Chicago at Carnegie Hall

Chicago at Carnegie Hall is the first live album by American band Chicago and was initially released in 1971 as a four LP vinyl box set on Columbia Records.

Related Topics:
Album - American - Chicago - 1971 - LP - Box set - Columbia Records

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While touring in support of Chicago III, Chicago booked themselves into the Carnegie Hall for a week in April 1971 and recorded all of their shows. Deciding that most of the songs performed there (virtually, the first three double albums) were worthy of release, producer James William Guercio compiled a mammoth four LP collection for release as Chicago's fourth album (that disctinction being responsible for the album's occasional nickname of Chicago IV).

Related Topics:
Chicago III - Carnegie Hall - April - Double album - James William Guercio

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Columbia were very skeptical on the risk the extended set posed, and with a decrease in royalties to counter that fear (a similar situation befell their 1969 debut The Chicago Transit Authority), Chicago released Chicago at Carnegie Hall that October to a mixed reaction. While the set sold very well, reaching #3 in the US (but failing to chart at all in the UK), the critics found the album too long - and even indulgent with its moments of tune-ups - while also noting that the acoustics of Carnegie Hall were never that impressive. The band themselves have remained divided over the years to the merits of the album.

Related Topics:
1969 - The Chicago Transit Authority - October

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In 2005, Chicago at Carnegie Hall was remastered and re-issued on three CDs by Rhino Records with a bonus disc of further performances from the famed shows.

Related Topics:
2005 - CD - Rhino Records

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