If you are more than a casual Chicago fan, you heard “Sleeping in the Middle of the Bed Again” long before its inclusion on 2008’s Chicago XXXII: Stone of Sisyphus.
Besides the various bootlegs which long proceeded the album, “Sleeping in the Middle of the Bed Again” was released on the late-’90s Heart of Chicago compilation, along with “Bigger Than Elvis” and “All the Years.” There is also a solo Robert Lamm version.
This Robert Lamm-John McCurry collaboration is obviously one of the boldest Chicago songs. The vocals, delivered by Lamm with assistance from Bill Champlin, are in a rap style. Lamm’s approach seems almost natural, and Champlin’s sung harmonies provide a tasteful enhancement.
Lamm, a long-time New York City resident, doesn’t try to become something vocally that he’s not. It’s a bold attempt for a middle-aged white guy, and reflects a bit of what he was hearing on the streets of his hometown.
McCurry, an accomplished guitarist who’s worked with Cyndi Lauper and John Waite, adds some grit to the writing, while Bruce Gaitch contributes tasty power chords to go along with Champlin’s Hammond B-3 organ. James Pankow’s horn arrangement jumps out of the speakers with authority, matched by Tris Imboden’s drumming.
The Last Poets song “New York, New York” is even sampled:
“Sixteen million feet
Nationals, Tom McAns, Florsheims
Stepping on each other…”
What more could you want? How about a Pankow trombone solo!
No wonder the Warner Bros. executives had a coronary. This isn’t “Saturday in the Park,” but it was a jarringly bold move by an established band.
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