DDY Vol2 wishlist

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Yes it's true, I haven't listened to the album or any songs at all, just saw the one video.

Ouch! I've been a Styx fan since I was very young, about 1974. Love Classic Styx especially with the harmonies. I've seen the newer version of Styx in 1999 (Fair - found out Dennis wasn't in the band), 2003 (Harley Fest/Film Crew) 2006 (Festival/Film Crew) and one time after a hockey game all for free. I tried to go with an open mind, you can ask any of my Styx friends that went with me. I just didn't care for the concerts, it was so different especially with Dennis not being in the band. The one song from the album that I did see, I didn't really care for - I think it was the first song that was released. So I didn't even give the other songs a listen. Just for you, I'll give it a listen next week when I can concentrate.

That’s fair. I think you will like it. That Fair in 1999 you attended... was it in Wisconsin? If so, I was also there. First time I saw them without DDY.

I’ll be waiting for your honest opinion of The Mission. I’m sure several of us here will be interested in what you think of it.

In 1999 it was the Washington County Fair. Do you remember where you standing for the concert? Since they moved the fairgrounds to that area they didn't have seats yet.

I'll give my honest opinion when I hear it[/quote]

I was on the keyboard side about 60 to 80 feet from the stage. You?[/quote]

I was on the other side, that's why I couldn't see what was going on and who was singing over there. We were all looking at each other that something wasn't right. I think I have a few pictures from that night. I know I have a couple with Glen and our group. I'll have to see if I have any of the stage.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

I’ll be waiting for your honest opinion of The Mission. I’m sure several of us here will be interested in what you think of it.

I had time last night and today to listen to the Mission. I was on YouTube for the songs. It's funny, I played Locomotive a more than a few times and after each time I listened, the next song played on YouTube is A Kingdom Ablaze by DDY. Crazy!!

Here's what I think of the album and my thoughts as I was listening.....

First: It’s much more Styx like than Cyclorama.

The Mission is a concept album without one. There isn’t an ounce of lyrical depth, no metaphor, nothing. A concept album set in the future (sound familiar) it offers no insight as to why it’s even a concept album or why they’re going to Mars. We’re going to Mars tra la. Prog rockers have always been more concerned with textures, times signatures and virtuosity than lyrics. Give me Crystal Ball please not this stuff. And I love Crystal Ball!

Perhaps Tommy’s insecurity drove him to prove that he could make a concept album too, just like Dennis. In the past his insecurity and jealousy kept Styx from staying together and from possibly having 2 hit records, one of them he wrote.
After the lack of depth in lyrics the most obvious problem with the Mission are it’s lack of rock songs (we just wanna rock). After Gone Gone Gone there isn’t much rock just listen to Equinox for comparison.
Tommy Shaw’s lyrics are among some of my favorites off Styx albums. He speaks for the outsider struggling to find himself in the wilderness that is life. Millions of Styx fans would agree. But not here, this doesn’t sound like Tommy speaking there’s no personal insight no soul. Where’s the clever turn of a phrase “and the fun never ends as long as I’m buyin”

And where’s JY? He has admitted to not being in favor of the project. He seems absent not only here but in general. His main job these days seems to be do the interviews and trash Dennis repeating the same lies he has told for 20 years. And they were lies. He’s been relegated to sing Lorelei and Light Up to find relevance.

Read Todd’s posts carefully as well, it sounds like he was told what to play long distance. Could Tommy’s new friend be the real writer and creator of this record and Tommy just went a long with it?
I’d like to think so and that Tommy’s wonderful creativity still exists. Tommy ordained his buddy the producer, certainly not JY. The others musicians don’t count they are not members of Styx it’s JY and Tommy.and they have no claim on the name.

Lawrence Gowan’s voice is always better than when he’s degrading Dennis’s songs. From Dennis DeYoung to Ron Nevison to who’s this producer?

Everyone knows it’s Tommy’s band and that no one else’s opinion counts anymore and the Mission proves it. He uses the Styx name for solo shows and projects while JY waits for his marching orders. Even now he releases a Led Zeppelin cover on the day of Dennis’s album release. Not even a Styx song, a vanity project. And that’s a coincidence. Sure. If Dennis does an interview Tommy follows right behind even now claiming they have enough songs for a double album. JY go sit in the corner like a good boy. Tommy didn’t even mentioned him in an interview on this new project.

Outside of Gone Gone Gone which sounds like something from the Wooden Nickel days the Mission is repetitive in tone and nature and the songs all sound the same, something you could never say about a Styx record. They run together.
I hate to come back to this but where’s the rock, they have been harping on it for 20 years and it’s woefully missing, maybe Dennis stopped them from rocking with his supernatural ego maniacal ways. Where’s Midnight Ride or Miss America.

For those those who only care about the style or sound of the music then maybe the Mission suits you. Fine. Me I want great memorable melodies and choruses with thought provoking lyrics, great songs of which the Mission is lacking in all ways. Please don’t give us music from some unknown person whose greatest accomplishment seems to be catering to Tommy Shaw’s ego. Where’s the rock, gone gone gone.....

Favorite track "Locomotive".
Composer Lyricist: Tommy Shaw
Composer Lyricist: Will Evankovich

[Monker]

That is less of a review of The Mission and more of you taking the opportunity to rag on Tommy and Styx.

