(9/10/98) It's been a LONG time since I wrote anything here, so I'll put down my thoughts for ya today.... I saw Chicago's first show of the tour back in June and was totally stoked. These guys rock. I got to meet Jason Scheff, Tris Imboden, and Bill Champlin after the show, which was really neat too. We also have several new import CD's from Japan to listen to, both containing Stone of Sisyphus material. Get these if you can, because they're really cool and sound much better than their US release counterparts. Also, the Christmas CD is out now, which I have just ordered and haven't listened to yet. Everyone says it is a masterpiece that has it.

So, unless something changes, it appears Chicago is right on track with their release schedule they gave us a while back. Let's just hope that '99 new release does indeed come out.

(6/05/98) I felt it was time to update this section with some new thoughts from the 'ol noggin. Well, Chicago has released HOC II, and I have to eat my words for dinner. I said I would probably be disappointed with the two new songs. Well, I'm not. Frankly, I think they are great. Much better than the sappy fodder we were fed last year with "Here in My Heart." Don't get me wrong, it IS a good song, but it's way too mushy for Chicago, and I say this knowing how "If You Leave Me Now" and "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" were. "All Roads Lead to You" really does rock in it's own way, and "Show Me a Sign" is really uptempo and HEAVY on the horns! These two new songs are definately a step in the right direction.

I have my ticket for the first stop on the tour in Columbus in a few weeks. I can't wait. Hopefully they'll throw in a few surprises. We can hope!

(3/15/98) Well, the news of yet ANOTHER greatest hits compilation (due out in May, with two new songs) makes me cringe, but we'll have at least a smidgen of new Chicago music, but they'll probably be ballads. Oh well, what else is new? Maybe we'll be surprised! Hopefully it's something slightly more uptempo, even if they are ballads. I'm still skeptical about buying the CD. I may see what is available as far as Japanese imports go when it comes time for the songs to be released.

(12/13/97) Well, I just got my new copy of Jason Scheff's solo CD "Chauncy". Man, if Chicago could release something this good soon, we'd have nothing more to complain about. Chauncy is wonderful, and I hope Jason's bandmates give it a listen. They could learn a few things about putting their hearts into a record, and not worrying about the almightly dollar.

(10/21/97) I was driving home Saturday night and I had Chicago 21 in my CD player in the car. I was listening to "Explain it to My Heart" and <gasp> "You Come to My Senses". I know I griped about Chicago's multitude of ballads in the new stuff before, but the truth is, I like Chicago's current stuff with a passion. When I say "current stuff", I speak of Scheff-era material. 18 had a certain feel to it that can't be explained, 19 had a more raw and less classical sound/approach to it, and 21 was just a totally open, airy sounding album, yet it had a lot of depth in production. I like every era of Chicago and the newer stuff, while lacking in the brass arrangement and musical depth that the older stuff did, is still very enjoyable. For example, while it lacks horns totally, I love "You're Not Alone". The vocal harmonies from Dawayne Bailey (I think it's Dawayne on the high chorus parts) on this song are awesome. You can hear him above everyone else in this song's chorus. The bass in "Victorious" on 19 is very cool. Almost a mesmerising bass effect in my ears. "Runaround" is a good song from 19 as well. 21 was definately an underrated album. "If it Were You" is a cool rocking song, as was "Who Do You Love". The best ballad from this song has got to be "What Does it Take". Starts out slow, picks up a lot in the choruses, and eases out at the end. I really enjoy that one.

So while the older Chicago material had that gutsier, in-your-face feel, the new stuff has a feel all it's own. I can't describe that feel exactly, but it sure sounds good. Thank God for Chicago, regardless of what era you like!

(10/17/97) The idea for this column came out of the blue today. Don't ask me why I decided to start writing this, I just did. :-)

My thought for the day on Chicago concerns a comment made by Robert Lamm in an online chat a few months back. Someone asked what Chicago's plans were concerning their musical direction for the future. Robert commented that the band was very happy with the direction they were going in now, but they'd make some major decisions at the end of this year. In case you haven't noticed, the band's current direction is toward the slower and more "syrupy" ballads. I can't really understand why a band with the rocking roots that Chicago posesses would want to deviate down the ballad path. These guys rocked for so many years and it's silly to give that up for the sake of money, which is what it boils down to. About the time Stone of Sisyphus was being recorded, the band had that very same attitude. They were sick of ballads, and sick of pleasing the "suits" in the record industry. The band poured their heart and soul into that album, and it was a masterpiece. It was like a CTA for the 90's. When Reprise shelved it, it hit hard with them. The thing I can't understand is why they gave up on the record altogether. They have the power to release it, yet they don't. Did they just lose faith in themselves? Instead they bypassed that album and recorded Night & Day (which was AWESOME), and then we get to 1997. They release a disc for their 30th anniversary with two new songs. Guess what they were? BALLADS! The very types of songs they said they wanted to avoid doing were put onto the CD along with remastered classics in an attempt to win back the record companies, and pocket some dough. And in that right, they succeeded. Here in My Heart went to #1 and The Only One is probably going to get there. They're on good terms with Reprise again (the same folks that shelved SoS). The thing that scares me is that Chicago may see the success of these songs and become content with doing them and nothing else, for the sake of making money only, and because it'll be what the record company wants. It's a sad thing... It'll be the same situation they were in before SoS.

Now, don't get me wrong here... I've been a Chicago fan long enough that I'll support the band with whatever they decide to do, but that doesn't mean I like it. That's the mark of a true "fan" in my opinion. One who sticks with the band no matter what they decide to do. I just want to see these guys to make a record that comes from the heart and makes them happy, and not one just destined to sell and make the record companies happy.

30 years is a long time, and Chicago has given us great music. I still believe these guys have what it takes to make another SoS-caliber album. C'mon guys, don't waste your talents on cop-out ballads! Rock for a change! Make 1998 the comeback year again for Chicago!