Blue Collar Man 2004

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Here's some news for the Carrot Styx fans.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050314/145233_1.html

Styx Unveils ``Big Bang Theory'' -- the Great Rock Songbook
Monday March 14, 10:00 am ET
Features Live ``I Am The Walrus'' and New Studio Version Of ``Blue Collar Man''


LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 2005--Inspired by a recording session at the legendary Chess Studios in hometown Chicago resulting in the 2004 digital download and radio success of its
rendition of The Beatles' "I Am The Walrus," Styx has recorded its interpretation of the great rock & roll songbook. "Big Bang Theory" (New Door/UMe), released May 10, 2005, is the first studio album from
Styx, one of the rock era's most popular bands, since 2003's Cyclorama.

Among the highlights on the 14-selection "Big Bang Theory," produced by Styx and Gary Loizzo, is "Blue Collar Man 2004," a new studio version of the band's 1978 Top 40 hit. Guesting on the track are blues
great Koko Taylor and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame piano player Johnnie Johnson, renowned for his work with Chuck Berry. "Blue Collar Man 2004" was recorded in the Chicago building that once housed Chess
and is now home to Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, to which all artist royalties from the song will be donated. Heard too is their live version of "I Am The Walrus" recorded in September 2004.

The other songs re-recorded by Styx in its own instantly recognizable style are classics of the '60s and '70s, many of them favorites of the band members and their fans. Included are The Who's "I Can See
For Miles," The Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer In The City," Procol Harum's "A Salty Dog," Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home," Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression," Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" and
Free's "Wishing Well." The best-known recordings of "I Don't Need No Doctor" are from Ray Charles and Humble Pie. "One Way Out" is an Elmore James gem but The Allman Brothers Band laid down the most
popular take.

Other songs on "Big Bang Theory" are "Find The Cost Of Freedom," originally from Crosby, Stills & Nash, "It Don't Make Sense (You Can't Make Peace)" from Willie Dixon and "Talkin' About The Good Times"
from The Pretty Things.

Styx was the first band to have four consecutive triple platinum albums ("The Grand Illusion," "Pieces Of Eight," "Cornerstone," and #1 "Paradise Theatre"). Since its debut in 1972, they've also earned one
double platinum, one platinum and five gold albums. "Lady" was its first of 16 Top 40s, among which also includes "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Blue Collar Man," and "Fooling Yourself." The video for their
1981 Top 10 single "Too Much Time on my Hands" aired in the first hour of MTV's life.

After a 1999 metamorphosis, Styx re-established itself as a dynamic live act over the course of 500-plus shows and four new live albums. Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James "JY" Young (vocals, guitars),
Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass guitar, backing vocals) will tour the U.S. and world throughout 2005. Original bass player Chuck Panozzo also appears
on the album and performs live with the band at select concert dates.

[bugsymalone]

"Lady" was its first of 16 Top 40s, among which also includes "Come Sail Away,"

Oops! They goofed! They mentioned two Dennis DeYoung songs! What were they thinking?? That needs to be edited out.



Bugsy

[ek88]

I like how this summary just sticks to facts and tells it like it is, without getting into the politics of the band.

[Hippie]

Styx is doing "Can't find my Way" from BF & "Find the Cost" from CSNY?!

That's gonna smoke!!

I'm pumped about that!

Thanks for the heads-up Suite!

[froy]

Styx is doing "Can't find my Way" from BF & "Find the Cost" from CSNY?!

That's gonna smoke!!

I'm pumped about that!

Thanks for the heads-up Suite!

Why is it gonna smoke?
Just listen to the original version
Those smoke

[froy]

Here's some news for the Carrot Styx fans.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050314/145233_1.html

Styx Unveils ``Big Bang Theory'' -- the Great Rock Songbook
Monday March 14, 10:00 am ET
Features Live ``I Am The Walrus'' and New Studio Version Of ``Blue Collar Man''


LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 2005--Inspired by a recording session at the legendary Chess Studios in hometown Chicago resulting in the 2004 digital download and radio success of its
rendition of The Beatles' "I Am The Walrus," Styx has recorded its interpretation of the great rock & roll songbook. "Big Bang Theory" (New Door/UMe), released May 10, 2005, is the first studio album from
Styx, one of the rock era's most popular bands, since 2003's Cyclorama.