The only thing I will say is you do not have to be releasing Progressive music to release a concept album. Styx has not been that type of band since Cornerstone. Not even KWH is Progressive. It's a silly critique for you to make.

[LtVanish]

I’ll be waiting for your honest opinion of The Mission. I’m sure several of us here will be interested in what you think of it.

I had time last night and today to listen to the Mission. I was on YouTube for the songs. It's funny, I played Locomotive a more than a few times and after each time I listened, the next song played on YouTube is A Kingdom Ablaze by DDY. Crazy!!

Here's what I think of the album and my thoughts as I was listening.....

First: It’s much more Styx like than Cyclorama.

The Mission is a concept album without one. There isn’t an ounce of lyrical depth, no metaphor, nothing. A concept album set in the future (sound familiar) it offers no insight as to why it’s even a concept album or why they’re going to Mars. We’re going to Mars tra la. Prog rockers have always been more concerned with textures, times signatures and virtuosity than lyrics. Give me Crystal Ball please not this stuff. And I love Crystal Ball!

Perhaps Tommy’s insecurity drove him to prove that he could make a concept album too, just like Dennis. In the past his insecurity and jealousy kept Styx from staying together and from possibly having 2 hit records, one of them he wrote.
After the lack of depth in lyrics the most obvious problem with the Mission are it’s lack of rock songs (we just wanna rock). After Gone Gone Gone there isn’t much rock just listen to Equinox for comparison.
Tommy Shaw’s lyrics are among some of my favorites off Styx albums. He speaks for the outsider struggling to find himself in the wilderness that is life. Millions of Styx fans would agree. But not here, this doesn’t sound like Tommy speaking there’s no personal insight no soul. Where’s the clever turn of a phrase “and the fun never ends as long as I’m buyin”

And where’s JY? He has admitted to not being in favor of the project. He seems absent not only here but in general. His main job these days seems to be do the interviews and trash Dennis repeating the same lies he has told for 20 years. And they were lies. He’s been relegated to sing Lorelei and Light Up to find relevance.

Read Todd’s posts carefully as well, it sounds like he was told what to play long distance. Could Tommy’s new friend be the real writer and creator of this record and Tommy just went a long with it?
I’d like to think so and that Tommy’s wonderful creativity still exists. Tommy ordained his buddy the producer, certainly not JY. The others musicians don’t count they are not members of Styx it’s JY and Tommy.and they have no claim on the name.

Lawrence Gowan’s voice is always better than when he’s degrading Dennis’s songs. From Dennis DeYoung to Ron Nevison to who’s this producer?

Everyone knows it’s Tommy’s band and that no one else’s opinion counts anymore and the Mission proves it. He uses the Styx name for solo shows and projects while JY waits for his marching orders. Even now he releases a Led Zeppelin cover on the day of Dennis’s album release. Not even a Styx song, a vanity project. And that’s a coincidence. Sure. If Dennis does an interview Tommy follows right behind even now claiming they have enough songs for a double album. JY go sit in the corner like a good boy. Tommy didn’t even mentioned him in an interview on this new project.

Outside of Gone Gone Gone which sounds like something from the Wooden Nickel days the Mission is repetitive in tone and nature and the songs all sound the same, something you could never say about a Styx record. They run together.
I hate to come back to this but where’s the rock, they have been harping on it for 20 years and it’s woefully missing, maybe Dennis stopped them from rocking with his supernatural ego maniacal ways. Where’s Midnight Ride or Miss America.

For those those who only care about the style or sound of the music then maybe the Mission suits you. Fine. Me I want great memorable melodies and choruses with thought provoking lyrics, great songs of which the Mission is lacking in all ways. Please don’t give us music from some unknown person whose greatest accomplishment seems to be catering to Tommy Shaw’s ego. Where’s the rock, gone gone gone.....

Favorite track "Locomotive".
Composer Lyricist: Tommy Shaw
Composer Lyricist: Will Evankovich

This is the best review of the Mission I think I have read to date. Good job nailed it

[ChicagoSTYX]

That is less of a review of The Mission and more of you taking the opportunity to rag on Tommy and Styx.

The only thing I will say is you do not have to be releasing Progressive music to release a concept album. Styx has not been that type of band since Cornerstone. Not even KWH is Progressive. It's a silly critique for you to make.

I agree with Monker, most of what you wrote was ripping the band and not about the music. At least you listened to it and I agree that it’s more Styx than Cyclorama is. Listening on YouTube takes away from the concept. These songs flow into one another seamlessly and you cant get that on YouTube. You ask where are the rock songs? Maybe give another listen to Red Storm, The Outpost, and Radio Silence. I feel these songs are right up there with the best Styx has ever done. I don’t think of a rock song as a tempo but rather an arrangement. Is Come Together by The Beatles a rock song? Not according to your standards. Either way, I’m glad you gave it a listen. Now we have 2 more new albums to look forward to. Volume 2 and the new Styx album.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

When the album Mission came out I admit I didn't listen to it (just saw one video of a song), anyway, now that I listened to it and I'm looking at the background of the album.

I looked up the Mission and the writers. I don't understand why the current band isn't writing their own songs? Why do they need to bring someone else on board for most of the songs? (I know early Styx had a few songs that were co-written by non-band members).

I didn't go through old reviews or interviews about the album, but I'm wondering if anyone can answer before I have to go back and try to find out.

