Album review: Tommy Shaw, 'The Great Divide'

[Boomchild]

I am having a difficult time understanding why Tommy has bashed Dennis for going "Broadway" and entering into "Barry Manilow" territory and then releases a bluegrass album, like somehow bluegrass is "cooler"? Personally I can "tolerate" show tunes/Broadway over bluegrass/country.
And why the hell kick out your main singer/songwriter so that you can tour relentlessly (and play the same songs over and over) with only a single CD of original material in 10 years. Further, why complain and use the excuse over and over again for no new Styx studio CD because "no one is buying new music" and then release a bluegrass album which might sell a few thousand copies at most. I mean what the hell?? And re-recording the classics- I'm embarrassed for the band and find there decisions insulting to the real fans.

I have always placed Tommy Shaw on a pedestal since my teenage years starting back in '81 , but sadly I have become increasingly dissapointed in one of my idols.

Get off your ass guys and prove to the fans why it was so important to kick Dennis to the curb and release a CD of all-new music.

Oh yeah, I am a sucker so I will buy Tommy's new CD anyway. Perhaps I will be pleasently surprised.

IMHO, none of the members of Styx could be put on a pedestal. TS, JY and CP have proved to the fans the real reason of why it was so important to kick Dennis out of the band, #1 money and #2 power and control over Styx. Did they seriously think that copies of Regeneration would sell more then an album of new material? I sure hope not. This "Best Version Of Styx Ever" as JY has called it, is no more popular or achieved anything they did with Dennis in the band.

[kmd2009]

his album is at #2 at the bluegrass charts.

[S2M]

his album is at #2 at the bluegrass charts.

How many albums on the chart, 3?

[Babyblue]

his album is at #2 at the bluegrass charts.

How many albums on the chart, 3?

Boy you really bad today.

[Monker]

1. I don't need to make JY look like an ass, he does that by himself. He needs no help.

You sure do have a 'need' to talk about him as often as possible.

2. I in no way think that Dennis is an angel and not guilty of some of the things that have been said about him.

You have shown your bias for Dennis at every opportunity...I do not recall you ever critiquing him or saying anything negative about him AT ALL. And, even if you only believe 'some of the things' about him, it blows your "only for power and money" theory out of the water...it is very hypocritical.

3. I do not believe that TS and JY are innocent victims of Dennis DeYoung as they portray themselves at times.

LOL...of course you don't. You have made it perfectly clear that you believe they are power hungry, greedy bastards who kicked Dennis out of the band to satisfy those perverted desires.

3. I am in now way trying to change what Styx has become. Just posting my opinions and viewpoints on the subject.

ad nausum...which brings out the comparison to froyline.

4. I am not looking to convert anyone here to viewpoint.

Of course not...you just want to troll for laughs with froyline, Toph and Ash.

In the end, JY, TS, CP and DDY can do whatever the heck they want to do.

As if you or anybody could stop them if they tried. Maybe you can start a petition.

Doesn't mean that people will always agree with it and not share their thoughts on it. It's as simple as that.

And, when all you do is whine and complain about Styx, don't be surprised if people call you a whiney bitch...cuz that is basically how you are acting.

[Babyblue]

1. I don't need to make JY look like an ass, he does that by himself. He needs no help.

You sure do have a 'need' to talk about him as often as possible.

2. I in no way think that Dennis is an angel and not guilty of some of the things that have been said about him.

You have shown your bias for Dennis at every opportunity...I do not recall you ever critiquing him or saying anything negative about him AT ALL. And, even if you only believe 'some of the things' about him, it blows your "only for power and money" theory out of the water...it is very hypocritical.

3. I do not believe that TS and JY are innocent victims of Dennis DeYoung as they portray themselves at times.

LOL...of course you don't. You have made it perfectly clear that you believe they are power hungry, greedy bastards who kicked Dennis out of the band to satisfy those perverted desires.

3. I am in now way trying to change what Styx has become. Just posting my opinions and viewpoints on the subject.

ad nausum...which brings out the comparison to froyline.

4. I am not looking to convert anyone here to viewpoint.

Of course not...you just want to troll for laughs with froyline, Toph and Ash.

In the end, JY, TS, CP and DDY can do whatever the heck they want to do.

