Chicago Transit Authority* – Chicago Transit Authority

For only this album, their debut in 1969, Chicago was known as 'Chicago Transit Authority.' The official story is that the group changed their name because of a threatened trademark lawsuit by the actual transportation agency. Interestingly, the brief liner notes by producer James William Guercio say "The name of this endeavor is simply THE CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY," while later the notes say "If you must call them something... call them CHICAGO," implying that the name change was perhaps already being effected. This is an unusual debut being a double album of radio-friendly cuts as well as long instrumental improvisational jams, more typical of mid-to-late career offerings (think Physical Graffiti or The Beatles White Album). Later, Chicago would become known more as a vehicle for Peter Cetera ballads but at this point in their career they were rock monsters with a heavy bass sound, two guys on horns that sounded like a full brass section, and one of the best and most underrated lead guitarists of all time in Terry Kath. If your Chicago frame of reference is 'If You Leave Me Now' then you owe it to yourself to check out this album and any of their other albums from '69-'74.

I have this pressing and SQ is excellent, no complaints!

This is a beautifuly sounding Europian / Holland pressing. The sound is very fresh and transparent. Stereo separation is really good and sound picture stabil. Here you can enjoy the music and this amazing 2LP album.

Now ANOTHER one has been released on transparent red wax. 55th Anniversary pressing. Does anyone have any idea who Friday Music is using as a pressing plant?

Spring 1969: revolution was in the air, and this lp landed. What an incredible debut this recording was. Great songs, great production, and a totally new sound. I always thought the bass guitar is particularly well rendered here ( actually, the whole rhythm section sounds damn fine ). I’m still playing the copy I bought new back then, and it still sounds great.

Wow, I truly love this pressing. It is so dynamic, the vocals sound perfectly crisp and clear, and the location of each instrument is easily distinguished within a wide soundstage, Friday music knocked this one out of the park! I play this for my friends to give them an idea of what good, well-mixed/mastered vinyl can sound like.

In reference to a Canadian variant, UPC 06121300008902 DIDP 70224 31A1/DIDP 70225 11A2 C2K-8. A first class mastering job and excellent full range digital transfer. Sets the bar rather high for what will become an iconic band.

This is a beautiful album by Chicago and this Europian/Holland pressing sounds great. The sound is analog warm and crispy.

Wide open, dynamic, all you need, incredible pressing. Needs to be clean!

I just found this at an estate sale and got it not because it was only like $5... it is in --pristine-- condition. This album looks like it was bought in 1969 and played once. Even the sleeve looks brand new. I had a double-take when I saw what album it actually was, I thought it was a recent release of something with a black cover. Only the issues of INNER SLEEVE (YES!!!!!) inside are a bit browned.

Turns out my dad was right - this album SLAYS.