I keep forgetting that Ricky Phillips is with the band, no offense. However, he did co-write a few songs with both the Baby's and Bad English (I love the Baby's and Bad English) Is there a reason he didn't co-write any songs on this album? Maybe he chose not to, I don't know, but wondering.





Track listing
No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocal(s) Length
1. "Overture" Tommy Shaw Instrumental 1:23
2. "Gone Gone Gone"
Shaw Will Evankovich James "JY" Young
Gowan 2:07
3. "Hundred Million Miles from Home"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 3:39
4. "Trouble at the Big Show"
Shaw Evankovich Young
Young 2:30
5. "Locomotive"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 5:03
6. "Radio Silence"
Shaw Evankovich Lawrence Gowan
Shaw 4:17
7. "The Greater Good"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
ShawGowan
4:10
8. "Time May Bend"
Shaw Evankovich
Gowan 2:30
9. "Ten Thousand Ways"
Shaw Gowan
Group 1:22
10. "Red Storm"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 6:04
11. "All Systems Stable"
Shaw Evankovich GowanTodd Sucherman
Shaw 0:17
12. "Khedive"
Shaw Gowan
Group 2:04
13. "The Outpost"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
Gowan 3:51
14. "Mission to Mars" Shaw Shaw 2:43

[StyxGuy]

Read Todd’s posts carefully as well, it sounds like he was told what to play long distance. Could Tommy’s new friend be the real writer and creator of this record and Tommy just went a long with it?

I think it was either an interview with Lawrence or Todd (maybe Todd posted on FB) in recent months who stated that Tommy (and JY) wanted everyone together in the studio during the recording sessions.

Todd has been posting about how he was supposed to go to Nashville to record his parts but now will just be doing it at home (I guess it's important this album gets finished now) which hopefully doesn't compromise the quality of the finished product... should be fine these days.

I will also add that from anything I can tell from all the years of interviews, etc... all JY cares about is working and rocking and not necessarily being in charge. If he's on tour, he's happy and if he's not in charge of a new album, he doesn't care as long as Dennis isn't forcing him to sing ballads and act on stage. Tommy wants to keep some 'new life' in the band (lets be honest, a few new songs people actually like are great for a somewhat stagnant set list) and JY's happy to support that as long as he's touring.

I enjoy most of the songs on The Mission and I've played it a LOT. I am happy to get new music form the guys, I really couldn't find much appreciation for Cyclorama so this made me pretty happy


As for Will, all I can say is when I hear he's in The Guess Who I kind of laugh. They've still got their original drummer and bassist, but Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings left years ago and they wrote/sang every single one of their hits. I couldn't imagine seeing The Guess Who with other people singing their songs and not thinking it's just a cover band and I'm sure it plays into why the band books less shows than Dennis DeYoung.

[Monker]

This shouldn't make any difference. They are either good songs, or not. Who wrote them shouldn't matter.

From what I understand, Tommy came up with the idea for The Mission and started writing. He then brought in Evonkovich because he had worked with him in the past. They wrote most of the songs together until they were at a point where they had to bring in the rest of the band to finish the songs and start recording.

So, yes, The Mission was very much a Tommy led project. But, to say that it was a Tommy solo project that he put under the Styx moniker is complete bullshit and insulting.

If you recall, at that time JY was against releasing a CD. He would rather put a couple singles on live releases, etc. In a more recent interview he's admitted that there has to come a time when that path is dried up and you have to release new songs. That is exactly where Styx was.

A lot of people were vocal about wanting new music. Critics like you were insulting the band for not putting forth new music. So, Tommy led a charge to do exactly that...and it was well received and mildly successful, certainly more success than anybody thought would happen. Then you find ways to critique and insult Tommy and Styx for that. Now they will have a follow...and I'm sure you'll find a way to insult that, too...because you don't care about "Styx". You care only about the version of Styx that is stuck in your head as the only true and valid version of the band.

[Monker]

About Cyclorama, and the opinion that it is not "Styx" or does not sound enough like "Styx", or whatever...

I think Cyclorama represents Styx very well for where they were at that point in time. You had Glen bringing in songs, you had Tommy bringing in songs, you had Gowan contributing a couple songs and rerecording "Criminal Mind". There was even a "left over" Styx song that Dennis refused to record with "These Are the Times". It sounds very much like Styx should have sounded at that time.

IMO, "These Are the Times" is my favorite JY led song that Styx has ever done. Also, "One With Everything" is one of the best songs Styx has ever done.

The extra bits with Tenacious D, John Waite, and Billy Bob Thornton are bits I don't care one way or the other. It's not like you can't skip them if you don't want to listen to them. For me, they don't take away anything from the album.

I also like Cyclorama more than The Mission. To me, The Mission was far too short. They should have added at least two more songs to it to make it last longer. I like ALL of the songs on The Mission, but none of them stand out in the same way as "These Are the Times" and "One With Everything" do on Cyclorama. The Mission is good, but could have been better. Cyclorama, IMO, is as good of an album as they could have released.

[LtVanish]

About Cyclorama, and the opinion that it is not "Styx" or does not sound enough like "Styx", or whatever...

I think Cyclorama represents Styx very well for where they were at that point in time. You had Glen bringing in songs, you had Tommy bringing in songs, you had Gowan contributing a couple songs and rerecording "Criminal Mind". There was even a "left over" Styx song that Dennis refused to record with "These Are the Times". It sounds very much like Styx should have sounded at that time.

