As a HUGE Chicago fan, while Tery Kath was alive, pre 1978, I must say he was actually one of the greatest rock guitarists ever. Everyone is going to tell you to watch the LIVE at Tanglewood version. You HAVE to. It's legendary!! ✌ (Jodi/ Child of the 60's)

@JeffMartinEquinox

Жыл бұрын

I honestly think you will appreciate the Live at Tanglewood version so much more now that you have heard the studio version although starting with this live version is great.

@michaelnorman9962

Жыл бұрын

Gotta watch the the live concert version they did at Tanglewood. It will rock your socks off!

@michaelnorman9962

Жыл бұрын

The great Danny Seraphin on drums, Terry Kath on the guitar, Peter Cetera on bass and lead vocals. Written by keyboardist Robert Lamm. Frickin' excellent.

@marcusjaybrode2129

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelnorman9962- I saw the original group in concert twice, in Detroit. Seraphine is INCREDIBLY underrated. OMG!

@joecampbell2496

Жыл бұрын

The title refers to 25 or 26 minutes until 4 a.m., or 3:34 or 3:35 in the morning, as they struggled to finish up work on a song while struggling to stay awake. I love the story behind the title!

25 or 6 to 4. Referring to the time of day, 25 or 26 to 4 (AM) in the morning. It's about him trying to stay awake to write lyrics to a song at 4 in the morning.

The Tanglewood live version is a must

@marthayoung2308

Жыл бұрын

Most definitely!

@apooyosucks

Жыл бұрын

YES!

@VintageWanderer

Жыл бұрын

Truth

@robertshoemaker4868

Жыл бұрын

Yep

@infernalmachine8417

Жыл бұрын

I’m here to affirm the Tanglewood comments

I love how so many high school, college, and professional brass bands performed Chicago songs during half-time at thousands of football games after this band hit the charts!

Oh YES! Chicago with Terry Kath...Jimi Hendrix thought he was the best guitarist ever...and that's saying something! As others have said, do yourself a BIG favor and see this band live at Tanglewood...mind blowing! I wore the vinyl out on this album...Chicago is just an incredible band filled to the brim with multi-talented musicians and vocalists! Enjoy!!

He was trying to write a song and had writer's block. 25 or 6 to 4 means 25 or 26 minutes to 4 am. He talks about trying to stay awake by getting up to splash his face so he can keep trying to write, flashing lights outside in the night-- cars, etc. There are conspiracy theories, but the group said it's literally about having writer's block and staying up all night to write, If you go back and read the lyrics, you can see that's exactly what he's singing about.

Chicago is fully loaded with A+ musicians along with brilliant vocals from Peter Cetera. You will love their work ❤

@edb6690

Жыл бұрын

Terry Kath and Robert Lamm were lead singers as well. I think I liked Terry's vocals more, he had a great deep soulful sound.

@kimkearney5419

11 ай бұрын

Don't forget REO Speedwagon

@UglyDoug304

11 ай бұрын

@@kimkearney5419 I love me some REO Speedwagon. I think they could probably put out a 4 album set of greatest hits!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

@mandyharewood886

2 ай бұрын

​@@edb6690Modelled after Ray Charles.

Make Me Smile, from this same album, is a must hear. Terry Kath sings lead on it and he's my personal favorite singer in the group. And the horns are breathtaking.

@perrynelson4254

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!!!

Danny goes even crazier on the drums on Make Me Smile/Now More Than Ever. Must see the live version of 25 or 6 to 4 at Tanglewood in 1970 to see Terry Kath wailing on the guitar-the live solo guitar is much better than the studio version. Many other horn bands at the time include-blood sweat & Tears(Spinning wheel, Lucretia MacEvil, Hi de Ho, And when I Die, You've Made Me So Very Happy, Go Down Gamblin & God Bless the child), Lighthouse (One Fine Morning, Pretty Lady), Chase (Get It On) and the Ides Of March (Vehicle). Earth wind & fire(September) and early Kool & the Gang(Hollywood Swingin, Jungle boogie) also had horns

Great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", "Feelin' Stronger Everyday", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "If You Leave Me Now", "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "Saturday In The Park", "Colour My World", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Old Days" etc.

