MR

Over on www.digitaldreamdoor.com are several lists where people can choose their picks for best rock guitarist, drummer, riff, vocalist, keyboardist, etc. etc.

While perusing the various lists I was struck by something I found odd. Seriously, I found it odd. Out of all the lists, the only member, past or present to make any of the lists was Dennis. While I obviously think he is extremely talented, I found it odd that the other men in this band were not named for their respective categories. I'm curious to know what you all think of that, because in all honesty, I think it's unfair.

This is in no way meant to be viewed as any sort of slight by me. I think the men deserve to be on the lists.

sadie65 wrote:Over on www.digitaldreamdoor.com are several lists where people can choose their picks for best rock guitarist, drummer, riff, vocalist, keyboardist, etc. etc.

While perusing the various lists I was struck by something I found odd. Seriously, I found it odd. Out of all the lists, the only member, past or present to make any of the lists was Dennis. While I obviously think he is extremely talented, I found it odd that the other men in this band were not named for their respective categories. I'm curious to know what you all think of that, because in all honesty, I think it's unfair.

This is in no way meant to be viewed as any sort of slight by me. I think the men deserve to be on the lists.

I love Tommy and the rest of the guys that make up Styx. But on an individual level lets be honest about a few things.

Neither Tommy or JY are virtuoso's of their instrument. Neither is world reknown for being a guitar player. They're known for having been in Styx and by the songs they've written. While Ted Nugent is more known as a shredding guitar player more than his individual songs, even though Ted has had hit songs. Now this isn't a slam of Tommy or JY - but I'm sure if you asked them, I'm sure they would gladly admit to not being guitar virtuoso's ... Hendrix was a virtuoso.... some argue that Pete Townshend was/is also, some also would say Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Neal Schon and several others are guitar virtuosos. People are STILL trying to do some of the exceptional things these guys have done. There's nothing in Styx guitar work that screams of guitar mastery.

Dennis *is* a virtuoso of the piano and keyboards. From what I've heard, it sounds like Larry is too or is at least VERY close (Larry is an EXCEPTIONAL piano played based on what I've heard of him - he just can't sing).

Dennis is, in addition to a virtuoso of his instrument, a hit song writer. While Dennis doesn't have a monopoly on the hits in Styx - his songs are the more recognizable even if they are sometimes more lampooned. Perhaps it's because they are more lampooned that he has more recognition.

I don't think it's surprising that Dennis is on a list for playing piano and his song writing. Although you may not like some of his more recent compositions, Dennis has been a part of some memorable piano/keyboard moments in rock and roll. Same can be said for Billy Joel. I think it'd be cool to hear Billy Joel and DDY do a rock and roll piano playing dueloff on-stage.

sadie65 wrote:Over on www.digitaldreamdoor.com are several lists where people can choose their picks for best rock guitarist, drummer, riff, vocalist, keyboardist, etc. etc.

While perusing the various lists I was struck by something I found odd. Seriously, I found it odd. Out of all the lists, the only member, past or present to make any of the lists was Dennis. While I obviously think he is extremely talented, I found it odd that the other men in this band were not named for their respective categories. I'm curious to know what you all think of that, because in all honesty, I think it's unfair.

This is in no way meant to be viewed as any sort of slight by me. I think the men deserve to be on the lists.

Its not really unfair because who else whould you expect to be there
JY Larry Todd Rickie?
Shaw would be the only one out of the current band to be there

froy wrote:Shaw would be the only one out of the current band to be there

Yah.... I think Shaw's solo work on Renegade show his potential... but I think he reached a comfort level with his craft and never really bothered to go beyond a certain point. The solo in Renegade is really quite good and may be the best "Styx" guitar solo... Tommy could have been a virtuoso, but I think he was too busy trying to be a "star" at the time. But thats just conjecture. I think Tommy is a very good guitar player, but he's certainly no Nugent or Hendrix.

That said, I think Shaw is a much better songwriter now than he was then as evidenced by 7DZ.

Obviously the lists are subjective, and I agree that perhaps the men in the band aren't vrituosos, however many on the list aren't either. While Dennis is largely recognizable as being the main person in Styx to the general public, the other men's talents should not be dismissed.

I don't think everyone in the band should be included on the lists, however there are enough lists there, and categories that some inclusion could have been made.

Me, I'm happy Dennis made a few lists.

Peace

sadie65 wrote:Obviously the lists are subjective, and I agree that perhaps the men in the band aren't vrituosos, however many on the list aren't either. While Dennis is largely recognizable as being the main person in Styx to the general public, the other men's talents should not be dismissed.