IMO, "These Are the Times" is my favorite JY led song that Styx has ever done. Also, "One With Everything" is one of the best songs Styx has ever done.

The extra bits with Tenacious D, John Waite, and Billy Bob Thornton are bits I don't care one way or the other. It's not like you can't skip them if you don't want to listen to them. For me, they don't take away anything from the album.

I also like Cyclorama more than The Mission. To me, The Mission was far too short. They should have added at least two more songs to it to make it last longer. I like ALL of the songs on The Mission, but none of them stand out in the same way as "These Are the Times" and "One With Everything" do on Cyclorama. The Mission is good, but could have been better. Cyclorama, IMO, is as good of an album as they could have released.

These are the Times is such a great song! I really like the two Gowan songs a lot, Fields of the Brave and More Love For The Money. There was a lot of great variety of songs on that album which is why I think it represents Styx well. I'm looking forward to seeing what they have in store for the next album, I hope it has the variety like Cycorama. I will say the production of the Mission was great, it is mixed and recorded really well.

[yogi]

I liked both Cyclorama & The Mission. My by far favorite on Cyclorama was Killing the Thing That You Love. I thought it was fantastic. I also really enjoyed These Are The Times, One With Everything, More Love For the Money, Yes I Can& Do Things My Way. Hell I still listen to that CD. It’s got a great variety.

I liked every song on The Mission with Locomotive being an all time favorite Styx song of mine. The Red Storm totally rocks. Todd’s great on that song. The duet Tommy & Gowan sing ‘The Greater Good ‘ is as good or better than Tommy & DDYs duet Haven’t We Been Here Before. That too is a great song. I think the albums fantastic.

With all that said I like 26 East better than both The Mission & Cyclorama. It’s been my exclusive music listening since it’s release. It’s a great album!!

[ChicagoSTYX]

When the album Mission came out I admit I didn't listen to it (just saw one video of a song), anyway, now that I listened to it and I'm looking at the background of the album.

I looked up the Mission and the writers. I don't understand why the current band isn't writing their own songs? Why do they need to bring someone else on board for most of the songs? (I know early Styx had a few songs that were co-written by non-band members).

I didn't go through old reviews or interviews about the album, but I'm wondering if anyone can answer before I have to go back and try to find out.

I keep forgetting that Ricky Phillips is with the band, no offense. However, he did co-write a few songs with both the Baby's and Bad English (I love the Baby's and Bad English) Is there a reason he didn't co-write any songs on this album? Maybe he chose not to, I don't know, but wondering.





Track listing
No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocal(s) Length
1. "Overture" Tommy Shaw Instrumental 1:23
2. "Gone Gone Gone"
Shaw Will Evankovich James "JY" Young
Gowan 2:07
3. "Hundred Million Miles from Home"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 3:39
4. "Trouble at the Big Show"
Shaw Evankovich Young
Young 2:30
5. "Locomotive"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 5:03
6. "Radio Silence"
Shaw Evankovich Lawrence Gowan
Shaw 4:17
7. "The Greater Good"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
ShawGowan
4:10
8. "Time May Bend"
Shaw Evankovich
Gowan 2:30
9. "Ten Thousand Ways"
Shaw Gowan
Group 1:22
10. "Red Storm"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 6:04
11. "All Systems Stable"
Shaw Evankovich GowanTodd Sucherman
Shaw 0:17
12. "Khedive"
Shaw Gowan
Group 2:04
13. "The Outpost"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
Gowan 3:51
14. "Mission to Mars" Shaw Shaw 2:43

It's okay for DDY to have Jim Peterik co-write songs for his album but not Styx have Will E. co-write some songs on their album. What's the difference? There are some on this board that consider DDY the main force behind the 70s-80s Styx albums but he can't write an album by himself after 10 years with no new music?

[ztyxlynne]

When the album Mission came out I admit I didn't listen to it (just saw one video of a song), anyway, now that I listened to it and I'm looking at the background of the album.

I looked up the Mission and the writers. I don't understand why the current band isn't writing their own songs? Why do they need to bring someone else on board for most of the songs? (I know early Styx had a few songs that were co-written by non-band members).

I didn't go through old reviews or interviews about the album, but I'm wondering if anyone can answer before I have to go back and try to find out.

I keep forgetting that Ricky Phillips is with the band, no offense. However, he did co-write a few songs with both the Baby's and Bad English (I love the Baby's and Bad English) Is there a reason he didn't co-write any songs on this album? Maybe he chose not to, I don't know, but wondering.





Track listing
No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocal(s) Length
1. "Overture" Tommy Shaw Instrumental 1:23
2. "Gone Gone Gone"
Shaw Will Evankovich James "JY" Young
Gowan 2:07
3. "Hundred Million Miles from Home"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 3:39
4. "Trouble at the Big Show"
Shaw Evankovich Young
Young 2:30
5. "Locomotive"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 5:03
6. "Radio Silence"
Shaw Evankovich Lawrence Gowan
Shaw 4:17
7. "The Greater Good"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
ShawGowan
4:10
8. "Time May Bend"
Shaw Evankovich
Gowan 2:30
9. "Ten Thousand Ways"
Shaw Gowan
Group 1:22
10. "Red Storm"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 6:04
11. "All Systems Stable"
Shaw Evankovich GowanTodd Sucherman
Shaw 0:17
12. "Khedive"
Shaw Gowan
Group 2:04
13. "The Outpost"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
Gowan 3:51
14. "Mission to Mars" Shaw Shaw 2:43

It's okay for DDY to have Jim Peterik co-write songs for his album but not Styx have Will E. co-write some songs on their album. What's the difference? There are some on this board that consider DDY the main force behind the 70s-80s Styx albums but he can't write an album by himself after 10 years with no new music?