As if you or anybody could stop them if they tried. Maybe you can start a petition.

Doesn't mean that people will always agree with it and not share their thoughts on it. It's as simple as that.

And, when all you do is whine and complain about Styx, don't be surprised if people call you a whiney bitch...cuz that is basically how you are acting.

I for one am very pleased the way Styx is. I will be seeing them again in Biloxi,Ms 11/11/11

[Mr JY Roboto]

You know, since JY used to privately refer to Dennis' Broadway CD as 'The Death of Styx,' it really WOULD be interesting to know what he thinks of this. Is this 'The Death of Styx Part 2?' Privately he's got to be thinking, 'Tommy, BLUEGRASS?!!! What the fuckin' hell?! Could you come up with ANYTHING more uncool?' LOL.


Sterling

If and I said IF JY does not have a problem with Tommy's "outside" projects, I find that interesting. Since he felt Dennis should be focused on Styx only. In a way that would just prove that point as a smoke screen for the real reason JY wanted Dennis out of the band.

A little different between TS and DDY. DDY would take months and years off for his "outside projects". Tommy does it in the middle of a one month break.

[stmonkeys]

You know, since JY used to privately refer to Dennis' Broadway CD as 'The Death of Styx,' it really WOULD be interesting to know what he thinks of this. Is this 'The Death of Styx Part 2?' Privately he's got to be thinking, 'Tommy, BLUEGRASS?!!! What the fuckin' hell?! Could you come up with ANYTHING more uncool?' LOL.


Sterling

If and I said IF JY does not have a problem with Tommy's "outside" projects, I find that interesting. Since he felt Dennis should be focused on Styx only. In a way that would just prove that point as a smoke screen for the real reason JY wanted Dennis out of the band.

A little different between TS and DDY. DDY would take months and years off for his "outside projects". Tommy does it in the middle of a one month break.

tommy has been working on this album for over 5 years. but he works around styx' schedule, instead of vice versa.

[Boomchild]

You know, since JY used to privately refer to Dennis' Broadway CD as 'The Death of Styx,' it really WOULD be interesting to know what he thinks of this. Is this 'The Death of Styx Part 2?' Privately he's got to be thinking, 'Tommy, BLUEGRASS?!!! What the fuckin' hell?! Could you come up with ANYTHING more uncool?' LOL.


Sterling

If and I said IF JY does not have a problem with Tommy's "outside" projects, I find that interesting. Since he felt Dennis should be focused on Styx only. In a way that would just prove that point as a smoke screen for the real reason JY wanted Dennis out of the band.

A little different between TS and DDY. DDY would take months and years off for his "outside projects". Tommy does it in the middle of a one month break.

To the best of my knowledge when Dennis was doing the 101 Dalmatians thing. He still kept doing his solo shows.

[Boomchild]

1. I don't need to make JY look like an ass, he does that by himself. He needs no help.

You sure do have a 'need' to talk about him as often as possible.

Yep, your right. I do like to poke fun at him.

2. I in no way think that Dennis is an angel and not guilty of some of the things that have been said about him.

You have shown your bias for Dennis at every opportunity...I do not recall you ever critiquing him or saying anything negative about him AT ALL. And, even if you only believe 'some of the things' about him, it blows your "only for power and money" theory out of the water...it is very hypocritical.

I do side with Dennis on quite a few points, never said that I was neutral. I have critiqued Dennis. For example, When he added the TS songs to his shows using a sound alike I said I didn't care for it. I also said I wish he would stop playing Roboto live since I don't think it comes off well. I think he needs to improve the production quality of his shows. I do believe he did\does have a controlling personality but with the way things were structured in Styx, the other members had the ability veto what he wanted, they just didn't. I also said in a recent post that there could have been a number of reasons they wanted Dennis out but the main underlining reasons were money and control of the band.

3. I do not believe that TS and JY are innocent victims of Dennis DeYoung as they portray themselves at times.

LOL...of course you don't. You have made it perfectly clear that you believe they are power hungry, greedy bastards who kicked Dennis out of the band to satisfy those perverted desires.

Yes, I do believe they wanted a larger part of the pie and wanted control of the band. I think their actions show that viewpoint is not far fetched.

