Chicago Transit Authority
I know it’s a long shot for Phish to play Chicago’s first album at 8, but this would be killer. Released in April of ’69 and similar to Blood, Sweat and Tears, only possessing a harder/heavier edge this was a combo of experimental jazz, brass and rock and roll. I’ve loved this one for years; “Poem 58″, “Questions 67 & 68″, “I’m A Man” (better than Spencer Davis’ version!), “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”, all great songs. This album has an almost progressive/metal sound, courtesy of Terry Kath (guitar), Robert Lamm (keyboards) and Peter Cetera (bass). Actually, the band has intended to be called Chicago Transit Authority, when legal action was threatened and the band shortened its moniker to Chicago.
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?:
I’m A Man:
I have recently rediscovered this album along with the other ealry Chicago sessions — Chicago (II) III, and V. They hold up incredibly well, especially the first one, and the musicianship, as well as the songwriting is great throughout. They had a kind of idealism, fused with late 60s protest that gave even their poppier songs an edge. It’s a shame what they ended up becoming.
May 26, 2010 at 12:18 pm