He can write after 10 years of new music but it sounds like Jim P is the one who talked him into making new music, then became friends and wrote together.

As far as Cyclorama and Mission, Cyclorama stands out to me more mainly because of Glenn B. I wish he would be on Vol2

[SuiteMadameBlue]

That is less of a review of The Mission and more of you taking the opportunity to rag on Tommy and Styx.

The only thing I will say is you do not have to be releasing Progressive music to release a concept album. Styx has not been that type of band since Cornerstone. Not even KWH is Progressive. It's a silly critique for you to make.

You’re right it doesn’t, Paradise Theater is the best example of a concept album that’s not prog. However they themselves have repeatedly spoken about returning to their prog roots with this album as well as the next. Going so far as to brag about “tricky time signatures”. I’m not much of an expert on time signatures nor do I care. So if that’s how they wished to be seen fine but that stuff is for a small part of the once happy and united fan base.

It wouldn’t matter to me what I listened to the Mission on because the concept is in the lyrics, and these lyrics never say anything of meaning. They are amateurish and say nothing about why we the listener should care about these men or their journey. They are emotionless. That’s not Tommy. That’s not our “man in the wilderness”. Where is the insight of GI, PO8, PARADISE THEATER, KILROY WAS HERE.
When you say seamless I think that’s arrangement and yes it’s well done. But in doing it this way it points out the sameness of it all. It runs together. Styx albums were connected but each song felt new and different. The harmonies are beautiful but they sound like Tommy, I miss Dennis in there as well as JY. Styx harmonies are unique but are missing from the Mission. As far as rock being absent I think defining “rock” down to fit this music flies in the face of all who have constantly blamed Dennis for softening the band. By your definition First Time’s chorus with power chords, power Styx harmonies and a rockin vocal followed by a soaring guitar solo would qualify. But I wouldn’t call First Time Rock, it’s just Styx.

Finally the Mission is not a bad album and to all of you who have gotten joy from it, then mission accomplished. As for me I’ll stay here on earth at 26 East.

A Styx fan speaks........
Before Dennis was replaced I loved Styx. I was a fan of both Tommy and Dennis and I would have been hard pressed to choose between them. After I found out the truth about his departure and the lies were revealed I and so many others felt betrayed. We saw Dennis as wronged but more importantly we saw Tommy and JY as liars who destroyed what we loved, Styx.
Dennis never deserved the character assassination they heaped on him nor the denigration of his work. It was all so unnecessary. If we the fans liked a particular song we didn't need to be told we were fools to have bought it and liked it. Shame on them. This is why for me any discussion of the new band is difficult even when asked to review the Mission.
I feel sorry for us all to be in this position and many times I have have disconnected from this long running feud and gauging by this site so many others have as well. For those who have thrived on the conflict and can’t wait to say something awful about Dennis that’s on you. Me, I will dream of the best of times when Styx fans were united in their joy for the band.

Forever Styx - Suite Madame Blue

[SuiteMadameBlue]

See post below..................

[SuiteMadameBlue]

When the album Mission came out I admit I didn't listen to it (just saw one video of a song), anyway, now that I listened to it and I'm looking at the background of the album.

I looked up the Mission and the writers. I don't understand why the current band isn't writing their own songs? Why do they need to bring someone else on board for most of the songs? (I know early Styx had a few songs that were co-written by non-band members).

I didn't go through old reviews or interviews about the album, but I'm wondering if anyone can answer before I have to go back and try to find out.

I keep forgetting that Ricky Phillips is with the band, no offense. However, he did co-write a few songs with both the Baby's and Bad English (I love the Baby's and Bad English) Is there a reason he didn't co-write any songs on this album? Maybe he chose not to, I don't know, but wondering.





Track listing
No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocal(s) Length
1. "Overture" Tommy Shaw Instrumental 1:23
2. "Gone Gone Gone"
Shaw Will Evankovich James "JY" Young
Gowan 2:07
3. "Hundred Million Miles from Home"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 3:39
4. "Trouble at the Big Show"
Shaw Evankovich Young
Young 2:30
5. "Locomotive"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 5:03
6. "Radio Silence"
Shaw Evankovich Lawrence Gowan
Shaw 4:17
7. "The Greater Good"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
ShawGowan
4:10
8. "Time May Bend"
Shaw Evankovich
Gowan 2:30
9. "Ten Thousand Ways"
Shaw Gowan
Group 1:22
10. "Red Storm"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 6:04
11. "All Systems Stable"
Shaw Evankovich GowanTodd Sucherman
Shaw 0:17
12. "Khedive"
Shaw Gowan
Group 2:04
13. "The Outpost"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
Gowan 3:51
14. "Mission to Mars" Shaw Shaw 2:43

It's okay for DDY to have Jim Peterik co-write songs for his album but not Styx have Will E. co-write some songs on their album. What's the difference? There are some on this board that consider DDY the main force behind the 70s-80s Styx albums but he can't write an album by himself after 10 years with no new music?

