Back when the famous, classic, horn-rock band was known as Chicago Transit Authority, they released a top-notch single called “Questions 67 and 68,” off of a 1969 eponymously titled debut album. It didn’t do much on the charts, reaching only number No. 71 on the Hot 100.
Later, in 1971, with Chicago firmly ensconced as one of the hottest bands in the galaxy, they edited the original album version of the song down to a length that would please radio programmers and re-released it. This time it reached No. 24 which, at the time, was disappointing for an outfit of Chicago’s stature. Perhaps it was because “Questions” wasn’t filled with many of the friendly hooks radio coveted.
“Questions” benefits from a really terrific Jim Pankow horn chart. The three-man section he still leads today opens the song with some inspired Terry Kath guitar work on top. It’s immediately followed by one of Peter Cetera’s best vocals, with composer Robert Lamm assisting as the second lead singer. The tempo of the medium-paced song picks up considerably during the instrumental break. It too features the horns blaring away at full throttle on one of the best jazz-rock passages CTA ever put on vinyl. Then, the break ends and the arrangement returns to its original theme with Cetera still giving it his all.
The lyrics only mention the song’s title once, at the very end: It was allegedly written about one of Lamm’s girlfriends who asked way too many questions concerning relationships and commitment.
[amazon_enhanced asin=”B000069KGM” container=”” container_class=”” price=”All” background_color=”FFFFFF” link_color=”000000″ text_color=”0000FF” /] [amazon_enhanced asin=”B00122N1SS” container=”” container_class=”” price=”All” background_color=”FFFFFF” link_color=”000000″ text_color=”0000FF” /] [amazon_enhanced asin=”B004T1RASG” container=”” container_class=”” price=”All” background_color=”FFFFFF” link_color=”000000″ text_color=”0000FF” /] [amazon_enhanced asin=”B003EMLCTY” container=”” container_class=”” price=”All” background_color=”FFFFFF” link_color=”000000″ text_color=”0000FF” /] [amazon_enhanced asin=”B009AJDET6″ container=”” container_class=”” price=”All” background_color=”FFFFFF” link_color=”000000″ text_color=”0000FF” /]
This was also one of the 2 songs translated into Japanese for the 1972 Live in Japan album (the other being Lowdown).
I never cared much for the lyrics but the horn chart really cooks as do Peter’s vocals (heck, just put the phone book to the same melody and let Peter sing that instead and it would have sounded just as awesome).
I love the early Chicago stuff and Question 67 and 68 has always been a big favorite!! Good post
I saw them on their first tour supporting the CTA album (I admit it – I’m older than dirt) and they were excellent musicians before personnel changes started and they turned into a pop band.
I found this informative and interesting blog I think it’s very useful and knowledgeable. Thanks.
Cars,MY SHARONA!!!!!
Oh yeh! surprised Victor? 🙂 Mort
#24 sounds like a “minor hit” not an “almost hit” to me.
That whole album had hit after hit for me. Perhaps not on the charts but wow – what a record. If you get a chance – give a listen to South California Purples and I’m a Man (update of Spencer Davis Group with Steve Winwood that was recorded 1964 or 1965). In addition, Introduction & Does Anybody Really Know What time it Is? All of this 2 record LP is great. It does take some work to listen to Free-form Guitar as it is really just feedback but expertly controlled. When Terry Kath died they lost direction from really tight jazz/rock and went on to pop shlock!
Great to see someone else give “Free Form Guitar” its due. Thanks, Louis…
http://somethingelsereviews.com/2013/07/03/wtf-wednesdays-chicago-free-form-guitar-1969/
Thanks Victor,
It can be hard for a newbie but what great control. This whole album cooks. I can still remember 1969 seeing these guys soon after the record came out and “I’m a Man” live with all the rythym stuff was incredible – maracas etc. excuse my spelling am in a hurry!
It is on youtube – search Chicago Transit Authority and they have the 1st and 2nd albums (almost 2 hours & 30 minutes of GREAT jazz/rock! The third album started with a commode flushing and that set the mood for this once great band from Chicago III to 97 or whatever they are at now.
I talked to someone else that was at that same CTA concert with me and she says she remembers that “I’m a Man” actually had all 38 band members (GRIN) on a rhythm instrument by the end of the song with a couple dropping out at a time and switching to some rhythmic instrument – cow bells, sticks, maracas, and probably stuff I don’t know what they are called (lol) but I DO recall having a SMILE across my face that wouldn’t quit! It didn’t return until Steely Dan re-grouped circa 2000. Now we are talking almost perfection without the studio as things were in the 70s. They actually sound just as slick and in the groove than anything from the studio – SEEING THEM SOON!