(sidenote: Can you tell I'm bored out of my mind at work today?)

I don't think that because people don't make a list that they are "dismissed". There is only so much room and there are a lot of great guitarists. Heck... Criss Oliva from Savatage isn't on that list and it's likely because he was in an obscure heavy metal band from Florida. Criss was a virtuoso of his instrument and you could tell because he made everything sound and look so effortless. I consider him far better than Michael Wilton from Queensryche (and I'm a mammoth Queensryche fan).

It comes down to a popularity contest really. As with all things. If you asked most people here, they'd put Tommy or JY in the top 10 guitarists of all time - and I think that is equally ridiculous.

(sidenote: Can you tell I'm bored out of my mind at work today?)

LOL....must be contagious, as I have the same problem today.

It comes down to a popularity contest really. As with all things. If you asked most people here, they'd put Tommy or JY in the top 10 guitarists of all time - and I think that is equally ridiculous.

As I said, it's subjective at best. I wouldn't put them in the top 10, but I could see them making the top 100. At least the guitar riffs...

But hey, they are doing what they want and in the end, isn't that all any of us can ask for....

Gawd...I need to get out of here if that's the best I can come up with

I agree with this particular list being subjective, overall they put together some fine lists.

I don't see a reason why Gowan should be in the top 200 (keyboardist) with anyone mentioned on that list. My opinion, again. As for Male Vocalist........................ LOL

I'm happy that Dennis made a few lists too

I do think this particular listing is name recognition. And, let's face it, Dennis DeYoung is the only one with true name recognition from Classic Styx.

I think Tommy has some, but nowhere near DDY's.

Side note: As of late they are playing only ONE of the solo videos on VH1 Classic now -- Desert Moon. It is in regular rotation, appearing about every other week.

The only time they ever show one of Tommy's or JY's, they are shown on their request hour and that has not been in quite some time.

And second side note: I Am the Walrus is showing up fairly often, about once a month on Classic/Current. I wonder if they will have a video for "I Don't Need No Den...Doctor"? If so, it will also show up on Classic/Current.

Bugsy

sadie65 wrote:

(sidenote: Can you tell I'm bored out of my mind at work today?)

LOL....must be contagious, as I have the same problem today.

OMG! Me Too! As a matter of fact, the powers that be have done the unheard of--they're closing the office an hour early!

I love Tommy and the rest of the guys that make up Styx. But on an individual level lets be honest about a few things.

Ash's arguement was dead on. While Shaw and Young are great songwriters IMO, and adequate guitarists, they don't appraoch the likes of Schon, Vai or Satriani.

DeYoung does! His synth solo in "Young Man" blows me away every time I hear it! As do the ones in "A Day" and "Homewrecker".

DeYoung does! His synth solo in "Young Man" blows me away every time I hear it! As do the ones in "A Day" and "Homewrecker"

OMG, I SO agree with you! I listened to "Young Man" today and that synth solo just stops me in my tracks every time. That is just an all-around great song and the keyboard work is astounding.

Bugsy

When it comes to showcasing Dennis' keyboard ability most people will point to Grand Illusion because of Fooling Yourself, Grand Illusion and Come Sail Away. But I gotta tell ya, if you want to really hear Dennis shine, listen to Pieces of Eight. I'm O.K., Sing for the Day, The Message, Lords of the Ring, The keyboard intro to Blue Collar Man and Aku-Aku: I'd put these up against anything he did on any other album.

Ironically, two of my favorite Dennis tunes ever, Pieces of Eight and Queen of Spades, are relatively short on keyboard work.

Damn I wish Dennis would rock like THAT again!

Scott

Scott, I hope you can see/hear Dennis perform "Pieces of Eight" in concert. Totally Awesome!! He really works the keyboards, especially in the middle!! Wow!! He's still rockin' - trust me, he is

people PEOPLE PEOPLE !!!!!!!

we all knowthat Larry Gowan can play circles around Dennis......
because JY tells us it's so !!!!!

Maybe Larry was doing "ghost keyboarding" for Dennis all these years ( ? )

we all knowthat Larry Gowan can play circles around Dennis......
because JY tells us it's so !!!!!

Why that's on page one of "Styx, The Revised History" , Classic. You must have read the book!


Bugsy

classicstyxfan wrote:people PEOPLE PEOPLE !!!!!!!

we all knowthat Larry Gowan can play circles around Dennis......
because JY tells us it's so !!!!!

Maybe Larry was doing "ghost keyboarding" for Dennis all these years ( ? )