Short answer yes. The difference as you well know is JY and Tommy are Styx now and have been so for 21 years.
Dennis does not have the advantage nor the burden of that claim. They do. He recorded a solo album. He doesn’t even have the burden of sounding like Styx. But he does when he chooses.

Facts:
Styx has recorded two Albums in 21 years with a possible writing pool of 9 writers.
At this point Dennis has done the same with 2 writers. With 7 songs for a third album already done.
In that time Tommy has written 6 all by himself for Styx and Dennis 17. And your point was what? Tommy didn’t create the Mission with JY his oldest collaborator. Please don’t say JY was against it he didn’t even know about it for a year. Imagine if Dennis did this, you and El Dupe’ and The Great Dane would be screaming that he’s a controlling egotist. Don’t deny it everyone on this site know this. But since you drank the BATHWATER you now have no choice but to make excuses for them.

Dennis did lead the band during that time you mentioned read Tommy’s interview that I have posted twice, he said so clearly. And as the leader, made sure that all three writers were well represented. He has said in interviews that he would stop writing to keep the balance. Every concept album was his but he always brought it to the band before proceeding and not hide away with some nobody crafting it in secret. Are you truly that blind.
The point I have been making per your request in my review was that the Mission was lacking good songs. And by looking at some new comments on this site they seem to support that opinion. No one including you has explained the concept beyond they’re going to Mars. It’s the Emperor’s clothes.
Having to choose between the 2 albums so far fans here like Cyclorama’s songs better. You asked me to listen and I have.

[Monker]

You’re right it doesn’t, Paradise Theater is the best example of a concept album that’s not prog. However they themselves have repeatedly spoken about returning to their prog roots with this album as well as the next. Going so far as to brag about “tricky time signatures”. I’m not much of an expert on time signatures nor do I care. So if that’s how they wished to be seen fine but that stuff is for a small part of the once happy and united fan base.

That is exactly what they did. It is the reason why you say this sounds more like Styx than Cyclorama. The added instrumentals. They added more keyboards and classical overtures. Those are absolutely progressive influences. They do not have to be in the Progressive genre to write progressive songs. Those are two different things.

It wouldn’t matter to me what I listened to the Mission on because the concept is in the lyrics, and these lyrics never say anything of meaning.

Styx was asked to visit NASA when the New Horizon mission arrived at Pluto. They saw some of the first high definition images of Pluto, before they were released to the public. That included one of the new moons that was discovered and named Styx. The other moons are named; Charon (the name of the ferryman who helps souls cross the river Styx), Kerberos (The three headed dog that guards Hell), and Nix (goddess of night).

That visit to NASA is what inspired Tommy to start writing The Mission.

Those songs do have meaning. Songs about dealing with the distance and being away from people you love. Songs about the million things that can go wrong. Songs about teamwork and over coming problems. There is all kinds of meaningful stuff there that you just conveniently ignore.

Tommy talked about those things in various interview. I am impressed that he knows so much about this "space stuff".

They are amateurish and say nothing about why we the listener should care about these men or their journey. They are emotionless. That’s not Tommy. That’s not our “man in the wilderness”. Where is the insight of GI, PO8, PARADISE THEATER, KILROY WAS HERE.

I don't think that's true at all.

When you say seamless I think that’s arrangement and yes it’s well done. But in doing it this way it points out the sameness of it all. It runs together. Styx albums were connected but each song felt new and different.

I have never felt "Cold War" or "Haven't We Been Here Before" had any connection to Robotos. In fact, "Don't Let It End" doesn't seem to either. Tommy's songs seem to be more about his conflicts with Dennis and Styx then about the concept and "Don't Let It End" seems like a token attempt at having a 'hit single'.

The harmonies are beautiful but they sound like Tommy, I miss Dennis in there as well as JY. Styx harmonies are unique but are missing from the Mission.

I don't think that is true at all. I think it is definitely Tommy/Gowan and JY. I think most can see that is one of the big changes between Cyclorama and The Mission...the harmony vocals are much better.

As far as rock being absent I think defining “rock” down to fit this music flies in the face of all who have constantly blamed Dennis for softening the band.

That's just not true at all.

By your definition First Time’s chorus with power chords, power Styx harmonies and a rockin vocal followed by a soaring guitar solo would qualify. But I wouldn’t call First Time Rock, it’s just Styx.

"First Time" is a sticky sweet mushy love ballad. And, Dennis doing falsetto is so annoying. He doesn't need to.

Styx shouldn't try to be Air Supply.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj6Qg3z ... FU&index=9

Finally the Mission is not a bad album and to all of you who have gotten joy from it, then mission accomplished. As for me I’ll stay here on earth at 26 East.

So, for you, it is OK for Dennis to replace the entire band and try to sound like Styx but Styx allowing its history to influence the current band is wrong, bad, not good enough, etc. Makes perfect sense. Not.

A Styx fan speaks........
Before Dennis was replaced I loved Styx. I was a fan of both Tommy and Dennis and I would have been hard pressed to choose between them. After I found out the truth about his departure and the lies were revealed I and so many others felt betrayed. We saw Dennis as wronged but more importantly we saw Tommy and JY as liars who destroyed what we loved, Styx.

