Stumbled across this digital-only release today. Didn't recall and can't find where anyone's mentioned it before, so thought I'd add a thread. It was released sometime in March and is available only through the band's website at http://www.chicagotheband.net/downloads.html with the following description:

"During the summer of 2009, Chicago thought it would be fun to explore the musical depth of the band yet again by re-recording their biggest hits with the band's current line-up. This digital album download includes both high quality mp3 files and Apple Lossless format (full studio quality). All files compatible with ipod or your favorite mp3 player."

Track List:
1. 25 Or 6 To 4 (Single Version)
2. Make Me Smile (Single Version)
3. Feelin' Stronger Every Day
4. Beginnings (Single Version)
5. Saturday In The Park
6. Colour My World
7. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
8. Questions
9. Old Days
10. Just You 'N' Me (Single Version)
11. Call On Me
12. Another Rainy Day In New York City
13. No Tell Lover (Single Version)
14. (I've Been) Searchin' So Long
15. Alive Again

Dear God, this band tests my patience. Yet another version of a greatest hits album.

Despite the band's spin, I suspect that the real purpose behind re-recording their classic hits was to give the band more control over the licensing. The potential licensing revenue is likely worth far more than the limited number of copies they can expect to sell to fans these days, particularly on such a low profile release. If they happen to sell a few hundred / thousand copies to devoted fans, then that's just a little extra gravy in the pot.

I'd buy a hi-rez (24/96) download version. Otherwise, no pressed CD=no buy.

And here I was being critical of Danny Seraphine for re-visiting some old Chicago songs with his group California Transit Authority on their debut album. I believe some originals were mixed in with the cover versions, at least.

Sorry, Mr. Seraphine!

You guessed it. I heard this version of "Saturday In The Park" on an episode of Rules Of Engagement this past season. I could tell that Robert's voice was different (seasoned, we'll say), and Jason was clearly singing the PC parts. Other than that, it sounded like a dead ringer for the original. (By the way, David Spade is a big Chicago fan, so that might have played a part of the song's inclusion.)

The part where it says "Chicago thought it would be fun to explore the musical depth of the band yet again by re-recording their biggest hits with the band's current line-up" is a load of crap that was obviously written by their (mis)management. I love this band, but ousting Bill Champlin was a very poor decision. I would have a tough time going to see them again, even after about 18 incredible concerts that I've attended over the years. (That's just my opinion, by the way.)

After hearing Chicago's last original album and hearing this news, I think they should just be a touring band or call it a day.

Well, now they're apparently going to release another Christmas album first.

Stick a fork in them -- they're done.

Um, that happened decades ago. The fork is crusty by now with mold.

But wait...

On the band's website (see link above), clips from Chicago's forthcoming new Christmas album have been posted. I like what I hear, with some great horn licks. The disc features more guests than I would have preferred, including Dolly Parton, Steve Cropper, BeBe Winans, & America. The album will be released on Oct. 4 and can be preordered from the site for $9.99 (CD or download). As disappointed as I've been with some of the band's/management's recent decisions, new music from Chicago is always welcome.

Jim

I downloaded the Nashville recordings the other day. They're OK recreations of the originals, but pretty lackluster overall. And I thought the sound was pretty poor - thin and a bit harsh. I love almost all the material here, and had to hear the new versions, but I'm mostly pretty disappointed.

I recently discovered that this is available on CD via their official store (page 2, top right):

http://chicago.spinshop.com

It arrived today and is a pressed CD in a digipak.

Might be good for a hardcore fan, but this is just another one of those re-recordings for licensing deal thingys.

Chris,

Yes, I am not recommending it. Just alerting completists who might have wanted it had a CD been available.

I know. It's just that I've been digging into the early stuff with Terry Kath and that stuff just smokes. Live In Japan 1972 is Chicago killing in their prime.

Same here, Chris. Live in Japan really is a killer document of a band firing on all cylinders.