Among the highlights on the 14-selection "Big Bang Theory," produced by Styx and Gary Loizzo, is "Blue Collar Man 2004," a new studio version of the band's 1978 Top 40 hit. Guesting on the track are blues
great Koko Taylor and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame piano player Johnnie Johnson, renowned for his work with Chuck Berry. "Blue Collar Man 2004" was recorded in the Chicago building that once housed Chess
and is now home to Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, to which all artist royalties from the song will be donated. Heard too is their live version of "I Am The Walrus" recorded in September 2004.

The other songs re-recorded by Styx in its own instantly recognizable style are classics of the '60s and '70s, many of them favorites of the band members and their fans. Included are The Who's "I Can See
For Miles," The Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer In The City," Procol Harum's "A Salty Dog," Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home," Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression," Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" and
Free's "Wishing Well." The best-known recordings of "I Don't Need No Doctor" are from Ray Charles and Humble Pie. "One Way Out" is an Elmore James gem but The Allman Brothers Band laid down the most
popular take.

Other songs on "Big Bang Theory" are "Find The Cost Of Freedom," originally from Crosby, Stills & Nash, "It Don't Make Sense (You Can't Make Peace)" from Willie Dixon and "Talkin' About The Good Times"
from The Pretty Things.

Styx was the first band to have four consecutive triple platinum albums ("The Grand Illusion," "Pieces Of Eight," "Cornerstone," and #1 "Paradise Theatre"). Since its debut in 1972, they've also earned one
double platinum, one platinum and five gold albums. "Lady" was its first of 16 Top 40s, among which also includes "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Blue Collar Man," and "Fooling Yourself." The video for their
1981 Top 10 single "Too Much Time on my Hands" aired in the first hour of MTV's life.

After a 1999 metamorphosis, Styx re-established itself as a dynamic live act over the course of 500-plus shows and four new live albums. Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James "JY" Young (vocals, guitars),
Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass guitar, backing vocals) will tour the U.S. and world throughout 2005. Original bass player Chuck Panozzo also appears
on the album and performs live with the band at select concert dates.

What a terrible Press release
Re established itself as a dynamic live act
Gimmie a break playing in front of 900 people is not dynamic
Smoke and Mirrors in full effect here
They talk a good game over and over again
Talk is cheap
So is STYX
The big Bang final nail in this bands coffin.

[froy]

Styx was the first band to have four consecutive triple platinum albums ("The Grand Illusion," "Pieces Of Eight," "Cornerstone," and #1 "Paradise Theatre"). Since its debut in 1972, they've also earned one
double platinum, one platinum and five gold albums. "Lady" was its first of 16 Top 40s, among which also includes "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Blue Collar Man," and "Fooling Yourself." The video for their
1981 Top 10 single "Too Much Time on my Hands" aired in the first hour of MTV's life.

Yes but this is not even the same band so what the hell is this even doing in the PR , This is my entire issue they have strung the past along with them to sound like there a great band
Fact is the above band broke up they do not EXSIST anymore,
The new band is a cover band write that into the PR

[Monker]

Yes but this is not even the same band so what the hell is this even doing in the PR

I think it's because they love hearing over zealous fanboys get all heated and spout off about final nails (how many 'final' nails can there be anyway?) and blah, blah, blah. They probably get a good laugh out of it.

"Hey look, that froy dude has gone all wacko again!"
"When is he NOT wacko?"
"Whenever Dennis puts on a Roboto mask?"

"Hey, next interview lets talk about how we thought Dennis pink suit was sooo ugly. Bet ya a $20 he'll freak out again!

"You're kidding, right? All we have to do is say 'cover song' or 'Kilroy sucks' and the guy goes bananas. In fact, any time we say ANYTHING the guy bursts a few blood vessels. I wouldn't bet you a copy of '10 On Broadway' on this guy!"