And, you can't even consider the fact that there are reasons Dennis was fired prior to PT. It is beyond your ability to understand that those issues continued all the way to BNW. You refuse to believe there are reasons beyond cocaine that Tommy put his hand through glass to end the KWH tour. You can not even admit that KWH *DID* fracture the band and alienate a portion of the fan base. It's all lies...no angst existed prior to the BTM...as DDY's propaganda says. Yeah, right.

Dennis never deserved the character assassination they heaped on him nor the denigration of his work. It was all so unnecessary.

"his work" That's part of the issue. His arrogance believes that everything "Styx" that was successful was because of HIM, not the band as a whole. It's all because of him. And, all the failures are everybody elses fault. All the things that didn't go his way were mistakes that would have been better if the decisions had just gone his way.

That is dominating, dictating, arrogance that makes him a pain in the ass to work with.

If we the fans liked a particular song we didn't need to be told we were fools to have bought it and liked it. Shame on them. This is why for me any discussion of the new band is difficult even when asked to review the Mission.

That is because you are so far up Dennis' ass that you can't see that blaming everybody else and not taking ANY responsibility for the breakup is DDY not facing reality, not admitting his own faults. And, then asking for a "one last time" does nothing but show his sick obsession with the past and an inability to let it go.

I feel sorry for us all to be in this position and many times I have have disconnected from this long running feud and gauging by this site so many others have as well. For those who have thrived on the conflict and can’t wait to say something awful about Dennis that’s on you. Me, I will dream of the best of times when Styx fans were united in their joy for the band.

That would be fantasies of 40yrs ago.

I remember going on and on about these same arguments back in the early 90's. "KWH sucks!" "No, KWH is my favorite album, it's why I'm a Styx fan!" Then Glen joining just threw salt into the wound...him singing Tommy's songs. I remember seeing Styx on Arsenio and feeling that Glen looked so out of place, that he didn't seem to know what to do. And, arguing and arguing about Edge and if it was "Styx" enough, if Glen was a good choice or not. Then "10 on Broadway" and how this is the exact reason why Styx had broke up, Dennis' Broadway obsession. Then, of course, Hunchback dominated everything and he seemed obsessed with it...even through BNW and the start of him being solo.

There has NEVER been a time online where Styx fans were not split and arguing with each other.

[Monker]

Short answer yes. The difference as you well know is JY and Tommy are Styx now and have been so for 21 years.
Dennis does not have the advantage nor the burden of that claim. They do. He recorded a solo album. He doesn’t even have the burden of sounding like Styx. But he does when he chooses.

That is completely different then what you were saying. You were insulting Tommy by saying he needed Evankavich to write the songs. You said Tommy was using Styx to release a solo album. You even went so far to say that maybe Tommy didn't write it and Evankavich did.

Facts:
Styx has recorded two Albums in 21 years with a possible writing pool of 9 writers.

Not completely true. Since Cyclorama, JY's idea was to record singles and add them to the live albums. From the CYO to their tour with REO, there are enough singles to fill up another album.

At this point Dennis has done the same with 2 writers. With 7 songs for a third album already done.

No, he hasn't...not if you include all of those singles on the live albums. And, Styx will have another album out, too.

In that time Tommy has written 6 all by himself for Styx and Dennis 17. And your point was what?

And, your point is what?

Tommy didn’t create the Mission with JY his oldest collaborator.

So? Dennis didn't create his last album with his oldest colaborator either, himself.

Please don’t say JY was against it he didn’t even know about it for a year.

JY did not want to spend the time to release another CD. As I said, he wanted to release singles. That is a simple fact. Tommy worked on it by himself until he was at a point where he had to bring in the rest of the band. That's what happened.

Imagine if Dennis did this, you and El Dupe’ and The Great Dane would be screaming that he’s a controlling egotist.

I do not hear the band complaining. The Mission has Gowan all over it...he has a lot of vocals, instrumentals, and keyboard work. JY has his song. Why should I complain if they don't?

Don’t deny it everyone on this site know this. But since you drank the BATHWATER you now have no choice but to make excuses for them.

Oh, if I felt Styx was not acting like a band and Tommy took over DDY's dictator spot, I would absolutely say so.

Dennis did lead the band during that time you mentioned read Tommy’s interview that I have posted twice, he said so clearly. And as the leader, made sure that all three writers were well represented. He has said in interviews that he would stop writing to keep the balance.

And, The Mission seems to be just as well balanced as say, EotC.

Every concept album was his

Yeah, every successful album was His. Every good idea was His. The Styx "sound" was His creation. All that good and successful stuff was His. And, every bad decision, all the not so good stuff, all of that was somebody else and would have been better if people had just listened to Him.

The point I have been making per your request in my review was that the Mission was lacking good songs. And by looking at some new comments on this site they seem to support that opinion.

Uh, I do not see anybody but you saying The Mission lacked "good songs"...A few people are just saying they like Cyclorama better.

No one including you has explained the concept beyond they’re going to Mars.

Journey's "Eclipse" album is a concept album because all the songs somewhat relate to spirituality. There doesn't have to be this deep meaning as you are looking for. This is such a non-issue...you are just looking for things to hate.

[gr8dane]

When the album Mission came out I admit I didn't listen to it (just saw one video of a song), anyway, now that I listened to it and I'm looking at the background of the album.

I looked up the Mission and the writers. I don't understand why the current band isn't writing their own songs? Why do they need to bring someone else on board for most of the songs? (I know early Styx had a few songs that were co-written by non-band members).

I didn't go through old reviews or interviews about the album, but I'm wondering if anyone can answer before I have to go back and try to find out.

