Early Chicago

[jtmckinley]

I like Chicago's early stuff, saw them in Chicago at a free fest in the 80's (past their prime, but still an OK show), but I don't really consider them to be prog. I'm with Rick on selected songs tho, much prefer the whole album be put in even if some songs don't really fit the Moon. Just my $0.02...

[carlos77]

Totally agree OHD...I like all Chicago music...but for the moon guess the three first are their most progressive (if you like) work...

[Andyyyy]

To the first three I would add the instrumental side of VII. If you imagine those compositions played on different instruments, they would fit right in as prog. You have odd time signatures, polyrhythms and great playing.

[joelscottiii]

Not sure I'd add this band to the rotation here, but in the early days they were indeed adventurous. For an interesting track that tries to blend the "song" format and experimentation, check out "A Hit by Varese" (V). VII, meanwhile, originally intended as a jazz album, is a nice, ecletic collection that shouldn't be overlooked despite not being one of the early lps. Then things go downhill fast (sped along by the loss of Kath).

[drgeorge]

Hi Dale,
Love Early CTA. My first concert, they opened for Iron Butterfly at the Garden State Art Center in 1968. Maybe Vax was there. They will always have a special place in my heart. Maybe out of the AM box, but I wouldn't mind.

[terribletee56]

AM has a tendency once in a while to play stuff that maybe a couple of listeners think are prog, like Iron Maiden. That really rags my ass. Chicago is NOT prog, and does not belong on this station. AM plays so much great stuff, and that is why I listen. If I want Chicago, that's easy enough to find elsewhere. Thanks for letting me vent. Prog on, boys!

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by terribletee56

AM has a tendency once in a while to play stuff that maybe a couple of listeners think are prog, like Iron Maiden. That really rags my ass. Chicago is NOT prog, and does not belong on this station. AM plays so much great stuff, and that is why I listen. If I want Chicago, that's easy enough to find elsewhere. Thanks for letting me vent. Prog on, boys!

Tee, I'm confused. I think I have an email at home where you complimented my show for playing the Tubes (which was a request for me to play by the way). I'll check later, I'm fairly certain that's was you. Apologies if it was not, again, I will have to wait.

I wasn't aware you felt that way, sorry that you have a more narrow view of prog.

With the proliferation of the internet, etc. it is easy to find most anything you want.

Sure you may be able to find Chicago, but try to find non-commercial Chicago on the airwaves. I think it has a home here, especially if the Program Director says so.

But at least you find some stuff you like, that is a good thing.

[spewie]

I have to agree with Mossy on this one, although Chicago is a great band I am not sure I would include it in the Moon library. I am also a Blood Sweat and Tears fan and although there is a lot of there stuff that could work on the moon, I see them more as a R&B band more than a prog band, in my mind Chicago falls into the same category. I would love to hear a Blood Sweat and Tears show though...nudge, nudge, wink, wink

[SnardLivesHere]

Early in this discussion (before Jim made the adds) I squawked that I probably thought Chicago did not have a place on AM. I have to say, in retrospect I am glad that some of the early stuff is here. Jim - you da man. I would like to see some of the tunes zipped together for a contiguous (love that word) listening experience.

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by SnardLivesHere

I would like to see some of the tunes zipped together for a contiguous (love that word) listening experience.

Thank you - I got into a little more detail than necessary in my original post.

[VAXman(Admin)]

Can we now have Al Stewart? :roll:

[carlos77]

I REALLY LOVE CHICAGO...For my age I discovered the pop era first...but by a mile their early work is their best. I like Chicago albums from CTA to VII, but to be honest the only material that has to be considered prog should be their first three albums...and some tracks...for instance 25 or 6 to 4 is clearly a straight rock song...and the suites included in the second and third are very prog for my point of view. Now their big band sound (trombones and trumpets) must be quite annoying for some prog fans. I understand if some prog sites doesn not include Chicago in their lists. Now If the moon has it I don't have any problem...I really dig them It's a matter of taste

[Rick and Roll]

The songs are already here on the Moon, and added as Jim has decided. Maybe down the line the suites will be linked, but that's if there's time.

Some of the music on V and VII (unlike Star trek movies, the odd # Chicago records are more interesting!) are just as proggy, but that's for another day.

As for Al Stewart.....great music but not exactly for the Moon I would imagine. Just a litttttttle bit different than early Chicago.

[VAXman(Admin)]

Originally Posted by Rick and Roll

The songs are already here on the Moon, and added as Jim has decided. Maybe down the line the suites will be linked, but that's if there's time.

Some of the music on V and VII (unlike Star trek movies, the odd # Chicago records are more interesting!) are just as proggy, but that's for another day.

As for Al Stewart.....great music but not exactly for the Moon I would imagine. Just a litttttttle bit different than early Chicago.

Well, I like Chicago too but I find that you're stretching it to call it prog and make the case for it fitting here -- much like GFR Closer To Home and I am/was a big early GFR fan too.

I never saw the Star Trek movies, so the numeric comparison is insipid.

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by VAXman

Well, I like Chicago too but I find that you're stretching it to call it prog and make the case for it fitting here -- much like GFR Closer To Home and I am/was a big early GFR fan too.

I never saw the Star Trek movies, so the numeric comparison is insipid.

I had to look up insipid....thought it meant evil

Trek fans (not Trekkies in this case) agree that II, IV, and VI are excellent movies, and I, III, and V are not.

But I didn't make the call for Chicago...my vote's not really that important as to inclusion. I wouldn't be requesting them anyway from the Moon. But maybe a younger listener may get a feel for the more interesting stuff.

[SnardLivesHere]

By the way Rick, who is that purple guy in the picture with you?

[VAXman(Admin)]

Originally Posted by Rick and Roll

I had to look up insipid....thought it meant evil

Maybe you were thinking of the word insidious? Insipid is weak.

Now about those Nick Drake albums.....