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10 worst Tommy lead songs of all time

PostPosted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 11:18 pm
by Zan
She Cares
Reach for the Bottle
Jealousy
Number One
Just Fell In
Half a Mind (I know I'm in the minority here, but it drags on & on for me with no real kick)
Money (Floyd cover)
Down Payment Blues (AC/DC cover)
I can See For Miles (Who cover)
Runaway

Re: 10 worst Tommy lead songs of all time

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 1:38 am
by froy
Zan wrote:She Cares
Reach for the Bottle
Jealousy
Number One
Just Fell In
Half a Mind (I know I'm in the minority here, but it drags on & on for me with no real kick)
Money (Floyd cover)
Down Payment Blues (AC/DC cover)
I can See For Miles (Who cover)
Runaway


Dont forget Cold War

Re: 10 worst Tommy lead songs of all time

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:03 am
by Zan
froy wrote:Dont forget Cold War



I like Cold War. lol

Re: 10 worst Tommy lead songs of all time

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:29 am
by journeyman8484
Zan wrote:She Cares
Reach for the Bottle
Jealousy
Number One
Just Fell In
Half a Mind (I know I'm in the minority here, but it drags on & on for me with no real kick)
Money (Floyd cover)
Down Payment Blues (AC/DC cover)
I can See For Miles (Who cover)
Runaway


When did Styx cover Down Payment Blues?

Re: 10 worst Tommy lead songs of all time

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:54 am
by Zan
journeyman8484 wrote:When did Styx cover Down Payment Blues?



Styx didn't, Tommy did on an AC/DC tribute album (I thought the guitarwork was incredible, but the vocals didn't fit the song at all, imo). Same with Money on a Floyd tribute album.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:27 am
by AnnieOprah
10 terrible Tommy songs? This will be the hardest one I think. While Dennis can write some great songs, he can also write some clunkers, but Tommy usually doesn't put out quite the "listen to it and you think" what the heck was he thinking! type of material.

I don't have all the solo stuff of Tommy's, but here goes... In general Tommy tends to fall apart when he tries to make things "too rockin'" (to the point of being obnoxious) or in recent times too "southern/boogie woogie/Allman Brothers" type of material.

Piledriver
Just Fell In
Number One
Bad Times
Come In and Explain
I Will Be Your Witness
Shooz
Waiting For Our Time (I know it was a single, but zzzzzzz)
The last song on Cyclorama (can't remember the name off the top of my head)

And I can only think of 9 - Tommy never writes that many clunkers - the most consistent songwriter/singer in Styx.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:34 am
by StyxCollector
AnnieOprah wrote:10 terrible Tommy songs? This will be the hardest one I think. While Dennis can write some great songs, he can also write some clunkers, but Tommy usually doesn't put out quite the "listen to it and you think" what the heck was he thinking! type of material.

And I can only think of 9 - Tommy never writes that many clunkers - the most consistent songwriter/singer in Styx.


100% disagree. I'll ignore the side projects like the AC/DC covers mess. I agree on those. I'll limit myself to proper solo works and Styx.

Add the whole of 7DZ, most of What If, and a scattering of Styx songs not limited to but including:

Yes I Can
Sing For The Day
She Cares
Can't Find My Way Home
I Will Be Your Witness
Best New Face
Just Fell In
Brave New World (nice warbling on that!)
I Can See For Miles
One Way Out
Summer In The City

Damn ... only 10? lol went over

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:56 am
by Zan
StyxCollector wrote:
AnnieOprah wrote:10 terrible Tommy songs? This will be the hardest one I think. While Dennis can write some great songs, he can also write some clunkers, but Tommy usually doesn't put out quite the "listen to it and you think" what the heck was he thinking! type of material.

And I can only think of 9 - Tommy never writes that many clunkers - the most consistent songwriter/singer in Styx.


100% disagree. I'll ignore the side projects like the AC/DC covers mess. I agree on those. I'll limit myself to proper solo works and Styx.

Add the whole of 7DZ, most of What If, and a scattering of Styx songs not limited to but including:

Yes I Can
Sing For The Day
She Cares
Can't Find My Way Home
I Will Be Your Witness
Best New Face
Just Fell In
Brave New World (nice warbling on that!)
I Can See For Miles
One Way Out
Summer In The City

Damn ... only 10? lol went over



With this list, it's easy to see why we disagree on most things, Allan. I think One Way Out & Summer in the City are the two strongest songs on BBT. I also love "Come In & Explain." I *almost* went back and made it a top ten.

Re: 10 worst Tommy lead songs of all time

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 4:02 am
by redSG
Zan wrote:
journeyman8484 wrote:When did Styx cover Down Payment Blues?



Styx didn't, Tommy did on an AC/DC tribute album (I thought the guitarwork was incredible, but the vocals didn't fit the song at all, imo). Same with Money on a Floyd tribute album.


