Styx appreciation

[Architeuthis]

Yeah great songs!  Every time I put this cd in, I like to listen to it in it's entirety at high volumes. It flows so nicely throughout the melodic journey.

.  They could make a cool stage production and light show with the theme of this album. I really hope they do a Mission tour.. 🚀

[KevShmev]

Imagine them having made this album in the early 80s and doing a tour with it with lasers and everything?  Would've been cool. Seems like very few bands even use lasers live anymore.  I rarely leave concerts anymore wowed by the stage show (lights, lasers, etc.).

[King Postwhore]

I think I like the smaller venues these days so I never see the big stadium, laser shows.

[Architeuthis]

Imagine them having made this album in the early 80s and doing a tour with it with lasers and everything?  Would've been cool. Seems like very few bands even use lasers live anymore.  I rarely leave concerts anymore wowed by the stage show (lights, lasers, etc.).

Agreed!  It's possible for them to pull the lasers back out. Rush went out with some cool lasers on the R40 tour. Metallica is using them heavily on their current tour, and Roger Waters had some cool lasers at the tail end of his show this year.
 I think bands rely too heavily on the screens these days, I prefer a cool light show any day..

[KevShmev]

Dennis DeYoung is doing a Grand Illusion 40th Anniversary Tour early next year and will be coming to St Louis...to play at one of the local casinos.   That has to be a tough pill to swallow.  I might go, though, since it's on a Friday night and this casino is only 15-20 minutes from where I live.

Meanwhile, the new Styx record still kicks ass. 

[Orbert]

There's no shame in playing casino shows.  It's often a shorter set for a huge paycheck.  Here in the Chicago area, there are a bunch of casinos, and classic acts from the 70's and 80's come through and play them all the time.  Maybe you can't fill stadiums anymore, but some promoter offers you half a million dollars to play a two-hour show, you take it.

[KevShmev]

Very true. I just mean it is has to be tough to go from playing in front of thousands in an arena to maybe a hundred or two in a casino.

America is coming to that same casino in March. I wouldn't mind going to see them if the tickets are cheap.

[Architeuthis]

Lol, I remember Cheap Trick came to our little town a few years back to a local Casino. They played for 1hr and 10 mins, then bailed. No encore or nothing. About 1,000 in attendance. The band sucked anyway and they definitely lived up to theiir name...
 Styx on the other hand is a class act! They actually have talent..

[Orbert]

Damn, an hour and 10 for 1000 people.  They probably got a nice paycheck for that, too.

Yeah, it's a step down from the stadiums and sports arenas, but players gotta play.  And from what I've seen, some of those casino auditoriums are pretty nice venues.

[Samsara]

After many years (decades now) of knowing about Styx, and being familiar with some of their bigger hits on the radio, I'm finally at a place where I am discovering them properly. Right now, I'm listening to Return to Paradise, the live album from 1997. I do that with older bands I haven't really given time to -- I check out a live record, and then start looking at the back catalog. I'm up to "Crystal Ball" right now (on Return to Paradise - Live), and I'll be headed to the local CD shop near my house later today to buy it.

I'm a firm believer that it usually takes three albums with a band's classic lineup to really have them hone in on their sound. That probably holds somewhat true with Styx, as that would mean Pieces of Eight. But obviously, Crystal Ball, and The Grand Illusion come before that. So, after picking up this live record later today, I'll probably buy Pieces of Eight, and then work backward a couple of albums, and then forward for Cornerstone and Paradise Theater.

Everything I have read on Kilroy Was Here makes me believe I will absolutely loathe it. But once I am done checking out all the albums I named above, I'll give it a listen on YouTube. But I'm really diggin' Return to Paradise - Live. Great stuff.

Unfortunately, looks like I missed the Grand Illusion/Pieces of Eight tour. I looked into dates -- Dennis DeYoung is playing around the corner from my office, but it is expensive as hell. Styx is playing within long driving distance, but I'd probably have to take the next day off (and I'd need to go solo). So perhaps I should just wait for Styx to get a little closer.

[Grappler]

Wow.  Styx was one of my first musical experiences as a kid - my mom loved them (and saw them play a local high-school prom before they made it big).  So I grew up with their music, and the Styx reunion in 1996 was my first legitimate rock concert that I attended.  I've seen Styx 4 times (twice with Dennis, twice without) and Dennis' solo band twice (for free at 4th of July festivals, and they were incredible).  Kind of weird that someone a little older than me is just now getting into them.   

