Articles by: Perplexio

For the Love of Vinyl: An Appreciation

For the Love of Vinyl: An Appreciation

Music is the sound of feelings whose names haven’t yet been invented. Similarly, the experience of vinyl isn’t something words do justice to.

Chicago, "String of Pearls" from 'Night & Day: Big Band' (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “String of Pearls” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

The obscure bonus track “String of Pearls” was yet another line item on a long list of missed opportunities for Chicago.

Toto, "Fearful Heart" from 'Old Is New' (2018): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Fearful Heart” from ‘Old Is New’ (2018): Toto Tuesdays

In some ways, “Fearful Heart” feels transitional. But that makes it an embodiment of this Toto collection’s name – and purpose.

Jim Steinman (1947-2021): An Appreciation

Jim Steinman (1947-2021): An Appreciation

Thank you, Jim Steinman, for showing the world what feelings sound like when we let ourselves experience them at their loudest.

Chicago, "Moonlight Serenade" from 'Night & Day: Big Band' (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Moonlight Serenade” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago reimagines a classic with a completely different tone and color, rather than merely rehashing a dime-a-dozen cover from the swing era.

Chicago, 'Dream a Little Dream of Me' from 'Night & Day: Big Band' (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me’ from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Rather than try to cover “Dream a Little Dream of Me” the way others had in the past, Chicago took a classic and made it their own.

Toto, "Fortune" from 'Toto XIV' (2015): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Fortune” from ‘Toto XIV’ (2015): Toto Tuesdays

There isn’t a bad song on 2015’s ‘Toto XIV,’ or songs that fall prey to the “skip” button. “Fortune” is no exception.

Chicago, "The Show Must Go On" from 'Stone of Sisyphus' (2008): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “The Show Must Go On” from ‘Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008): Saturdays in the Park

By the time “The Show Must Go On” finally saw official release, everything had changed – for the song, and for Chicago.

Chicago, "Get On This" (unreleased, 1994): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Get On This” (unreleased, 1994): Saturdays in the Park

“Get On This” was ballsy, adventurous and risky — things Chicago had arguably not been in a long time. So, why’d they leave it on the cutting-room floor?

Chicago, "Cry For the Lost" from "Stone of Sisyphus' (2008): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Cry For the Lost” from “Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008): Saturdays in the Park

“Cry For the Lost” leaves listeners wondering why Chicago didn’t lean more heavily on Bill Champlin’s bonafide songwriting chops.