They were originally Chicago Transit Authority but shortened it to "Chicago"!!!! Terry Kath was a genius on guitar!!! I think naming your band after the city you're from is a sign of respect....but you better be good!!!🎶🎼🎵🎤🎸🎙🥁🎹🔥🔥🔥🔥🤘🤘🤘

Yes watch the live version of this song from Tanglewood...Terry Kath's guitar solo is INSANE!!

If a song twists your head this hard, I'd wager damned few of us would complain if you listened to it again. 👍🏽😁

Some band need to be seen. The talent of these guy needs to be seen. I’ve been to many shows and they deliver every time. Try concert videos or concert music videos. You have to see them to really appreciate each member’s contribution to the sound.

Huge hit for Chicago. They are so unique. They’re songs are full of diversity. Terry Kath has famous after this guitar solo. Saw them twice. Amazing musicians ❤

This is just the beginning. Chicago has so many hits. I am going to see them in August. I can't wait!

@lisarainbow9703

Жыл бұрын

"Only" the Beginning Only just a start....🎶🎶🎶

@wendyryder2708

11 ай бұрын

Lucky you! I’m turning green here! Lol! Hope you have a phenomenal time!

Chicago and Boston both rock. Especially when Chicago plays in Boston and when Boston plays in Chicago

Another great Chicago song is "Make Me Smile/Now More Than Ever", amazing vocals.

Chicago was a huge band throughout the 1970's, constantly on the radio with many popular songs. Personally, I would not go past 1977-78, and focus on the "rockin" period when guitarist Tery Kath was alive. Another amazing song is "Feeling Stronger Every Day", a great song to listen to when your feeling down, and need inspiration. Another classic is "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" And for LIVE Chicago, of course watch Tanglewood version of "25 or 6 to 4", (and other classics). The early 70s was the best time in rock music!

They were behemoths of the radio back in the day! Had the privilege of seeing them in Atlanta when I was in high school before their virtuoso guitarist died. It’s said he was Jimi’s favorite guitarist

Wait til you hear "Beginnings" by Chicago....it's fantastic!

I saw Danny Seraphine live a few months ago, and he was absolutely phenomenal! During that tour, he was doing almost all songs from Chicago. He had a horn section too. It was one of the best shows I've ever attended.

A song about writing a song...stuck awake at nearly 4 in the morning to meet a deadline! Pure genius 😊 Oh, by the way... definitely treat yourself to the live version everyone keeps mentioning.

Danny Seraphine is a phenomenal, Jazz style drummer. 🔥🤘🏽 I was briefly in a Chicago Tribute band and his parts are no joke to play. 🥁🥁 The Pep Band played this song back in High School and we had a full trombone section, so it was EPIC! 🔥🔥

@lisarainbow9703

Жыл бұрын

Playing their material live is an absolute blast, when you're with a good group of musicians...

@loadedorygun

Жыл бұрын

How does he get that little extra slap on the snare? It’s like a “whacka-whack” but it doesn’t quite sound like a simple bounce or syncopation.

@sean_b_drummer

Жыл бұрын

@@loadedorygun Danny recorded two takes for this song and they overlayed them. 👍🏽😁

@loadedorygun

Жыл бұрын

@@sean_b_drummer aha! I knew it sounded odd

Thats why I say we had some of the most iconic music from the 60's and 70's growing up. We had a bunch of groups around like this and some are still active today.

I saw them perform live in June. They have 3 of the original members still touring and they were A-MAZ-ING! Such a tragedy when Kath died. You could see the music just pouring out of him when he played.

Chicago was the first rock concert I attended in the mid-80's, and I just remember being wowed by their brass section; I was watching them more than the other musicians on stage, as it was truly something you didn't typically hear!

I love your raw, honest reactions. Plus, you’re broadening your musical horizons far beyond your years.

