Finally checking out some more Chicago!! Definitely a ‘Chick on a Blanket’ kind of song, especially on a Saturday in the Park!! Cheers guys what track do we need to check our next from them?! 🔥🙌🏻
“Your the inspiration” was a good 80’s hit if you guys haven’t done it by them. Might not be your style but I like it.😅 But i would also love it if you guys did “Truckin” by The Grateful Dead✌️☮️
Needless to say this song saturated the airwaves on beautiful summer weekends in parks up and down Chicago's beautiful lakefront. Such glorious memories. Suggest "Beginnings", or "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" next please sirs.
Yes! And please make sure you do the longer edit of 4:28 called Make Me Smile / Now More Than Ever off of "The Very Best of Chicago: Only The Beginning"
Awesome song! I found a video of "Make Me Smile" where the guitar track is Isolated and you get to hear only Terry's guitar through the whole song. The end of the video then plays the finished song. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6gSI77Uh2oE.html
OH YEAH!! Thank God you said that! I’ve been meaning to suggest that song as well for sometime!! Yeah do “I’d love to change the world” by the band 10 years after. Great song!
“Make Me Smile” is my vote for your next Chicago song. If not that, then Dialogue Parts 1&2. Another Band with horns front that era? Blood, Sweat & Tears!
Yeah, B, S&T had a few pop songs. But songs like ‘I love you more than you’ll ever know’ I do not think of as pop. That would be my vote for a B, S& T song 😎
I’m tempted to dare them to listen to the whole Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon suite to hear how it fits. As an added bonus they would get to hear Color My World.
You guys are right that this song is well suited to its lyrics, but there's more. It's hard to convey unless you lived it, but the song has the spirit of a more relaxed time (with less technology), in which you could hang out in a "free" community. When they sing "listen children, all is not lost," I believe they're saying that that spirit still exists.
Just go for it and play Chicago Transit Authority start to finish and have your mind blown dudes. From Introduction to Liberation the debut is phenomenal!
Check out "Introduction" from Chicago. Similar to Chicago are Blood, Sweat & Tears from them you could go with "Spinning Wheel", "And When I Die", "You've Made Me So Very Happy" and "God Bless the Child".
1st.. Mellow Chicago song from 1972. This was a mainstay in Illinois where I..lived. 🎼🎧🎧Chicago in.early 70s was Huge.MASSIVE HORNS ..BUT That sappy ballad 80s crap. Was. Just THAT SAPPY. LOL
Yah, I gotta say, having listened to both "eras" of Chicago, I *definitely* favor the more jazz-like, horn-filled rock of the 70s, versus the (decidedly weaker, more assembly-line) 80s "love song" stuff.
Yeah Chicago was one of those few bands that could do hard rock and mellow ballads equally well. One of the best 70s bands for mellow songs... But in the 80s they completely lost the plot. Drum machines and cheap digital synthesizers and massive cheesy-cheese wiz. They are at the top of the list for the worst band sell out in history.
I was born in 82 and there is some connection to the sappy 80's ballad era of Chicago. But I still MUCH prefer the 70's Terry Kath era of Chicago. To me I think of them as two totally different bands. Kind of like how Heart had the 70's bad ass rocker chick vibe and went all sappy in the 80's.
I hope they will listen to a couple of War songs. Cisco Kid is short but great. If Andy and Alex want something along these lines...like with some tasteful wind, big band, I know ythey will love War's The World is a Ghetto. (A long one) I think need to get into some " socially-conscious", funky rock. Then there are other artists once you go on that path. (Some of the finer Curtis Mayfield songs, for example. Studio versions before live versions.) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ptIcert_Ra8.html
Love it. Ha! ....I remember hearing this for the first time when I was12 yeas old. I was actually in the park with my family in Denver. It actually was the Fourth of July and I had my first beer with my uncle. I've always been a fan and always will be. With all that said, Feeling stronger Everyday is still my favorite. Especially after seeing them sing it live years later. Thanks for the memories guys!
In the early 70's I went to see Chicago expecting a fairly mild concert, knowing songs that were played on the radio like this one. I walked away from the concert saying this was one of the best concerts musically that I've seen. At the time I had never heard of Terry Kath, but he as outrageous and so was the drummer. What can be said about the horns, at the time there were not a lot of bands with horn sections, but it adds such a nice flavor to the music. A precursor to Chicago is Blood, Sweat & Tears , you'd enjoy Spinning Wheel, God Bless this Child, And When I Die or Lucretia Mac Evil.
You had to have been there to appreciate, BBQs, Pool parties, 1972 in general. Try “Beginnings” “Does anyone Really know what Time it is” “Make Me Smile” “I’m A Man” which was a Spencer Davis Group cover so you’ll have to do both versions.
