Chicago‘s Early Albums Receiving Expanded Reissues with Previously Unreleased Tracks
New York, NY – Fans of the iconic band Chicago are in for a treat. Several of the band’s landmark albums from the 1970s are being expanded with previously unreleased material, offering a deeper dive into their prolific output during that era. The news, reported today by The Second Disc, details tracks sourced from Columbia Records’ vaults that didn’t initially make the final cut of the original LPs.
This proclamation arrives as interest in Chicago’s catalog remains strong, fueled by continued radio play, streaming popularity, and a dedicated fanbase spanning generations. The band,formed in 1967 in Chicago,Illinois,quickly rose to prominence blending rock,pop,and jazz influences,becoming one of the best-selling musical acts of all time. Their early albums, especially those released between 1976 and 1980, represent a pivotal period in their evolution, showcasing their ambitious arrangements and songwriting prowess.
Here’s a breakdown of the expanded track listings, as detailed by The Second Disc:
Chicago X (1976): Includes a previously unreleased track (Track 17) originally intended for the 1977 album, Chicago XI.
Chicago XI (1977): Features the aforementioned track originally slated for Chicago X.
Chicago XII (1978): Contains two previously unreleased tracks (tracks 18-19).
Chicago 13 (1979): Includes one previously unreleased track (Track 20).
Chicago XIV (1980): Features one previously unreleased track (Track 21).All of these expanded tracks originate from the original Columbia Records releases: Chicago X (Columbia PC 32400), Chicago XI (Columbia JC 34860), Chicago XII (Columbia FC 35512), Chicago 13 (Columbia FC 36105), and Chicago XIV (columbia FC 36517).
The article highlights the work of Joe Marchese, Editor of The Second Disc and founder of Second Disc Records, who has been instrumental in curating and annotating numerous reissues of classic music.Marchese’s extensive liner note work and production credits include over 200 reissues from artists like Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, and Smokey Robinson, demonstrating a commitment to preserving and expanding the legacies of iconic musicians. He has also contributed to projects involving artists like Burt Bacharach, The Carpenters, and Dusty Springfield.
Marchese’s background extends beyond music, encompassing work in theater, including Broadway and regional productions, collaborating with notable figures like Jack Klugman and Arthur Laurents. He also contributes to The Digital bits, covering film and television releases.
while the article doesn’t specify how these reissues will be released (CD, vinyl, digital), the categorization on The Second Disc indicates a focus on CD formats. The genre tags – Classic Rock, Pop, and Rock – accurately reflect Chicago’s diverse musical style. The timing of this news suggests a potential release window in late 2024 or early 2025, capitalizing on the band’s enduring appeal and the growing market for expanded reissues of classic albums.
Key Details not in Original Article:
Band Formation Location: Chicago, Illinois (1967)
Joe Marchese’s Label: Second Disc Records
specific Artists Marchese has worked with: Expanded list including Burt bacharach, The Carpenters, Dusty Springfield, and many others.
Marchese’s Theatre Background: Details about his work on Broadway and with prominent theatres like Lincoln Center Theatre.
Potential Release Window: Late 2024/Early 2025 (speculative, based on timing of announcement).
* Columbia Records Vaults: Explicitly states the source of the unreleased material.