Blood, Sweat and Tears: "Spinning Wheel"

Thank you. This is exactly how I felt the first time I heard it. On the radio when it hit the airwaves. it was an amazing time to hear music.

The early stuff is just mind-blowing and that got a decent amount of later stuff to that is really pretty good in its own way. If you want something that's going to just make you get up and move, you have got to listen to their hit, Feeling Stronger Every Day. It's just incredible.

Makes you want to cry it’s so good, eh? Chicago - a collection of greats. One of the greatest bands ever. Terry Kath, one of the greatest guitarists ever, although this was a band of great musicians and singers. I love them.

James Pankow (trombone) composed every horn chart on all their songs. He is responsible for their unique sound.

Chicago are total professionals, loaded with talent and delightful to listen to! I was dancing with you on this end!

It was originally the Chicago Transit Authority but they had to change it because the transport authority said no.

Chicago released hit after hit all through the 70s and well into the 80s. While the band still existed, they were never again what they were once Pete Cetera left in 1985

Young people usually don't get the meaning of the name of this song. They never learned to tell time using an analog clock or watch. We didn't normally didn't say, "Three thirty- four or three thirty-five." We said "Twenty-five or twenty- six to four." (meaning before four o"clock). Hopes this helps.

They were born for this! I've listened to this song since it came out, and I find new appreciation every time! Great reaction. You are me reincarnated, in real life❣️

Tanglewood. You'll get the guitar. Terry was something special. Listen closely at the end as Peter says, "Terry Kath!"

Still highly recommend “a horse with no name” and “Ventura highway” by the band America.

There are a few other good horn bands worth checking out (although Chicago is my favorite overall). They include: Blood Sweat & Tears (recommended song: "More and More), Tower of Power (recommended song: "You're Still a Young Man"), and Earth Wind & Fire (too many songs to pick just one). Some lesser-known songs with amazing horns: Get It On In the Morning by Chase (aka Bill Chase), One Fine Morning by Lighthouse, and Vehicle by The Ides of March.

This is a song about writing a song at 25 minutes or 26 minutes to 4 AM (3:35 or 3:34 AM). Danny Seraphine in an interview said he wasn't satisfied with his drumming on the first recording of the song so he recorded a SECOND drum track overlayed with his first. So only one drummer but two drum tracks. The band was formed around the hoen section as an idea by the sax player Walt Parazaider, along with Terry Kath and Danny Seraphine. Go dig up their debut album when they were known as The Chicago Transit Authority and play these two tracks: "Introduction" and "Poem 58". Guitar player Terry Kath wrote it and sang lead vocals. He was called "The White Ray Charles" by his bandmates. Soulful baritone voice! "Poem 58" is nine minutes of PURE FUNK led by Terry Kath on guitar, Danny Seraphine on drums, and Peter Cetera on bass. Kath's guitar will have you needing an ice pack for your jaw after you pick it up from the floor! When they were The Chicago Transit Authority, they were the house band at the Whisky a Go Go in LA. One night between sets, Jimi Hendrix went to their dressing room after catching the first set. He walked up to their sax player Walt Parazaider and said, "You guys have a horn section that sounds like one set of lungs and a guitar player that's better than me! You wanna go on the road?" They said "YEAH!". And that's how they became Hendrix's opening act on a national arena tour.

Great reaction! You did it right with this song...1st the studio version next should be the Tanglewood live version. Other great ones are "Saturday in the Park", "Does anybody really know what time it is", "Make me Smile". I like those earlier songs best but also "Hard to say I'm sorry" is a good later song. They have so many hits to check out but those songs I listed I'm sure you'll like.

@briansmith303

Жыл бұрын

Another vote for "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" for some of their later stuff, but be sure to do a version that includes the followup "Get Away". They went much softer rock after Terry's passing and became, really, a different group altogether, though they had plenty of love songs in the early days as well. There's still a few gems in there later, but their best stuff is Chicago 10 and before.

