MR

Not really a big deal, but tonight I went to the video store, and on the way in, I noticed that "Don't Let It End" was playing. So, as we walked around, it was kinda cool to hear the song again; it's never been one of my favorites, but I've been on a little break from Styx for the last few months, so it was refreshing to hear something. Then, the next song to come on was "Renegade", and even my girlfriend(who is not a Styx fan) started jamming when the guitars kicked in.. Obviously, one of the college age employees is a Styx fan and it just reminded me how good the band really could be.
I've recently been attempting to give some other bands(Journey, Van Halen) from their genre a chance, but I have to say, while I really dig the DLR era of Van Halen, I still keep going back to Styx. It just doesn't seem like very many bands were able to rock the way that Styx did, and have songs that were of substance. I guess my point is to say that Styx is standing the test of time, and I think they could honestly be the most talented songwriters of the genre.

BW,

A band doesn't need to have the most technically skilled musicians to be great. When DLR broke from Van Halen, there were those that argued that his solo band had more individual talent than Van Halen did. He did have Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan in it after all. But thats like saying that a sports team on paper is better. Without the chemistry it just doesnt matter.

One could argue that the Beatles or the Beach Boys really weren't that skilled musicians but held songwriting genius. Much in the same way that many of the more timeless songs ever written really aren't that difficult to learn or play. Bridge Over Troubled Waters or With or Without You for example.

Now while I am not suggesting that Renegade or Don't Let it End fall into either category (nor am I dismissing it either), there is a basic chord that has been struck by many of their songs for a great deal of people. In the final analysis, the heart likes what it likes and who cares for the reason why.

Thanks for the story.

I had a similar experience hearing "Foolin' Yourself" at, of all places, a grocery store. (Sometimes they play classic rock). It just stood out among all the other generic classic rock songs that were being played as I rolled my cart around.

What Styx had were so many ingredients that one can respond to them on so many levels. This is most certainly not true of the majority of rock bands.

Their music was both complex and accessible, melodic and hard rocking, intelligent and fun. There was a great mix of voices and the interweaving of the guitars, bass, keyboards and drums was truly unique.

Very likely the tension that existed between DDY and Tommy and JY brought forth some of the best in all of them.

Yes. Every time I listen to my Classic Styx recordings, I think the same thing, BlackWall. They most assuredly "still have it."

Bugsy