says
Or better still, a military grade Degausser.
Moose the Mooche says
The whole world’s not listening
The whole world’s not listening
The whole world’s not listening
duco01 says
I’ve often read that some of the early Chicago (Transit Authority) albums are really good, but I’ve never heard any of them.
Which one Chicago album would you recommend to the beginner?
The first one? Chicago II? Chicago III?
Moose the Mooche says
The first one – your actual CTA. Do not pass “Go”.
IT….. IS….. BRILLIANT.
Mousey says
Moose the Mooche says
The CTA album has now been given a rather splendid 50th anniversary remix.
duco01 says
Thanks for the recommendation on Chicago II, Bargey.
I bought it. It’s great. Those horns! Those vocals! Blimey.
I’d somehow assumed that all Chicago records were rubbish. I assumed wrongly.
Moose the Mooche says
Bigly wrongly…
Parrrrp!
duco01 says
You’ll be pleased to know, Moosey, that I’ve just ordered “CTA”, too.
Moose the Mooche says
Well done. I think it’s even more betterer.
Junior Wells says
I lost interest post Terry Kath