[Zan]

"Hey look, that froy dude has gone all wacko again!"
"When is he NOT wacko?"
"Whenever Dennis puts on a Roboto mask?"

"Hey, next interview lets talk about how we thought Dennis pink suit was sooo ugly. Bet ya a $20 he'll freak out again!

"You're kidding, right? All we have to do is say 'cover song' or 'Kilroy sucks' and the guy goes bananas. In fact, any time we say ANYTHING the guy bursts a few blood vessels. I wouldn't bet you a copy of '10 On Broadway' on this guy!"

Oh, great laugh! And right before bed too. Thanks, Monker!

[jomama2000]

The video for their 1981 Top 10 single "Too Much Time on my Hands" aired in the first hour of MTV's life. "

It was actually "Rockin' The Paradise," not "Too Much Time on My Hands."

[Abitaman]

I have said this before, I AM NOT THRILLED WITH STYX DOING A COVER CD, I wish it was a cd of new stuff by them! But I am not going to slam it before I hear it!!!!! I want to hear the take on these songs. I am the Walrus was good. I was surprised by that! We all maybe surprised when it comes out-ERIC

[froy]

I have said this before, I AM NOT THRILLED WITH STYX DOING A COVER CD, I wish it was a cd of new stuff by them! But I am not going to slam it before I hear it!!!!! I want to hear the take on these songs. I am the Walrus was good. I was surprised by that! We all maybe surprised when it comes out-ERIC

I am the Walrus was crap the only reason anyone listened to it was because it was a Beatle tune , What did it last about 2 weeks woppie thats a huge hit. If your not thrilled about a cover cd than you should slam it How good can a cd full of copies be ? Its not the songs its the lame idea the band has come up with .

[SuiteMadameBlue]

jomama2000 says:

The video for their 1981 Top 10 single "Too Much Time on my Hands" aired in the first hour of MTV's life. "

It was actually "Rockin' The Paradise," not "Too Much Time on My Hands."

Yes, you are correct, way to go for noticing that!!! Also welcome to this crazy, but fun Styx board

For those who are interested (like me), here were the first 10 songs played on MTV. Oh, how I miss MTV when they played the videos


1. Video Killed The Radio Star - The Buggles
2. You Better Run - Pat Benatar
3. She Won't Dance With Me - Rod Stewart
4. You Better You Bet - The Who
5. Little Suzie's On The Up - PhD
6. We Don't Talk Anymore - Cliff Richard
7. Brass In Pocket - Pretenders
8. Time Heals - Todd Rundgren
9. Take It On The Run - REO Speedwagon
10. Rockin' The Paradise - Styx

[SuiteMadameBlue]

ek88 says:

I like how this summary just sticks to facts and tells it like it is, without getting into the politics of the band.

I agree with you. I'm pretty sick of all the recent interviews will all the members of Styx, past and present, that still keep bringing up the politics of the band. I don't know how many times just this past year that I read about "VH1's Behind The Music" and what was said. If I'm not mistaken, this was on VH1 5 years ago. Sheesh, just focus what's going on now - that's to the reporters


Hippie says:

Thanks for the heads-up Suite!

You're welcome. Even though I'm totally Pro-Dennis, I still like to post what's going on with the current line-up since this is a Styx board. There are quite a few recent articles/interviews from past/present band members that haven't been posted yet on here. I'll back track and post them later.

Abitaman says:

I have said this before, I AM NOT THRILLED WITH STYX DOING A COVER CD, I wish it was a cd of new stuff by them! But I am not going to slam it before I hear it!!!!! I want to hear the take on these songs. I am the Walrus was good. I was surprised by that! We all maybe surprised when it comes out

I'm not really thrilled with anyone doing a whole "cover" cd, except Dennis I just read that Rick Springfield is doing a cover cd, when will this madness end - LOL

As for the Styx cover cd, ACK, I don't like any of the songs anyway. That's just my opinion!!! I don't care who was doing these songs on any cd, never liked the originals.