I listen to the 2 greatest hits records the most, and don't even own many of the studio albums.  Between the live records and the hits albums, it covers most of the territory.  Return to Paradise is an awesome album, and the definitive live Styx record.  After Gowan joined, they became more of a rock band again and started playing the songs at a little faster tempo.

Kilroy has a few good songs and I have no embarrassment in saying that I love Mr. Roboto, but the album doesn't stand up to the albums that came before it.   I'd focus on Grand Illusion/Pieces of Eight/Paradise Theater. 

[pg1067]

My first favorite band was the Beatles.  My mother and I spent three weeks visiting with my sister during the summer between 8th grade and high school (1981), and I spent a LOT of time listening to her Beatles albums.

After I started getting into more "modern" bands, Styx replaced the Beatles as my favorite.  This would have been a year or so before Kilroy was released.  I started with Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight but eventually got all of the "classic era" albums (Equinox through Paradise Theatre).  A friend of mine even picked up a cassette that had some of the Wooden Nickel songs.

I would rank those albums as follows:

1. Pieces of Eight (best song is Queen of Spades, and the unsung hero is the title track)
2. Grand Illusion (best song is either the title track or Fooling Yourself)
3. Paradise Theatre (best song is Best of Times)
4. Crystal Ball (best song is the title track)
5. Equinox (obvious best song is Suite Madame Blue)
6. Cornerstone (most of this album is just meh; Boat on the River is a bit of an unsung hero)

I wanted so much to like Kilroy, but I was getting into heavier stuff at the time, so it just didn't do it for me.  Caught in the Act was a good live album, but the new studio track (Music Time) was just embarrassing.

I had little interest in any of the solo stuff that came out in the late 80s (including Damn Yankees).

Edge of the Century was ok, but it finally gave me the chance to see Styx live.  One of the most memorable concerts for me (even with Tommy's absence from the lineup).

I've had mostly no interest in any of their stuff since Brave New World.  I somehow completely missed out on One with Everything when it came out (only discovered it a year or so ago).  It's probably a top five song for me.

Styx is little more than a nostalgia band now, but I don't have a lot of interest in seeing them live without Dennis (and I certainly don't have much interest in seeing whatever Dennis doing on his own).

[Grappler]

1. Pieces of Eight (best song is Queen of Spades, and the unsung hero is the title track)
2. Grand Illusion (best song is either the title track or Fooling Yourself)
3. Paradise Theatre (best song is Best of Times)
4. Crystal Ball (best song is the title track)
5. Equinox (obvious best song is Suite Madame Blue)
6. Cornerstone (most of this album is just meh; Boat on the River is a bit of an unsung hero)

Agreed on Pieces of Eight, plus Blue Collar Man and Renegade!  Paradise Theater has the title track (Rocking the Paradise), Miss America and Too Much Time on my Hands - which I think are all better than Best of Times, though that is a great song.  Agreed on Crystal Ball, though Equinox also has Lorelei. 

Edge of the Century was ok, but it finally gave me the chance to see Styx live.  One of the most memorable concerts for me (even with Tommy's absence from the lineup).

The title track and Love is a Ritual are awesome songs.  I got to see them do the title track in 2001 when Glen Burtnick was playing bass.

I've had mostly no interest in any of their stuff since Brave New World.  I somehow completely missed out on One with Everything when it came out (only discovered it a year or so ago).  It's probably a top five song for me.

Brave New World has some awesome songs, as does Cyclorama, though I'm not much a fan of the Gowan-sung tunes compared to Tommy and JY's songs.  I really like both of those albums.

Styx is little more than a nostalgia band now, but I don't have a lot of interest in seeing them live without Dennis (and I certainly don't have much interest in seeing whatever Dennis doing on his own).

Agreed and very much disagree.  Styx is a nostalgia band, though they are still very, very good live.  I won't see them without Dennis again, though. 

As for Dennis, his live shows are phenomenal.  He's 70 years old, but sounds like he's 35 - his voice is 100% still there, and there is not one small ounce of degredation.  The first time I saw him, he stuck to "his" songs that he sang with Styx, plus some of his solo stuff like Desert Moon.  The second time I saw him, he had added a guy named August Zadra to his band....who was the "Tommy Shaw" of a Styx tribute band.  The guy was a dead ringer for Tommy both in looks and in his voice.  That allowed him to add some of Tommy's songs to his solo show, which made it a lot more fun and more of a "music of Styx" show, rather than having to stick with only songs he sang on.  His shows are well worth it.