Feeling Stronger Every Day, Make Me Smile, and Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is. As for similar bands, try Three Dog Night (One, Shambala, Eli's Coming, Momma Told Me Not To Come, Show Must Go On, and more), or Aliotta Haynes and Jeremiah (Lake Shore Drive), or Canned Heat (Going Up the Country), or maybe even the Moody Blues, though they're arguably closer to Pink Floyd.
Gotta follow this up with Shambala by Three Dog Night, and Another Park, Another Sunday by The Doobies. Great troika of songs (which I have on an early 70's playlist).
Chicago songs to check out - Make Me Smile (their best) or I'm a Man (my favorite song during the summer of 69). Similar band - Blood, Sweat & Tears, Spinning Wheel or And When I Die
Have you gents heard BAKER STREET by Gerry Rafferty from 1978? It was a huge hit with awesome sax and guitar solos and Gerry's voice is as smooth as butter. One of my favorite songs of all time. For Chicago, MAKE ME SMILE and BEGINNINGS are my next suggestions. Keep them coming!
can you imagine hearing all this on the radio as it was released . Im 59 and I did you guys bring back great memories an I like seeing younger people like you enjoying it as muck as I. Rock on guys
I implore you, PLEASE do "Introduction", this is the first song from their first album, written and sung by the guitarist Terry Kath, who has the most beautiful blue eyed soul "Ray Charles" like voice. Time signature changes, tempo changes, key changes, style changes, it is truly just unreal. This is the reason I picked up a bass by the way, Peter Cetera's playing is superb. You will get a real feel for what these pioneers were capable of.
Contemporaries to Chicago were Blood, Sweat, and Tears (I believe they shared Producers), I'd start with Spinning Wheel, also a more forgotten group Chase (Sadly, there was a tragic plane crash), I'd go with Get It On. Off the same album as Saturday in the Park, and as Andy likes Cetera, I'd consider a more topical song, Dialog Part 1, in which Kath and Cetera trade social views with a ripping rhythm guitar track, by Kath, underneath. Note, I was a classmate of Trumpeter Lee Loughnane's younger brother, Phil, at Elmwood Park High School near Chicago from 1971 to 1975.
Woah, I had forgotten all about Chase till you mentioned them. I had their 8-track back in the day! We even played “Get It On” in high school band during football games! Another vote for “Dialogue Parts 1& 2”!
I was fortunate enough to have met and chatted with Dartanyan Brown, fellow Drake University Alum, and Bassist/Vocalist for Chase's third and final album, Pure Music. Chase, with its Drake connection had a big following there, but, I understand, didn't get as much hype nationally. Ironically, the first track off of Chase's debut album was "Open Up Wide" and the final track of their final album, "Close Down Tight." Jim Peterik, founder of the Chicago based group, Ides of March, and author of Vehicle, also penned songs and sang on Pure Music. My other favorite tracks from Chase include their cover of d'Abo's Handbags and Gladrags, Peterik's Boys and Girls Together, from the debut album, and So Many People and Hades from Ennea.
I’d love to see some Earth, Wind & Fire reactions. Similar to Chicago, and they even toured together recently. There must be nearly 30 people on stage when they do their finale!
Make Me Smile (the longer 4:28 edit off of "The Very Best of Chicago: Only The Beginning"), Dialogue (Pt. I & Pt. II) which the full version over 7 minutes can be found on "Chicago Presents The Innovative Guitar of Terry Kath", South California Purples, and you MUST do Poem 58. You won't regret it.
Fair review. Chicago has so many great tunes, especially the early albums before Terry Kath passed. Make me Smile is one that got a lot of air in the 70s. The short version on AM and the long version on FM. Both are good cuts. Cheers Gents!
i'll add to others, your hearing "beginnings", and most certainly "ballet for a girl in buchannan " medley. neither of these early works were ever surpassed by the band.
When I was a boy I loved this song so much, it just felt like such a great “summer” song and it made you want to be outside having fun. I can’t say that it hasn’t aged a bit (especially in these times) but it still very nostalgic for me.
Love it! Great going guys! When it comes to Chicago, there is a lot to recommend. The first CTA album is where to go. Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, Poem 58, South California Purples and Liberation. For later Chicago, Feeling Stronger Everyday is superb. Thanks guys!
The only kinda similar band I can think of off-hand is Blood, Sweat & Tears which was fronted by the great David Clayton-Thomas. "Spinning Wheel" "And When I Die" "God Bless the Child" "You've Made Me so Very Happy" And of course, attempt #87 for "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly
Beginnings. Definitely. Especially if you're looking for a different, but still uniquely "Chicago" banger. The trombone/ trumpet solos at the end are every bit as epic as the guitar/keyboard interplay in "I'm a man" or "25 or 6 to 4"... which is a weird play in a rock song... but of course they pull it off in a huge way. Lamm singing soulfully. Terry Kath keeping everyone else from going off the rails with a 12-string. Juicy bass riff at the foundation. Plus, if you want to hear Cetera absolutely destroy on the backing vocals while still somehow managing to not screw up some tight, killer harmonies... this is your song.