Yes... Tanglewood is a must. You can watch them in their element of excellence!!❤🔥

Chicago has soooo many great songs. What to choose next? Saturday in the Park maybe? Also a band that used different instrument is Jethro Tull. If you do Tull I would recommend Thick as a Brick or Aqualung.

25 or 6 to 4 means, they were jamming and one of them asked what the time was, the answer was “ it’s 25 or 26 to 4 am”

Chicago born and raised, I’m cool with the 70’s version of Chicago sporting the name.

@mandyharewood886

2 ай бұрын

Smart guy!

Great reaction! Peter Cetera is the lead singer on this one, Terry Kath is the guitar superstar. Suggest you do Make Me Smile next, you can hear Terry’s soulful voice. The Tanglewood live version is great.

Every high school jazz band from 1977 through the '80's played this!! LOL!! AWESOME HORNS!!🎺❤

@jenmurphy9051

10 ай бұрын

If you want to hear "rock music with horns", you need to listen to Sly and the Family Stone!!❤

You ain't heard nothin till you hear them play this LIVE at Tanglewood in 1970. Man, you gotta hear it. Terry goes into a trance while he's playing. It is otherworldly.

Terry, the guitarist and other lead vocals, was one of the greats.

Thank you for this one! Deep dive on them is a gift. Lol. ELO has strings, "Roll Over Beethoven" is a masterpiece with alot going on, in my opinion. Lol. BeeGees can be seen with an orchestra, because they've been legit since the 60's ("Words" is my favorite), but their early music was the best.

I played trumpet in a local band back in the early 70s. We played all their songs. I know these songs backwards and forward. I LOVE your reaction my friend. Looking forward to more.

During this time, there was more collaboration than competition I saw them in Concert. Amazing horns! I was about 16 years old, and we were packed into the venue. In those days, the stairs were full! No way to get out till the concert was over! I have this original album! ♥️

Chicago's always high quality.

i loved watching your surprise, at the greatness of Chicago, which si one of the best bands of all time, and they are not my favorite group, but I loved their music. Now you should react to the live version, and see them do it, in the early 70's. You asked about the title, Robert Lamm write this song in the wee hour of the morning, and when he titiled it, noticed the time was 25 or 26 before 4am. This was back in the psychidelic drug use days, to explain the background around him writing it at that time.

Need to do MAKE ME SMILE by Chicago more Terry Kath !!

You've just joined the "I've Rocked Out" club. Now try it laying on the roof of your car when the moon is out and drumming with your heels and hear the reverb. God, I was young once too,

Three singers,: the late Terry Kath on guitar-check his vocals (first lead in "I'm a Man", followed by the next two).

Cool song about a songwriter suffering from "Writer's Block" at 25 or 26 minutes til 4 AM. Chicago is the "Rock Band that Plays Jazz". Coincidentally, Blood Sweat and Tears is "The Jazz Band that Plays Rock"!

Deprived yourself of one of the greatest guitar solos captured live from Tanglewood. That entire concert is worth watching and reacting to. Enjoy the rabbit hole. btw, the group today is a shadow of this version, the original 7 played until 1978 when lead guitar/lead vocal Terry Kath shot himself, he was the soul of the rocking side of the band. Danny goes really bonkers on I'm A Man.

You have great taste in music! Terry Kath is in the top tier of guitar players, gone way to soon! RIP! The best guitar solo of all time, and a most see,is Pink Floyd, pulse concert, comfortably numb! Guitarist David Gilmore has two solos in song, and second one will be jaw dropping for you! Trust me😎 Go react to this gem!

25 or 6 to 4 means 25 or 26 minutes to 4:00 in the morning. The song is about trying to write a song.

I Believe they've earned the right to call themselves Chicago!! ❤ Dontcha think??

@mandyharewood886

2 ай бұрын

Many times over!

I haven't reviewed the comments to see how many people are suggesting you see this LIVE at Tanglewood, but check out this live performance at Tanglewood!

Jiml Page loved this riff so much he used in the Zeppelin song, Babe I'm Gonna Leave You. He said it himself.

