Tower Blog

Anticipated Album Alert!! Chicago XXXII: Stone of Sisyphus

June 17, 2008 by Romy

Finally, after 15 long years, Rhino Records has announced the release of Chicago’s Stone of Sisyphus. Recorded in 1993, the album was originally set for release in March 1994, but was shelved by the group’s former record company, Warner Bros. Records, claiming that it was “unreleasable”. The issue was seeded in the fact that the album contained a variety of unique songs which appeared to be unlike much of their previous work; so much so, that Robert Lamm, one of the founding members of the group, thought that they should stray from their usual album numbering since the sound was so different.

Fast-forward to June 17^th, 2008, after more than a decade and a half and several intermittent thematic record releases later, Chicago XXXII: Stone of Sisyphus now contains eleven of the original twelve tracks plus four extra demo recordings. The first single, a remixed version of “Let’s Take a Lifetime”, is packed with supplemental saxophones and a newly recorded bridge. The brash horn punches and solos give this track a life of its own and re-invent the group’s sound and style which so many of their fans grew to adore.

Let us not quickly forget that Chicago celebrated its 40th Anniversary last year – an illustration of longevity rarely achieved in most careers, let alone the music business. The Chicago-based band, formed in 1967, began their career as a politically charged, experimental rock ‘n’ roll group which became known for producing a slew of hit ballads in the 70s and 80s. In over four decades, the group sold more than 122 million records and had more than 50 Top-40 singles.

See for yourself if they live up to their reputation as one of the most energized and talented live bands by catching them on their U.S. and European tours promoting the much-delayed release of their new/old album, Chicago XXXII: Stone of Sisyphus, this summer.