3. I am in now way trying to change what Styx has become. Just posting my opinions and viewpoints on the subject.

ad nausum...which brings out the comparison to froyline.

If that bothers you the simple solution for you is to ignore and don't reply to my posts.

4. I am not looking to convert anyone here to viewpoint.

Of course not...you just want to troll for laughs with froyline, Toph and Ash.

Which is always your opinion when someone does not share the same opinion as you.

In the end, JY, TS, CP and DDY can do whatever the heck they want to do.

As if you or anybody could stop them if they tried. Maybe you can start a petition.

Your point? I am not looking to get any of them to change their minds. In fact I think it's better for Dennis to stay away from Styx since the current line up has changed the band into a joke in my opinion.

Doesn't mean that people will always agree with it and not share their thoughts on it. It's as simple as that.

And, when all you do is whine and complain about Styx, don't be surprised if people call you a whiney bitch...cuz that is basically how you are acting.

I have said it before and all say it again, this is your typical response to anyone that does not agree with your point of view and is consistent in their opinions. If you don't like what I have to say then just ignore me. Trust me no one will care.

[shaka]

Listened to this album twice today at work and have upgraded it from good to great. It's unfortunate that a thread that should be celebrating a musical triumph for a member of Styx has devolved into the usual Tommy and JY vs. Dennis drivel. Some of you should be ashamed.

[Ash]

Shaka - I'm with you. It's a really strong effort. I still believe Tommy does his best writing as a solo artist and not as part of Styx. Of course, that is only the case since 7 Deadly Zens. Tommy is at his best when he's doing what he wants to do and isn't trying to be put inside a box of what he should be (as what may be the case with Styx, who really knows).

I'm really liking "The Great Divide". The Next Right Thing really showcases his writing and his talent. Just really something to enjoy.

[Monker]

You know, since JY used to privately refer to Dennis' Broadway CD as 'The Death of Styx,' it really WOULD be interesting to know what he thinks of this. Is this 'The Death of Styx Part 2?' Privately he's got to be thinking, 'Tommy, BLUEGRASS?!!! What the fuckin' hell?! Could you come up with ANYTHING more uncool?' LOL.


Sterling

If and I said IF JY does not have a problem with Tommy's "outside" projects, I find that interesting. Since he felt Dennis should be focused on Styx only. In a way that would just prove that point as a smoke screen for the real reason JY wanted Dennis out of the band.

A little different between TS and DDY. DDY would take months and years off for his "outside projects". Tommy does it in the middle of a one month break.

That is exactly the difference. If Tommy were telling Styx he couldn't tour because had this bluegrass thing to do, then JY, and the rest of Styx, SHOULD be upset.

[Babyblue]

Listened to this album twice today at work and have upgraded it from good to great. It's unfortunate that a thread that should be celebrating a musical triumph for a member of Styx has devolved into the usual Tommy and JY vs. Dennis drivel. Some of you should be ashamed.

I could not agree more with you.Just try and be happy for Tommy.

[yogi]

I dont get Bluegrass music.
I hear my fair share of country because my wife and daughter both listen to it all the damn time. I actually like Garth, Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Willie Nelson, Froy,Buddy Hackett,Taylor Swift, Hank williams, Jim Nabors, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Eddie Rabbitt, Keith Urban......... But this CD, it is AWEFUL, I mean horrible with a capital W!!! My wife and daughter hated it. What in the hell is Tommy singing????? Singing about vittles, and food and falling in love with your down home cookin, and that is one of the better songs. Give me a break. Tommy used to sing about coffee all the time. Give me the damn coffee lyrics back.

Needless to say I think that Bluegrass music is AWEFUL. Was the show Hee Haw centered around Blue Grass music?? This may be the absolute worst shi t I have ever heard. Elevator music or the music on hold is 10X's better. To me and my family this sounds nothing like good country music. This is music NO voice can save. Not Tommy, DDY, Steve Perry, Steven Tyler, Mr. Ed etc...I can stomach most country music. This is not country.

I hope Tommy sells 3 million copies but DAMN is it bad. I would take DDY's musical theatre anyday of the week and 8 X's on Sunday over this.