To each his/her own

[ek88]

What a terrible Press release
Re established itself as a dynamic live act
Gimmie a break playing in front of 900 people is not dynamic
Smoke and Mirrors in full effect here
They talk a good game over and over again
Talk is cheap
So is STYX
The big Bang final nail in this bands coffin.

I dislike how this summary contains absolutely no facts and addresses the politics of the band.

Yes but this is not even the same band so what the hell is this even doing in the PR?

So why was Lady in the setlist in the late 70s and early 80s or mentioned in press releases? Hell, it wasn't the same band (according to your logic, not mine). Why was anything pre-1990 played on the EOTC tour or mentioned in press releases? Hell, it wasn't the same band! Must really suck not to ever listen to the Grand Illusion or Pieces Of Eight; after all, it wasn't the same band!

[sadie65]

I honestly wonder what is with the recent trend of so many artists doing covers material. I don't mind covers per se, but it is rather interesting to see this trend growing. And whole albums, as opposed to one or 2 songs? What is up with that?

Hope it brings them whatever it is they are looking for, whomever the artist.

Sadie

[ek88]

Boy, trend is right. Isn't there a hip-hop cover of Crazy Train on the radio now? (Let's Go, I think it's called). I've also heard recent pop versions of Steve Winwood's Valerie and the song Toy Soldiers (not sure of the original artist). Not to mention the slew of albums you alluded to. I have mixed feelings about covers. I'm probably about 50-50 on which version I prefer out of all the songs I've heard covered (versus the original).

[styxfanNH]

Sadie,
Its definitely a trend.

It's also a way to bring some older classics to the forefront again.

Maybe it's Dennis' fault. He started it with 10 on Broadway...... (Only Kiddin')

[Hippie]

Froy wrote

Just listen to the original version
Those smoke

Sometimes it's interesting to hear a different take on a known song. You know, like when DDY did covered "Memories" (one of the most played out songs ever!) but gave it a fresh take that made it interesting.

Oh that's right, DDY did an all covers album not too long ago, didn't he?!

[sadie65]

Sadie,
Its definitely a trend.

It's also a way to bring some older classics to the forefront again.

Maybe it's Dennis' fault. He started it with 10 on Broadway...... (Only Kiddin')

Yeah I know. I just think it's interesting that it's happening now with such frequency.

And if Dennis started that trend, man did these artists wait a long time to get in on it. 10 years! Does that make him ahead of the curve, or does that make them slow on the uptake. Kidding right back.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Like I said, I don't mind if an artist or group does one or two covers, I just don't to hear a whole album of cover songs. I want NEW songs

I still like hearing the new version of "Give A Little Bit" by the Goo Goo Dolls. I heard that one twice today on the radio. Ooooh, and I like "Big Yellow Taxi" by the Counting Crows.

I don't think I heard the new version of "Crazy Train", a hip-hop version? That should be interesting.

[yogi]

I just read in Rolling Stone Magazine that M.C. Hammer with special guest's J Lo, The Hansons, Boy George & Vanilla Ice are doing a speed metal/ hip hop version of Styx's 'Blue Collar Man'

[bugsymalone]

I just read in Rolling Stone Magazine that M.C. Hammer with special guest's J Lo, The Hansons, Boy George & Vanilla Ice are doing a speed metal/ hip hop version of Styx's 'Blue Collar Man'

Yes, and it will be included on the special boxed edition of "Blue Collar Man, the Complete, Total, Ultimate, ENORMOUS BANG, collection". I believe it is on CD #3 of 10.

(Note: This was originally an 8 CD collection, but, gosh, it just grew by leaps and bounds when they added all those amazing covers of it by other artists! )



Bugsy

[styxfanNH]

Not only is it amazing to realize that 10 on Broadway came out ten years ago, Desert Moon is 20 years old.

Hardly seems possible

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Desert Moon is 20 years old? Yikes!!! I was still a teenager when that came out!!

Only to go back in time