Great Chicago song. They were at the top of their game with this one. The first 3 Chicago albums are stellar. Beginnings, Q 67&68, and Lowdown are great choices for next.
They jammed so long on this song when I saw them live that I forgot what they were even playing until they started singing again at the end. Fantastic band-so many hits!
I agree. Make sure it's not the short single version. The album splits it into two tracks, but you can find the full song in one track on the album "Chicago Presents The Innovative Guitar of Terry Kath". Just make sure the length is over 7 minutes.
My dudes! Thanks for making Mondays better! I love that you can usually gauge a song’s impact by whether or not Alex checks the remaining time on his phone. 😂🤣 I think you guys would really enjoy “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is”. Peace to you both!
First big concert I ever went to was Chicago in Alpine Valley WI! I always loved this song and still crank it and try to sing along whenever it is on. Paints such a nice image, peace man-right on!
This is by far my favorite tune by Chicago for summer time. Edit: Tower of Power is definitely in the same vein if not even more so, freaking incredible groove that goes on for miles, and I would suggest checking out the song ... What is Hip.
Their first album (1969)... was a double album !? "Chicago Transit Authority". Record company did not think that was "wise". Then the actual CTA said they had to change their name. Became "Chicago". Their first album has SO many songs on it ! Beginnings, 25 or 6 to 4, Saturday..., Southern California Purples, I'm A Man, sooo many more.
Good song by them but even better ones are Beginnings, Make Me Smile, Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is, Call On Me and Feeling Stronger Everyday
More greatness from Chicago with Terry Kath: "[I've Been] Searchin' So Long" - "Just You 'N' Me" - and "Wishing You Were Here" (with The Beach Boys singing backup). Start with Searchin' - the second half transitions to something unexpected.
Chicago is pretty unique. The only similar bands to pre-love songs Chicago I can think of are Blood Sweat and Tears (You’ve Made Me So Very Happy, Spinning Wheel, And When I Die) and The Ides of March (Vehicle). But there’s at least a half dozen more Chicago songs to check out - Feeling Stronger Everyday Make Me Smile Questions 67&68 Beginnings Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Old Days (I’ve Been) Searching So Long Just You n Me Have fun.
Just songs that come to mind after that... Atlanta Rhythm Section- So Into You, Looking Glass - Brandy, Seals and Croft - Summer Breeze, Logins and Messina - Your Mamma Don't Dance, The Guess Who - Undun, Boston - Hitch a Ride, Orleans - Still the One, America - Ventura Highway, Sanford Townsend Band - Smoke from a Distant Fire, ELO - Turn to Stone, Grass Roots - Temptation Eyes, Todd Rundgren - I Saw the Light, Gray Wright - Love is Alive, Yes - I've Seen All Good People ( all 7min), Blood, Sweat, and Tears - You've Made Me So Very Happy... and a bunch more. Keep up the great work guys... btw... I love Bourbon... Jefferson Ocean is awesome but I just tried something crazy... Howler Head Banana Bourbon. I know seem sacrilegious but I love it.
Love classic Chicago! The strengths of Saturday in the Park are the vibe and the great chord/key changes. Try Poem 58, South Caifornia Purples, Free, Dialogue 1 & 2, or Ballet For A Girl In Buchanan. Some of these songs are a little bit under the radar for such a mainstream group, but they are all instantly recognizable as classic Chicago.
Pre 80's Chicago! Three voices that compliment each other. Horns with the most amazing arrangements . Great song writing. Frampton Comes Alive anytime soon?
Your next Chicago song has got to be the _entire_ "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanon" suite -- NOT just the 2 hits extracted from it ("Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World")... so, "Make Me Smile"/"So Much to Say, So Much to Give"/"Anxiety's Moment"/"West Virginia Fantasies"/"Colour My World"/"To Be Free"/"Now More Than Ever". Trust me, they're better in the full context of the suite. "Introduction," "Beginnings," and "Poem 58" are also worth checking out.
"My Old School" by Steely Dan has a similar vibe to this song. Great horns, great singing and a similar laid back rhythm -- but a completely different sentiment. Yeah and definitely do "Make Me Smile" like everyone else says.
Make me Smile - the next please. I'm old enough to remember the original name - Chicago Transit Authority - laying in bed in Montreal with the transistor radio under my pillow, catching the ionosphere bounce at night to get the US AM stations.