I am happy that he made his labor of love CD. I wonder what Uncle Ted thinks of it? Is this music to bow hunt by???

[bugsymalone]

I dont get Bluegrass music.
I hear my fair share of country because my wife and daughter both listen to it all the damn time. I actually like Garth, Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Willie Nelson, Froy,Buddy Hackett,Taylor Swift, Hank williams, Jim Nabors, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Eddie Rabbitt, Keith Urban......... But this CD, it is AWEFUL, I mean horrible with a capital W!!! My wife and daughter hated it. What in the hell is Tommy singing????? Singing about vittles, and food and falling in love with your down home cookin, and that is one of the better songs. Give me a break. Tommy used to sing about coffee all the time. Give me the damn coffee lyrics back.

Needless to say I think that Bluegrass music is AWEFUL. Was the show Hee Haw centered around Blue Grass music?? This may be the absolute worst shi t I have ever heard. Elevator music or the music on hold is 10X's better. To me and my family this sounds nothing like good country music. This is music NO voice can save. Not Tommy, DDY, Steve Perry, Steven Tyler, Mr. Ed etc...I can stomach most country music. This is not country.

I hope Tommy sells 3 million copies but DAMN is it bad. I would take DDY's musical theatre anyday of the week and 8 X's on Sunday over this.

I am happy that he made his labor of love CD. I wonder what Uncle Ted thinks of it? Is this music to bow hunt by???

Comeon, Yogi. Don't hold back. Tell us how you REALLY feel.

As with most music, and albums, for me there is stuff to like and stuff not to like on this CD. My bigger problem is with dabblers. I really don't feel, despite what he says, that this music is the real Tommy. No more than Bon Jovi made a "real" country album. If this music is not what you live and breathe full-time, I have a slight problem with its authenticity. That said, Tommy is most certainly a talented player, who likely could play just about any genre of music well.

If Tommy makes 10 bluegrass CD's, or even 5, then I might back off my cynicism a bit and truly feel this is the real deal.


Bugsy

[StyxCollector]

If you remember the Harvest stuff (pre-Styx) that leaked onto the 'net years ago, this album as well as Shaw Blades are closer to who Tommy is at the core.

[Rockwriter]

If you remember the Harvest stuff (pre-Styx) that leaked onto the 'net years ago, this album as well as Shaw Blades are closer to who Tommy is at the core.

Also, let's not forget that when Tommy got out of high school, he came straight to Nashville to try to make it here. One of the tapes he brought with him was Hank Williams. He failed utterly then (he probably had no idea how hard Nashville is - nobody ever does, or they wouldn't come here, LOL) and wound up joining Smoke Ring to make a living, which turned into MS Funk and that's how he got the Styx shot.

I've often wondered at how his life might have developed differently if he had made better contacts here straight out of the box. You know, even when he first got hired for Styx, he went to the guys in Harvest to tell them, and he was kinda like, "Well, I'm off to the big time . . . but it's Styx," LOL. He'll never say in public, and I'll always wonder if he doesn't still feel privately a little embarrassed by Styx. I know that when he was doing his solo career in the 80s he was openly disparaging of some of the other members and their abilities when he was teaching his band members the parts.


Sterling

[Ash]

Dabblers? Seriously? So if you don't eat, smoke and shit bluegrass you should stay away from it? I don't get that elitist mentality. Good music is good music. If you don't like it - then that is one thing - but to call something shit because you don't have a taste for it is pretty disrespectful. Can't stand Gowan... but have never said the man makes shit music. He just doesn't connect with me. Such is life. It's not like Tommy is saying "I've always had this in my heartzzzz!!!!!1111" it's him paying homage to the music he grew up with.

Meh... to hell with it. If you don't get it - then fine, don't get it. But to verbally defecate all over something someone else may enjoy is almost as self-serving as Froy. (love ya Mike).

As for my foray into being self serving.... how anyone in their correct state of mind could say they like Alabama, and Taylor Swift for God's sake and then have the gall to slam what Tommy is singing? Tommy Shaw singing "Happy Birthday" is better on a bad day than Taylor Swift.

