Classic Album Sundays, the most popular and respected classic album listening event in the world, is setting up shop in Chicago to expose your ears to the sexiest listening experience you've ever had. Saturday Audio Exchange, CHIRP Radio, Dark Matter Coffee, and event organizer Sam Willett will be celebrating the legacy of D'Angelo's Voodoo by listening to it in its entirety on vinyl.

Voodoo was not only massive artistic achievement, but it was also commercially successful. The album debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200 Chart and won D’Angelo two Grammy Awards: ‘Best Male R&B Vocal’ and ‘Best R&B Album’. The album was the high point of the Soulquarian sound, the centrepiece of the movement. Despite or most likely because of the album’s massive success, D’Angelo disappeared from music-making once again, only to emerge over a decade later with his third album Black Messiah. But as good as that album may be, it’s Voodoo that still has the magic.

Amidst this whirlwind of creativity, D’Angelo produced the record that was as evolutionary as he had hoped. Voodoo broke down the conventional song structures of his debut, and the album cover of his bare torso reflected the stripped-down music and its muscular beats. Despite the futuristic funk feel of the record, the sonics had a vintage soul feel due to the older recording and mixing equipment often used in the studio. D’Angelo had also used the Fender Rhodes used by Stevie Wonder for Talking Book so a certain essence of his soul forebears was distilled throughout the album.

Saturday Audio Exchange, a well-renowned Chicago independent music dealer, will be providing a custom-curated hi-fi audio system to make this experience come to life on vinyl. In attending the event, you will listen to the album as if you are watching a movie- no phones, no distractions, and complete focus on the beauty engrained in Voodoo. Take a look at the sound equipment Classic Album Sundays typically uses at their events here.



When the event starts, a vinyl-exclusive playlist, including artists that influenced and have been influenced by D'Angelo will be played. Attendees should take this warm up time to take a look around Saturday, visit with our event partners, socialize with new and old friends, and drink beverages. When we have a full house, we will give attendees a ten minute warning to use to the bathroom and make any phone calls before the album starts. Then, Sam will introduce the album drop the needle. From there, your mind should be completely involved with the album and prepared for a musical adventure.