[BelichickFan]

The only Styx albums I listen to are (in order):

Pieces of Eight
Grand Illusion
Paradise Theater
Kilroy Was Here

Some really good songs on others but Cornerstone is too soft overall.  The pre Tommy Shaw albums have great tracks but I don't listen to them in total in albums (I can get Crystal Ball, Lorelei, Suite Madam Blue on the live album Return to Paradise.  And I haven't liked anything too much since the criminally underrated Kilroy.

[pg1067]

1. Pieces of Eight (best song is Queen of Spades, and the unsung hero is the title track)
2. Grand Illusion (best song is either the title track or Fooling Yourself)
3. Paradise Theatre (best song is Best of Times)
4. Crystal Ball (best song is the title track)
5. Equinox (obvious best song is Suite Madame Blue)
6. Cornerstone (most of this album is just meh; Boat on the River is a bit of an unsung hero)

Agreed on Pieces of Eight, plus Blue Collar Man and Renegade!  Paradise Theater has the title track (Rocking the Paradise), Miss America and Too Much Time on my Hands - which I think are all better than Best of Times, though that is a great song.  Agreed on Crystal Ball, though Equinox also has Lorelei. 

Edge of the Century was ok, but it finally gave me the chance to see Styx live.  One of the most memorable concerts for me (even with Tommy's absence from the lineup).

The title track and Love is a Ritual are awesome songs.  I got to see them do the title track in 2001 when Glen Burtnick was playing bass.

I've had mostly no interest in any of their stuff since Brave New World.  I somehow completely missed out on One with Everything when it came out (only discovered it a year or so ago).  It's probably a top five song for me.

Brave New World has some awesome songs, as does Cyclorama, though I'm not much a fan of the Gowan-sung tunes compared to Tommy and JY's songs.  I really like both of those albums.

Styx is little more than a nostalgia band now, but I don't have a lot of interest in seeing them live without Dennis (and I certainly don't have much interest in seeing whatever Dennis doing on his own).

Agreed and very much disagree.  Styx is a nostalgia band, though they are still very, very good live.  I won't see them without Dennis again, though. 

As for Dennis, his live shows are phenomenal.  He's 70 years old, but sounds like he's 35 - his voice is 100% still there, and there is not one small ounce of degredation.  The first time I saw him, he stuck to "his" songs that he sang with Styx, plus some of his solo stuff like Desert Moon.  The second time I saw him, he had added a guy named August Zadra to his band....who was the "Tommy Shaw" of a Styx tribute band.  The guy was a dead ringer for Tommy both in looks and in his voice.  That allowed him to add some of Tommy's songs to his solo show, which made it a lot more fun and more of a "music of Styx" show, rather than having to stick with only songs he sang on.  His shows are well worth it.

The entirety of side 2 of Pieces of Eight is stellar (with the possible exception of Aku-Aku, which is nothing but a throwaway filler track).  If you ask me about best album sides of all time, it's probably top 10.

I need to give some of the more recent albums more of a listen.  I gave the new one a shot, and it didn't grab me.  Maybe I'll try again.  Cyclorama deserves more attention simply because One with Everything is so good.

As far as concerts, I'm really picky nowadays.  Styx always seems to do multiple billings with other "nostalgia bands," so maybe if the right show comes along I'll give it a shot.  I hear what you're saying about Dennis, but I'm still skeptical.  I just looked, and he's playing in Los Angeles on Friday, but I can't go.  Maybe next time, or maybe I'll go catch one of his Vegas dates in September.

[Cool Chris]

They are playing at the casino by me next month where I go occasionally. Saw them around 2000, no real desire to see them now, especially at the price. Can't find anything on an opening act(s).

[King Postwhore]

They are playing at the casino by me next month where I go occasionally. Saw them around 2000, no real desire to see them now, especially at the price. Can't find anything on an opening act(s).

You should.  This band lineup kicks ass live and their new album is amazing.

[Cool Chris]

I do like the new album after a few listens on Spotify and appreciate they do put on a good show. It's just not in the budget.