[bugsymalone]

Dabblers? Seriously? So if you don't eat, smoke and shit bluegrass you should stay away from it? I don't get that elitist mentality. Good music is good music. If you don't like it - then that is one thing - but to call something shit because you don't have a taste for it is pretty disrespectful. Can't stand Gowan... but have never said the man makes shit music. He just doesn't connect with me. Such is life. It's not like Tommy is saying "I've always had this in my heartzzzz!!!!!1111" it's him paying homage to the music he grew up with.

Meh... to hell with it. If you don't get it - then fine, don't get it. But to verbally defecate all over something someone else may enjoy is almost as self-serving as Froy. (love ya Mike).

As for my foray into being self serving.... how anyone in their correct state of mind could say they like Alabama, and Taylor Swift for God's sake and then have the gall to slam what Tommy is singing? Tommy Shaw singing "Happy Birthday" is better on a bad day than Taylor Swift.

ExCUSE me, Ash? I never said it was a bad album. I do think he may be dabbling, until he maybe does it again. Just MY OPINION there, but it is a strong bluegrass album and he has done himself very proud to put it together and get it out there.

If that is his heart and soul, then good for him. It seems to me his heart and soul lies with the softer acoustic rock and that, to ME, is his very best stuff. And that is what I prefer from him.

Don't get so wrought up, Ash, sugar!

Bugsy

[shaka]

I dont get Bluegrass music.

And that's the problem.

It's not bad that you don't like bluegrass music. I personally don't dig Gregorian Chants for more than two minutes. However it's not fair for you to have any kind of opinion of the album when you admit you do not get the genre. The album deserves to be judged in the context of the style by those who a. understand it and b. like that kind of music.

Tommy is from Alabama. I'd wager the southern vernacular you have a problem with was part of his vocabulary growing up. His upbringing and the genre make using those terms just fine.

[Monker]

ad nausum...which brings out the comparison to froyline.

If that bothers you the simple solution for you is to ignore and don't reply to my posts.

I did not say it 'bothered' me. I'm just saying that is why you get compared to froyline.

4. I am not looking to convert anyone here to viewpoint.

Of course not...you just want to troll for laughs with froyline, Toph and Ash.

Which is always your opinion when someone does not share the same opinion as you.

Not true at all. For example, PinkFloyd dude...do I agree with her? No. Does she go about acting in the way I mentioned? No. Do I say she is trolling about? No. We discuss, disagree, I call her a 'dude' and have laugh. Big deal. But, it's become obvious that a few people do not post to 'discuss'...but only post cuz they like to be controversial and 'stir the pot'. That is trolling, and I don't mind pointing it out when I see it.

In the end, JY, TS, CP and DDY can do whatever the heck they want to do.

As if you or anybody could stop them if they tried. Maybe you can start a petition.

Your point?[/quote]

The point is that you are just stating something ridiculously obvious that everybody on this forum already knows. So, why even draw attention to it...unless you are just trying to be an ass.

I have said it before and all say it again, this is your typical response to anyone that does not agree with your point of view and is consistent in their opinions. If you don't like what I have to say then just ignore me. Trust me no one will care.

As I said above, you are simply wrong.

[Ash]

Dabblers? Seriously? So if you don't eat, smoke and shit bluegrass you should stay away from it? I don't get that elitist mentality. Good music is good music. If you don't like it - then that is one thing - but to call something shit because you don't have a taste for it is pretty disrespectful. Can't stand Gowan... but have never said the man makes shit music. He just doesn't connect with me. Such is life. It's not like Tommy is saying "I've always had this in my heartzzzz!!!!!1111" it's him paying homage to the music he grew up with.

Meh... to hell with it. If you don't get it - then fine, don't get it. But to verbally defecate all over something someone else may enjoy is almost as self-serving as Froy. (love ya Mike).

As for my foray into being self serving.... how anyone in their correct state of mind could say they like Alabama, and Taylor Swift for God's sake and then have the gall to slam what Tommy is singing? Tommy Shaw singing "Happy Birthday" is better on a bad day than Taylor Swift.

ExCUSE me, Ash? I never said it was a bad album. I do think he may be dabbling, until he maybe does it again. Just MY OPINION there, but it is a strong bluegrass album and he has done himself very proud to put it together and get it out there.

If that is his heart and soul, then good for him. It seems to me his heart and soul lies with the softer acoustic rock and that, to ME, is his very best stuff. And that is what I prefer from him.

