It's fitting that Chicago would have a song titled "(I've Been) Searchin' For So Long."
That's exactly what I had been doing lately for one of its albums.
No, it wasn't for one of the rare Chicago collector's items. And it wasn't for one of the few albums that didn't have a number in its title, like "Hot Streets" or "Chicago at Carnegie Hall."
It was "Chicago 25," which I finally found in a holiday record rack at Borders Monday night. My quest for one of the Windy City band's more intriguing albums came to an end. And wouldn't you know it, I snagged the last copy in the store.
For you who don't know, "Chicago 25" is the band's Christmas album, released in 1998 and boasting such holiday classics as "Little Drummer Boy," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."
I read about the album when it was first released but never got around to getting it. (Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!)
Last year, I spoke with Robert Lamm, keyboardist/founder of Chicago and he said he was very pleased with it.
"It's a Christmas album with a Chicago twist," he had said.
And when the band from the City of the Big Shoulders made a rocking 'n' rolling stop at the E Center in August 1999, it played "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"
Since then, I had been scouring the record stores for this elusive holiday album. I even went looking for the Christmas album in July, but to no avail.
Then last Monday, while waiting to meet my sister and brother-in-law for dinner, I went to Borders — and there it was.
Joy to the World! Or at least to me; I found the album.
I know I could have gone online to buy it, but I when I shop for music, I want to open the CD in the car and listen to it right away. (I know that doesn't make sense, considering that if I had purchased it online, it would have been in my hands months ago.)
Anyway, I listened to it in the car on the way to dinner, and I just have this to say: "Chicago 25" rules!
Fans, obviously, love it. I mean, why else is it always sold out?
I also think people who aren't Chicago fans might appreciate the new takes on "Winter Wonderland" and "The Christmas Song," which are done differently than the typical jazz/pop vein that seems to be the standard.
And those of you who are tired of the umpteen versions of "Winter Wonderland" and "White Christmas" will undoubtedly be very pleased with the Chicago recordings.
Also, there are very few versions of "Little Drummer Boy" I can stand, but Chicago's is one of the tops; it ranks up there with Wyclef Jean's reggae version.
In addition to Christmas classics like "Silent Night," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," there are a couple of originals — "Child's Prayer" and "One Little Candle," which are sung by a children's choir.
Now, if only I could find the Trans Siberian Orchestra's "The Christmas Attic" album, also released in 1998.
Yes, I know, it's available online . . . but I don't like to wait.
MADONNA MARRIAGE PT. 2: Last week, I said Madonna and Guy Ritchie were getting married in Scotland. That part was right. I did, however, give the wrong date. The correct date is Friday, Dec. 22! Doh!
E-MAIL: scott@desnews.com