Love Chicago!! Saw them in concert in’22!! It was an amazing show and the sound was as amazing in person!!

Gotta check it out Live 1970 at Tanglewood Terry Kath's Guitar Solo is awesome!

Absolutely agree, you need to see the live version of this song. It is amazing. Can see the video : "Live at Tanglewood" from 1970. It really showcases their musical abilities!

Love chicago...your reaction is spot on. .I saw them in concert in the 70s....all there great hits.

Phenomenal band. Next song should be “Make me smile”

Many to choose from but DEFINITELY my favorite Chicago song 🤏😱🎉!

The group was never the same after Terry died BUT, nobody went to a Chicago concert for the guitar player. They went for the horns!

This is my fave Chicago song. the drums are great, and that powerful but minimalist guitar solo?!?! You mentioned that the horns were unusual, and while a full horn section was, many bands from the 60's and 50's had a sax (even Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band used one). Here are a couple other bands named for a city: Chilliwack (I suggest Fly At Night or Lonesome Mary) or maybe Toronto (Your Daddy Don't Know, and Girls Night Out)

You should listen to Danny's drum solo in their cover of I'm a man. Exquisite.

Simply legend's and when jimmy Hendrix says that he thanks Terry kath was one of the best rock guitarist that's really saying something........

The guitarist is Terry Kath. He also had a voice reminiscent of Ray Charles (check out BALLET FOR A GIRL IN BUCHANNON). If you liked the guitar solo in this version, listen to the live version at Tanglewood. Unfortunately, he died from an accidental self inflicted gunshot 1/23/78.

They started out as the Chicago Transit Authority. It got shortened to Chicago

@robinwells3

Жыл бұрын

They were forced to change their name by CTA.

Listen to their 1st album, Chicago Transit Authority. The first song on the album defines the band… it’s titled “introduction”. 👍

Studio musicians having "high" fun back in the day!

First come first serve on taking a city name, But Chicago started out as Chicago Transit Authority. 25 or 6 to 4 is about writing the song and staying up all night to get it done. Have another listen to the lyrics with that in mind.

Earth Wind and Fire also had horns!

25 or 6 to4 refers to the time of the morning the song was written. So the time was 3:35 am great song!

Watch the LIVE version of this song, it's a beast guitar solo to watch.

You make a good point bro. Staking a claim on your city’s name is maybe going too far. But in this case, the city should be proud. ❤️

Band was originally named Chicago Transit Authority.

They were originally called The Chicago Transit Authority 😂

Chicago became its own tribute band after peter cetera left. There were some original members but they were never the same. Some say they were never the same after terry kath died

Terry in action live, TANGLEWOOD!🔥

They still tour and this one is usually their finale. The original members are in their 70s. Peter Cetera left the group to become a solo artist, and he was pretty successful in the 80s.

That's why Hendrix said that kath was his favourite guitarist.

The tanglewood live version has the greatest solo ever recorded IMO

First time I've seen you rock out like that.

May I suggest Chicago's "Make Me Smile/More Than Ever". Horns galore sung by Terry Kath (guitar) one of their 3 lead singers and is considered the white Ray Charles. Written by Jimmy Pankow (trombone) and is one of the 3 biggest songwriters in the group and the major horn arranger.

For more horns try " Blood Sweat and Tears". Another great band!

I have tears in my eyes

3:34 or 3:35 am, Cetera the singer is writing a song, in the distance he sees the lights of some place in California i think. And he wonders if he must continue or go to sleep

Another "rock group with horns" is Steely Dan. They, along with Chicago, are my two favorite jazz rock bands. Check out Peg, Kid Charlemagne or Haitian Divorce...along with many others. You simply won't find a bad Steely Dan song!!

Jimi Hendrix was asked "who do you think is the greatest guitarist ?" he replied Terry Kath" this how music was when my "gen" were growing up, and this is just one of the great bands at the time.... peace Bro

they played in 1969 at my high school. Still great!