Not the worse AC/DC cover I've heard, but I'd agree about Tommy's vocals not fitting right. AC/DC requires a rough-around-the-edges approach, and Tommy's voice is a bit too smooth for it. Just the opposite of his cover of Queen's "Spread Your Wings," which is right up there close to the original for me.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 4:04 am
by redSG
StyxCollector wrote:Add the whole of 7DZ, most of What If,


7DZ? Really? Easily some of Tommy's best work. ;)

Re: 10 worst Tommy lead songs of all time

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 4:04 am
by Zan
redSG wrote:
Zan wrote:
journeyman8484 wrote:When did Styx cover Down Payment Blues?



Styx didn't, Tommy did on an AC/DC tribute album (I thought the guitarwork was incredible, but the vocals didn't fit the song at all, imo). Same with Money on a Floyd tribute album.


Not the worse AC/DC cover I've heard, but I'd agree about Tommy's vocals not fitting right. AC/DC requires a rough-around-the-edges approach, and Tommy's voice is a bit too smooth for it. Just the opposite of his cover of Queen's "Spread Your Wings," which is right up there close to the original for me.



Spread Your Wings was pretty good. And it's not the worst AC/DC cover I've heard either, but it is one of the worst Tommy songs I've ever heard.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 4:34 am
by ek88
Very few by Tommy that I don't like, mostly to be found on the first 3 solo albums, which I no longer have and can't remember track names. Cold War is about the only Styx song he wrote that I don't like.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 4:50 am
by DerriD
Bad Tommy Styx songs

I Will Be Your Witness
Number One
Just Fell In
Genki

about half of Girls with Guns

Nearly all of What IF

Nearly all of Ambition

Liked nearly all Damn Yankees stuff and actually liked ShawBlades much better than Don't Tread.

7DZ has a great first half (side) and the second side...not so much.

Thought Tommy did fine with BBT.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:54 am
by StyxCollector
Zan wrote:
StyxCollector wrote:
AnnieOprah wrote:10 terrible Tommy songs? This will be the hardest one I think. While Dennis can write some great songs, he can also write some clunkers, but Tommy usually doesn't put out quite the "listen to it and you think" what the heck was he thinking! type of material.

And I can only think of 9 - Tommy never writes that many clunkers - the most consistent songwriter/singer in Styx.


100% disagree. I'll ignore the side projects like the AC/DC covers mess. I agree on those. I'll limit myself to proper solo works and Styx.

Add the whole of 7DZ, most of What If, and a scattering of Styx songs not limited to but including:

Yes I Can
Sing For The Day
She Cares
Can't Find My Way Home
I Will Be Your Witness
Best New Face
Just Fell In
Brave New World (nice warbling on that!)
I Can See For Miles
One Way Out
Summer In The City

Damn ... only 10? lol went over



With this list, it's easy to see why we disagree on most things, Allan. I think One Way Out & Summer in the City are the two strongest songs on BBT. I also love "Come In & Explain." I *almost* went back and made it a top ten.


Nowhere did I say "Come In & Explain". I like all of GWG.

BBT is weak in the Styx canon. I don't like TS' raspy vocals in part of Summer. Joe Jackson does a better cover than STyx does IMHO

I like a lot of Tommy's work, actually ... when he's doing what he should be. Shaw/Blades is good. Love the work with DY.

I've always thought Sing For The Day was lame, even back in the day.

Tommy is better in context of a band with strong songwriters. JY isn't a good foil for him. Dennis or Glen is. Ted Nugent is. Jack Blades for the most part is.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:57 am
by StyxCollector
redSG wrote:
StyxCollector wrote:Add the whole of 7DZ, most of What If,


7DZ? Really? Easily some of Tommy's best work. ;)


I only own it because I collect. Otherwise, it'd be out of my collection. I found it unlistenable to when it came out. "Ocean" is about the best song on there and that's not saying much.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 9:02 am
by froy
StyxCollector wrote:
redSG wrote:
StyxCollector wrote:Add the whole of 7DZ, most of What If,


7DZ? Really? Easily some of Tommy's best work. ;)


I only own it because I collect. Otherwise, it'd be out of my collection. I found it unlistenable to when it came out. "Ocean" is about the best song on there and that's not saying much.


Gotta disagree here Zens is fantastic IMO
Some great stuff on it
His best solo cd by far.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:57 am
by redSG
froy wrote:
Gotta disagree here Zens is fantastic IMO
Some great stuff on it
His best solo cd by far.


I totally agree that it's his best solo effort. Great stuff, and I just love the general flow of the album. It's one of my all-around faves.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:12 am
by shaka
I think 7DZ is the best solo album from a Styx member. However, I think a lot of the older Styx fans have trouble with the album because it has a more modern, almost alternative feel. I applaud Tommy for making an attempt to keep things interesting. I wish he'd whip out that Matchless amp for his Styx recordings.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:23 am
by Zan
shaka wrote:I think 7DZ is the best solo album from a Styx member.



