Best known as the a founding member of Survivor, and seminal Chicago act The Ides of March, local favorite Jim Peterik has also lent his talents to acts behind the scenes and written or co-written some of their biggest hits. “Heavy Metal” by Sammy Hagar? That’s Jim. So are the two songs that catupulted .38 Special to superstardom, “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up In You”.
You may have heard Jim’s unplugged treatment of these and more of his hits last Friday night (September 2nd), when he opened for Sammy Hagar at The Loop Luau. And it’s these reconfigured takes on these timeless classics that appear on Peterik’s new album “The Songs”.
In comments published by Ultimate Classic Rock, Peterik says, “I’ve always had a special place in my heart for ‘Caught Up In You’ since the day I wrote it with Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi of .38 Special. It’s the kind of summer hit that resonated with people in June of 1982. But when my producer, Fred Mollin, insisted on re-imagining the song for my new CD, I had my doubts if the patient could survive such a radical reworking. What did I know? I absolutely love the way this song has taken on an almost classical feel; very formal, with a 12-piece string section and spare backing vocals by my son Colin Peterik.”
You can get more info and order the album HERE.
And see the video of the reimagined “Caught Up In You” below.