Don't get so wrought up, Ash, sugar!

Bugsy

Heheheheheh Bugsy. You know I love ya. I was just teasing at ya anyway

I'll agree with you in that I think his true soul is when he is writing with Jack Blades on the Shaw/Blades stuff. It seems to be more of a mix of this and his Styx stuff. If you listen to "Down That Highway" on Shaw Blades, you can definitely hear where this Bluegrass album came from tho.

I just think Tommy is versatile. He's talented and likes a variety of music. He's not all OMFG ROCK like the God JY. (smile) And at the same time he's not as balad oriented as perhaps Dennis had become there for a while. I really enjoy Tommy's diversity. I know Styx is his cash cow, but I think of what Tommy and Dennis could have accomplished without the rest of Styx by going out on their own and I wonder about the missed opportunity.

[yogi]

I stated that I don'T get Blue Grass. What I do get is I think it is ABSOLUTELY HORRIFIC music, if it can even be called music. Not even Tommy Shaws smooth voice can save these songs. For me this is NOT even close to country music. I am not a big country music fan, but I do listen to it often and I can tolerate most country songs. Some Country Music I do even like. Dwight Yoakam's 'This Time' is a GREAT GREAT CD which I purchased years ago and I still listen to today. I mention Dewight because he is on this CD. That CD is country music, but to me Blue Grass is a COMPLETELY different animal. As for Shaw / Blades Hallunication having a hint of Blue Grass in it..... BS. I love that album as I do all of Tommy's solo efforts minus What If.

Blue Grass and this album are totally UNLISTENABLE and is some of the worst shi t that I have ever heard.


This is my review.

[Boomchild]

]4. I am not looking to convert anyone here to viewpoint.

Of course not...you just want to troll for laughs with froyline, Toph and Ash.

Which is always your opinion when someone does not share the same opinion as you.

Not true at all. For example, PinkFloyd dude...do I agree with her? No. Does she go about acting in the way I mentioned? No. Do I say she is trolling about? No. We discuss, disagree, I call her a 'dude' and have laugh. Big deal. But, it's become obvious that a few people do not post to 'discuss'...but only post cuz they like to be controversial and 'stir the pot'. That is trolling, and I don't mind pointing it out when I see it.

It seems most of the time your idea of a "discussion" is when you are in agreement with what someone posts. Otherwise it's "trolling". Sure I post things that are jabs at the members of Styx and be controversial. I am just posting my opinion and not doing it for any other reason. You may think differently, but thats because you and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum.

[Ash]

Of course not...you just want to troll for laughs with froyline, Toph and Ash.

LOL. I didn't even see this because most of the time I just skip over Monker's posts.

I guess.

But I suppose you would know what a troll is since you're the biggest one. All you ever post about is other people anyway with nothing constructive ever to add.

[Boomchild]

Of course not...you just want to troll for laughs with froyline, Toph and Ash.

LOL. I didn't even see this because most of the time I just skip over Monker's posts.

I guess.

But I suppose you would know what a troll is since you're the biggest one. All you ever post about is other people anyway with nothing constructive ever to add.

I see what you mean Ash. God forbid you have a different opinion on a subject, poke fun at some of the band members. Not to all here but some.

[Monker]

Of course not...you just want to troll for laughs with froyline, Toph and Ash.

LOL. I didn't even see this because most of the time I just skip over Monker's posts.

I guess.

But I suppose you would know what a troll is since you're the biggest one. All you ever post about is other people anyway with nothing constructive ever to add.

I see what you mean Ash. God forbid you have a different opinion on a subject, poke fun at some of the band members. Not to all here but some.

I think you guys need to do a group hug.

[Boomchild]

Of course not...you just want to troll for laughs with froyline, Toph and Ash.

LOL. I didn't even see this because most of the time I just skip over Monker's posts.

I guess.

But I suppose you would know what a troll is since you're the biggest one. All you ever post about is other people anyway with nothing constructive ever to add.

I see what you mean Ash. God forbid you have a different opinion on a subject, poke fun at some of the band members. Not to all here but some.

I think you guys need to do a group hug.

And you need to stop drinking too much of their bathwater.