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On April 28, 1969, Chicago Transit Authority arrived in record stores, introducing the group that would become the world’s most influential horn-rock band and one of the most successful bands of all time. The seven-man ensemble of Robert Lamm, Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, and Walter Parazaider, along with producer James William Guercio, offered something for everyone in their sprawling, stunning double-LP debut: big, hook-filled pop singles (“Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and “Beginnings,” both of which went Top 10 in the U.S.), heavy blues-rock (the wailing “South California Purples”), political agit-rock (“Someday (August 29, 1968)”) and even seven minutes of searing, avant-electric guitar (the aptly-named “Free Form Guitar,” courtesy of the fiery Kath). Now, that bold, Grammy Hall of Fame-inducted debut is receiving a remix from Rhino in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
On August 30, Rhino will release Chicago Transit Authority (50th Anniversary Remix) on CD and 2-LP, 180-gram vinyl editions, as well as a limited-edition, numbered version of the 2 LP set on gold vinyl available exclusively through Rhino.com. It will also be available through digital and streaming services on the same day. The new remix was created by the band with engineer Tim Jessup, who also mixed the band’s recent Live at the Isle of Wight Festival.
The Grammy-nominated CTA has attained double platinum status, and remained on the charts for an extraordinary 171-week run, setting a record at the time. Rhino’s remix promises to bring out new colors in the classic recording. Look for it on CD, LP, and digital services on August 30, and look for Chicago – anchored by founding members Lamm, Loughnane, and Pankow – on the road this summer for the 52nd consecutive year.
Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority: 50th Anniversary Remix (Columbia LP GP 8/CS 9809/CS 9836, 1969 – reissued Rhino, 2019)
CD: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada
2LP: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada
- Introduction
- Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is
- Beginnings
- Questions 67 and 68
- Listen
- Poem 58
- Free Form Guitar
- South Carolina Purples
- I’m a Man
- Prologue (August 29, 1968)
- Someday (August 29. 1968)
- Liberation
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Why? Sounds perfect as is.
Can you say cash grab???
Desperate Cash Grab more like it Bob. What are they going to do, go through the whole series and destroy the legacy the band has left us.
Like you, I’ll stick to my Quadio box set, the last decent thing they put out of Chicago’s
I really hated the Isle Of Wight mix. It was so bass heavy and muddy sounding. I realize that the tapes might have not in the best shape but it is about one step above a bootleg to my ears. On the other hand I loved the Steven Wilson remix of “Chicago”. I really hope they don’t brickwall it. I guess I can always go back to my original from the Quadio set.
I couldn’t agree more. The sound is horrid on that and there is a live track that sounds like it was recorded 2 blocks away. CTA – Sounds great the way it is. I don’t see how it can be improved apron.
If they HAD to remix it (and I agree it was perfect as is), why not go with Steven Wilson? Especially since he did such a bang up job on the horrid-sounding Chicago II?
Steven Wilson is busy recording his next album, and he’s not accepting so much remixing work these days. As for those “Yes” albums that Wilson has yet to remix, some tapes (such as “Drama”) have been misplaced. Wilson indicated that he’d be willing to remix “Time and a Word”(whose multitracks are available), but Wilson doubts that sales would be sufficient to earn back the remixing costs.
I’ll stick with my MoFi version, thank you very much.
So how is the mix on the currently available non Quadrio or mo-fi release?
It is the normal remastered original version. And it sounds excellent just the way it is.
I may be in the minority but I have no problems with the current versions of the album as is. Same thing with Chicago II. I do not see what all the fuss about the Wilson remixes were.
I think II suffered a bit because of its wonky mid-rangy sound. Steven Wilson didn’t really do a lot as far as changing the mix but the sound is much more full and clean.