I keep forgetting that Ricky Phillips is with the band, no offense. However, he did co-write a few songs with both the Baby's and Bad English (I love the Baby's and Bad English) Is there a reason he didn't co-write any songs on this album? Maybe he chose not to, I don't know, but wondering.





Track listing
No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocal(s) Length
1. "Overture" Tommy Shaw Instrumental 1:23
2. "Gone Gone Gone"
Shaw Will Evankovich James "JY" Young
Gowan 2:07
3. "Hundred Million Miles from Home"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 3:39
4. "Trouble at the Big Show"
Shaw Evankovich Young
Young 2:30
5. "Locomotive"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 5:03
6. "Radio Silence"
Shaw Evankovich Lawrence Gowan
Shaw 4:17
7. "The Greater Good"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
ShawGowan
4:10
8. "Time May Bend"
Shaw Evankovich
Gowan 2:30
9. "Ten Thousand Ways"
Shaw Gowan
Group 1:22
10. "Red Storm"
Shaw Evankovich
Shaw 6:04
11. "All Systems Stable"
Shaw Evankovich GowanTodd Sucherman
Shaw 0:17
12. "Khedive"
Shaw Gowan
Group 2:04
13. "The Outpost"
Shaw Evankovich Gowan
Gowan 3:51
14. "Mission to Mars" Shaw Shaw 2:43

It's okay for DDY to have Jim Peterik co-write songs for his album but not Styx have Will E. co-write some songs on their album. What's the difference? There are some on this board that consider DDY the main force behind the 70s-80s Styx albums but he can't write an album by himself after 10 years with no new music?

Short answer yes. The difference as you well know is JY and Tommy are Styx now and have been so for 21 years.
Dennis does not have the advantage nor the burden of that claim. They do. He recorded a solo album. He doesn’t even have the burden of sounding like Styx. But he does when he chooses.

Facts:
Styx has recorded two Albums in 21 years with a possible writing pool of 9 writers.
At this point Dennis has done the same with 2 writers. With 7 songs for a third album already done.
In that time Tommy has written 6 all by himself for Styx and Dennis 17. And your point was what? Tommy didn’t create the Mission with JY his oldest collaborator. Please don’t say JY was against it he didn’t even know about it for a year. Imagine if Dennis did this, you and El Dupe’ and The Great Dane would be screaming that he’s a controlling egotist. Don’t deny it everyone on this site know this. But since you drank the BATHWATER you now have no choice but to make excuses for them.

Dennis did lead the band during that time you mentioned read Tommy’s interview that I have posted twice, he said so clearly. And as the leader, made sure that all three writers were well represented. He has said in interviews that he would stop writing to keep the balance. Every concept album was his but he always brought it to the band before proceeding and not hide away with some nobody crafting it in secret. Are you truly that blind.
The point I have been making per your request in my review was that the Mission was lacking good songs. And by looking at some new comments on this site they seem to support that opinion. No one including you has explained the concept beyond they’re going to Mars. It’s the Emperor’s clothes.
Having to choose between the 2 albums so far fans here like Cyclorama’s songs better. You asked me to listen and I have.

Thank you for mentioning me.
A little while ago, I asked you to ask Dennis,when you saw him next time,..If he had any regrets about things, he did, to get himself sacked .There must have been something? Things he would do different, ?..
You said you would ask him.Did you ?
In case you have forgotten, that you said you would, maybe you can ask him next time you see him.Thank you.
'Hey Denny,Why you think Styx fired you ?
What could you possibly have done to them, to hating your guts ?
What would you do different now, if you could do it over again ?
You can of course ask from me, if you do not like to make it look like you were interested .
Thanks Suite.Appreciated.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Thank you for mentioning me.
A little while ago, I asked you to ask Dennis,when you saw him next time,..If he had any regrets about things, he did, to get himself sacked .There must have been something? Things he would do different, ?..
You said you would ask him.Did you ?
In case you have forgotten, that you said you would, maybe you can ask him next time you see him.Thank you.
'Hey Denny,Why you think Styx fired you ?
What could you possibly have done to them, to hating your guts ?
What would you do different now, if you could do it over again ?
You can of course ask from me, if you do not like to make it look like you were interested .
Thanks Suite.Appreciated.[/quote]

I'm curious, how old are you and do you have a full time job where you have to communicate with other people?

Could you please word your questions differently, thank you.

[gr8dane]

Thank you for mentioning me.
A little while ago, I asked you to ask Dennis,when you saw him next time,..If he had any regrets about things, he did, to get himself sacked .There must have been something? Things he would do different, ?..
You said you would ask him.Did you ?
In case you have forgotten, that you said you would, maybe you can ask him next time you see him.Thank you.
'Hey Denny,Why you think Styx fired you ?
What could you possibly have done to them, to hating your guts ?
What would you do different now, if you could do it over again ?
You can of course ask from me, if you do not like to make it look like you were interested .
Thanks Suite.Appreciated.

I'm curious, how old are you and do you have a full time job where you have to communicate with other people


Could you please word your questions differently, thank you.[/quote]

I am 60.Retired for 10 ,so I pretty much choose, who I communicate with.So as few as possible.

Just one question, to keep it simple.

Question .Dennis,What do you think are the reasons, for Styx,to not want to have anything to do with you ?

Thank you Dennis.Thank you Laurie