Mmm, I still like Ambition more, but close. Make that "classic styx member," and I'll let ya slide. :P

Everyone knows the best album/s by a styx member is Palookaville & WTH. ;-)

PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 6:04 am
by shaka
Zan wrote:
shaka wrote:I think 7DZ is the best solo album from a Styx member.



Mmm, I still like Ambition more, but close. Make that "classic styx member," and I'll let ya slide. :P

Everyone knows the best album/s by a styx member is Palookaville & WTH. ;-)


Ok, CLASSIC Styx member. Sometimes I brain fart when it comes to Glen.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 11:03 am
by StyxCollector
Zan wrote:
shaka wrote:I think 7DZ is the best solo album from a Styx member.



Mmm, I still like Ambition more, but close. Make that "classic styx member," and I'll let ya slide. :P

Everyone knows the best album/s by a styx member is Palookaville & WTH. ;-)


Ambition is head and shoulders Tommy's most consistent solo album, but for whatever reason, I listen to GWG more. Love Ambition.

WTH is a great album - not sure I'd call it the best of Styx solo projects, but I'd put it top 3 - 5 at a bare minimum. Highly enjoyable.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 11:10 am
by StyxCollector
shaka wrote:I think 7DZ is the best solo album from a Styx member. However, I think a lot of the older Styx fans have trouble with the album because it has a more modern, almost alternative feel. I applaud Tommy for making an attempt to keep things interesting. I wish he'd whip out that Matchless amp for his Styx recordings.


It's not it's more modern feel at points which bothers me. I just think Tommy's done better is all - simple as that. I just think he was trying too hard on that album. It could have stood from a bit more production and studio polish to me. It's like a home demo with fun guests. I do like "Straight Down The Line", and "In This Night" is a typical TS solo tune which is pleasant enough.

In other news, looks like S/B is being re-released. Go figure. http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.a ... 3476&BAB=E

PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 11:18 pm
by OrlandoChris
And I'm standing here by myself when it comes to What if. I loved that CD...

sigh.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 11:28 pm
by Zan
OrlandoChris wrote:And I'm standing here by myself when it comes to What if. I loved that CD...

sigh.



Image I am standing here beside myself!

PostPosted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 1:03 am
by OrlandoChris
Getting ready for the final round...

Who is the picture of Zan?

PostPosted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 1:15 am
by Zan
OrlandoChris wrote:Getting ready for the final round...

Who is the picture of Zan?



It's the guy from Short Circuit. Remember that movie? he always butchered the American slang phrases?

PostPosted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 3:26 am
by OrlandoChris
I thought it looked like Fisher Stevens and it is...:)

PostPosted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 3:28 am
by stmonkeys
Zan wrote:
OrlandoChris wrote:Getting ready for the final round...

Who is the picture of Zan?



It's the guy from Short Circuit. Remember that movie? he always butchered the American slang phrases?


LMAO!!! and i can picture him saying it! HEHEHE


FWIW... I <3 7DZ. EASILY my fav TS album, with Hallucination a close 2nd. then GWG, AMBITION & WI. I would rank WTH right up there w/ 7DZ, maybe a tad higher. the first 6 or 7 songs are BRILLIANT!!! i can do without Roses, WTSHTF. otherwise, not a bad tune in the batch. Glen just plain ROCKS!!! :D

PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 4:44 am
by Rockwriter
StyxCollector wrote:
AnnieOprah wrote:10 terrible Tommy songs? This will be the hardest one I think. While Dennis can write some great songs, he can also write some clunkers, but Tommy usually doesn't put out quite the "listen to it and you think" what the heck was he thinking! type of material.

And I can only think of 9 - Tommy never writes that many clunkers - the most consistent songwriter/singer in Styx.


100% disagree. I'll ignore the side projects like the AC/DC covers mess. I agree on those. I'll limit myself to proper solo works and Styx.

Add the whole of 7DZ, most of What If, and a scattering of Styx songs not limited to but including:

Yes I Can
Sing For The Day
She Cares
Can't Find My Way Home
I Will Be Your Witness
Best New Face
Just Fell In
Brave New World (nice warbling on that!)
I Can See For Miles
One Way Out
Summer In The City

Damn ... only 10? lol went over



How about "Little Girl World", "Friendly Advice", "True Confessions" and "Lonely School"?


Sterling

PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 4:52 am
by StyxCollector
Rockwriter wrote:How about "Little Girl World", "Friendly Advice", "True Confessions" and "Lonely School"?


Sterling


I already went over my allotment :)

All of What If pretty much would be on the list (even Remo's Theme is weak). LGW is not a bad song, I think it would be better stripped back. Lonely School is kinda lame, but I can listen to all of GWG and not really feel the need to hit FFWD.