[KevShmev]

I would see DeYoung solo before the current incarnation of Styx - DDY's voice still sounds great vs Gowan's crappy live voice and embarrassing stage persona.  That Styx album from last year is still really good, largely because Tommy handles most of the lead vocals.

[King Postwhore]

I do like the new album after a few listens on Spotify and appreciate they do put on a good show. It's just not in the budget.

That I can understand.

[King Postwhore]

I would see DeYoung solo before the current incarnation of Styx - DDY's voice still sounds great vs Gowan's crappy live voice and embarrassing stage persona.  That Styx album from last year is still really good, largely because Tommy handles most of the lead vocals.

PASS!!!!

[KevShmev]

I would see DeYoung solo before the current incarnation of Styx - DDY's voice still sounds great vs Gowan's crappy live voice and embarrassing stage persona.  That Styx album from last year is still really good, largely because Tommy handles most of the lead vocals.

PASS!!!!

Come on, now, The Mission really is a good record!

[King Postwhore]

 

He has 2 guys dressed up and hair like Tommy Shaw and JY.  Height as well.  He'd have more credibility just doing the songs and not a circus act.


No thank you.

[KevShmev]

As opposed to Styx with their poor man's Dennis DeYoung who sounds awful live and dances around like a jackass while doing that spinning keyboard thing 391 times a night?

[King Postwhore]

He does not sound terrible live. Your ears are broken. 

[KevShmev]

He does not sound terrible live. Your ears are broken. 

Haha, not at all.  I saw two different live renditions of The Outpost, which I was curious to see, and he sounded awful both times.  And that song isn't even that hard to sing (compared to the DDY stuff he has to sing). 

[King Postwhore]

I've seen it.  I think your hate for him is blinding you.

I get his stage presence bothers some. It never bothered me.

[KevShmev]

I don't hate him.  I just find a) him to be a mediocre singer (solid in the studio + awful live = mediocre), and b) his stage antics to be totally embarrassing. 

[King Postwhore]

And I'd rather see the band happy.

[KevShmev]

I blame James Young more than Tommy Shaw.  Shaw at least write a decent portion of their hits/classic rock staples, while Young should be thanking DeYoung every night for his career, otherwise he'd be working at a Jiffy Lube back in Chicago.  For Young to get on his high horse is hilarious.

Remember the 1996 reunion tour?  It was great.

Then they toured again in 1997, which DeYoung didn't want to do since he had already committed to doing that Hunchback of Notre Dame thing, but Tommy was in dire straits financially and needed the tour, so DDY did it and found a way to make it work to help out his bandmate. 

And look how he was repaid. 

Ingrates.

[King Postwhore]

Dennis was playing the auto immune thing.  It's simple to me. Dennis makes everybody revolve around him and the band felt, "Here we go again". They wanted to move on. 


Same with Journey.

[KevShmev]

Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt that he was a gigantic pain in the ass to work with and always wanted things done his way.  And that worked for the band most of the time.  Work is not always easy or fun, but results are what matter.

Tommy/JY: "We wanted to rock!"

Yeah, that is why you wanted Babe to be a Styx song when Dennis had written it as a personal song intended for just his wife. 

Someone should tell Tommy and JY that they aren't Black Sabbath.  Styx was never an "OMG, we have to ROCK hard" band.

[TAC]

I saw Dennis DeYoung....at EPCOT!

Anyway, he was fantastic, and his band RULED. Seriously. The "Tommy Shaw" dude was amazing. He released a live album recentrly which is excellent. I would rather that than the Tommy Shaw show.


Dennis DeYoung>>>>>>>Tommy Shaw.

[King Postwhore]

Brave New World shows that divide you are talking about Kev.  I can tell you the rocking songs are the only songs worth listening to on that album.

[KevShmev]

Brave New World shows that divide you are talking about Kev.  I can tell you the rocking songs are the only songs worth listening to on that album.

That album was a travesty on most levels.  While Tommy has more good songs on it than Dennis, Goodbye Roseland is the clear standout.

Dennis DeYoung>>>>>>>Tommy Shaw.

It is close once I factor in Damn Yankees and the one Tommy solo album I really like (7 Deadly Zens), but when it comes to Styx, yep, DDY is the man.

Dennis wrote 7 of their 8 top 10 hits, and the majority of their classic rock staples. 

James Young wrote ZERO in either category.  He is on the Mount Rushmore of luckiest rock stars ever.