The Good
The long-shelved Chicago album finally gets it's day in the sun. If your
unfamiliar with the back-story, let me fill you in. Stone of Sisyphus was
set to be Chicago XXII back in 1992. Chicago was riding high on a string
a chart busting ballads. With all the success and spoils the band figured
it was time to get back to their roots a bit. Now that they were selling
tons of records, perhaps they could have a little more creative freedom.
Warner Brothers Records felt different. After handing in the final copy
of the album, Chicago was told the label would not support the album because
it didn't sound like Chicago. The band permanently shelved the album and
duked it out with their label to get out of their contract. Although legend
has it that the situation was more about the bands dispute over a deal
concerning their back catalog, and this album was used as an excuse. Moving
on....
Stone of Sisyphus has been floating around in the underground for years.
various tracks have popped up on the internet as well as Chicago compilation
albums. Sixteen years after it's conception, Stone of Sisyphus is finally
here courtesy of Rhino Records (who oddly enough is owned by Warner Brothers
Records - - insert head scratch here).
The album's title track is a typical Chicago up-tempo track, albeit with
more brass than they ever used in the eighties and early nineties. They rhythm
and lyrics are quite hypnotic. "Bigger Than Elvis" is a piano based ballad
that kind of dates the band a bit, but is still full of great vocal harmonizing.
Funky guitar tones and a swing brass groove dominate "All the Years." "Sleeping
in the Middle of the Bed" has kicks up the soul with enduring vocals and
pounding drums.
The ballad "Let's Take a Lifetime" surely would have found its way on the
the charts back in 1992. "Here With Me (Candle for the Dark) " adds a little
more power to it's balladry, and would have also been a hit I believe. Included
in the Rhino version are three demos ("Love Is Forever," "Mah-Jong," and
"Let's Take a Lifetime) and an alternate version of "Stone of Sisyphus."
The demos are great. They are so raw and basic compared to the final versions.
It's great to hear the difference.
The Bad
I liked the chorus of "Mah-Jong," but the title and subject is a bit odd.
The band really takes a chance with a rap-style vocal on "Sleeping in
the Middle of the Bed."
The Verdict
I have to agree that this is not a great representation of Chicago circa
1992. But if you've stuck with the band since then, this is what Chicago
is today. More brass, more diversity, and signature melodies and hooks
dominate Stone of Sisyphus. Don't get confused though, this is not Chicago's
greatest work, but it is truly a lost treasure that has finally gotten
it's due. By the way, what happened to Chicago XXXI?
CHICAGO
