Don't you love Styx? I was listening to a bit of Styx on the way into work this morning, as the ipod randomized its way through my record collection. Come Sail Away, a US Top Ten hit from 1977, a prog-rock fantasy brought to life by the amazing voice of Dennis De Young. I think his intonation is rather moving.
He puts me in mind a bit of Dean Friedman and his very Noo Yawk voice, not unpleasant at all. "Did you see Lisa? Yes, I saw Lisa! Is That why you're angry? I wasn't angry!". Lucky Stars - I love that song, perhaps more for the uncredited Denise Marsa vocals than for Dean, though his hits are great. There's a great clip on Youtube of some people acting out this song, and indeed the follow up, Lydia. Find them here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8HYgnSaFSc (Sorry I still don't know how to do that link thing). It's really very good.
Anyhoo, all we know of Styx on these shores is Babe, the 1979/80 school disco slowie. But there's so much more to them than that. Lady (1975), Mr Roboto (1983) Don't Let it End (1983) and many more. They're very stirring, rather like Rush. Tom Sawyer, New World Man and Spirit of Radio are driving songs par excellence.
May I recommend the greatest hits of both? And don't mock Dean Friedman til you've tried him.
15 comments:
Babe is one of my faves - just whacked it on the iPod as I write - but don't know anything about the band. Well, not till I looked on www.styxworld.com, and found out that like so many 70's bands, the lead singer who gave them the edge has long gone. They all look pretty good - which means, I suppose, that none of them will be original members!
And those links - highlight the word you want to make the hyperlink, click on the picture of links above the text box, then paste the web address.
Ooh, and I'm also reminded that one of my fave bands, the Barenaked Ladies, are also Styx fans, and mention Mr Roboto on their track King of Bedside Manor, which kicks off with one word - 'Styx', fact fans.
I knew you'd be with me Clair. I do recommend Come Sail Away too.
Thanks for the tip, too.
Just listening to Player's Baby Come Back and Orleans' Dance With Me, you've put me in such a mellow. 70's, summery mood!
I'm obsessed now. A member of Orleans is now a congressman!
http://www.johnhallforcongress.com
/node/2
Check out Ambrosia, Peter Frampton, The Looking Glass and Gallery, if you haven't already.
Ambrosia...what,the creamed rice?
I've just 'resigned' as a moderator on a Rush fans' messageboard. Fact.
According to Stuart Maconie, their singer/bassist, Geddy Lee, looks 'rather disconcertingly like a parrot'. He's correct, lady Rush fans - there are some - actually fancy him.
I think the photo of them looks a bit scary. I'd heard the name but not many of their songs. I'll have to listen out for them.
I can't believe you stood down, Rich. What kind of madness is that??
I 'stood down' because the board was made up of mainly Americans. Much is made of their love for Monty Py-THON and Are You Being Served? but they really don't get the British sense of humour. Things like irony, self-depracation and generally taking the Mick are concepts that are all alien to them.
Besides, I've discovered blogging, which is much more fun than arguing with brain-deads about Kansas (the band, not the place).
Hey Kitten, he's on in London in July, perhaps a Creamy outing is due?
Oh Kitten, it just had to happen.
I notice the lead singer of Boston was found dead at the weekend:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006716028
'The nicest guy in rock and roll'.
Yes I saw that. How tragic. And I think they were back in the charts too.
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