DDY ...Crossing The Rubicon

[DarrenUK]

Best thing he has done since Paradise Theater


Anyone agree ?

[Blue Falcon]

Best thing he has done since Paradise Theater


Anyone agree ?

[JY]

Cringe-inducing.

[/JY]

[froy]

Best thing he has done since Paradise Theater


Anyone agree ?

You think you can do better?

[StyxCollector]

Well, I think there are many folks out here (including myself) who have posted their thoughts on this track before, but it's the most Styx-sounding track from anyone in the band (Styx or solo) in a long time. Sure, it's got some of that DDY solo sound a bit as well, but you could plop that on a Styx album and it'd fit right in. It's got that 'sound' which is missing from both BNW and Cyclorama.

[gr8dane]

Crossing the Rubicon and These are the times are the best songs from any of them since the change of employment.

Though I must say,not owning One with everything in any form,but having heard it a few times, it's a grower.
If Tommy would just cut his hair and trim his gotee,it would be so much better,faster.

Unrelated but,ironic.
Off the 200 or so songs I bought from I-Tunes,the song I dislike the most,DDY's I believe,is the song that has been played the most on my shuffle.Go figure.

[BidForGreen]

Best thing he has done since Paradise Theater


Anyone agree ?

I would agree its right up there if not at the top. Dennis, in my mind, past Paradise Theatre can usually bring it with one truly excellent song per album.

Desert Moon - Desert Moon
Back To The World - Black Wall
Boomchild - Harry's Hands
Edge of the Century - Show Me The Way
100 years - Crossing the Rubicon (although I would say the title track, Rain, This Time Next Year and Save Me are all really good too)

[Zan]

Best thing he has done since Paradise Theater


Anyone agree ?

No. lol

(Although, it's not bad, just not the best since PT)

[bugsymalone]

I think this album has some of his best work ever. I am one who has a hard time deciding on a favorite, though.

Off the 200 or so songs I bought from I-Tunes,the song I dislike the most,DDY's I believe,is the song that has been played the most on my shuffle.Go figure.

Gr8, I am assuming you are talking about "I Believe in You"? That song was one I dismissed outright at first and now I have gotten to where I really enjoy listening to it. The piano solo at the end is a lot of fun. And, despite its humdrum lyrics, it has such a catchy rhythm and nice harmonies.


Bugsy

[stabbim]

Best thing he has done since Paradise Theater


Anyone agree ?

I don't even think it's the best thing on that CD. ("Rain" would probably get my vote.)

Then again, other than the "AD 1928/58" refrain, I don't consider PT to be the pinnacle of DDY's songwriting career either, so...

[birdynumnum]

I agree as well. Rubicon and Rain are the best since PT. Actually, I though his new album was the most Styx sounding album since PT (if you take away a few songs). I liked Cyclorama, but at times it sounds more like ELP or Queen then it does Styx. I also thought These are the Times by JY was his best since PT and maybe one of his best overall. I hate to say, but IMO, Tommy has not had anything as good as TMTOMH from PT. Not meant to start a flame, just my opinion. He's had OK songs, but nothing as good as TMTOMH, and that's not his best also.

[StyxCollector]

Best thing he has done since Paradise Theater


Anyone agree ?

I don't even think it's the best thing on that CD. ("Rain" would probably get my vote.)

Then again, other than the "AD 1928/58" refrain, I don't consider PT to be the pinnacle of DDY's songwriting career either, so...

Well, yeah. It always depends what the measuring stick is.

I think I'm one of the few who really likes DDY's Broadway album - especially the song "It's In Every One Of Us". I think that album although it has no DeYoung originals is one of the most challenging things he's done and it comes across very well. Another nail in the coffin for some, of course.

And to compare, say, "Boys Will Be Boys" with "Come Sail Away" ... come on. Can't really be done. But a lot of Desert Moon sonically sounds similar to parts of Kilroy.

[bugsymalone]

I think I'm one of the few who really likes DDY's Broadway album - especially the song "It's In Every One Of Us". I think that album although it has no DeYoung originals is one of the most challenging things he's done and it comes across very well. Another nail in the coffin for some, of course.

Count me in there as being a fan of this recording as well. I always looked upon 10 On as a vocal experiment for Dennis. His voice had been undergoing some training with his part in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and here was a chance for him to exercise it with some difficult music. At least that is what I took from some of the interviews about it.

I also very much like the choices he made for this recording with the exception of maybe one or two songs.


Bugsy

[thebook]

I agree as well. Rubicon and Rain are the best since PT. Actually, I though his new album was the most Styx sounding album since PT (if you take away a few songs). I liked Cyclorama, but at times it sounds more like ELP or Queen then it does Styx. I also thought These are the Times by JY was his best since PT and maybe one of his best overall. I hate to say, but IMO, Tommy has not had anything as good as TMTOMH from PT. Not meant to start a flame, just my opinion. He's had OK songs, but nothing as good as TMTOMH, and that's not his best also.

Dennis' new album is great and very stygian. This Time Next Year is a killer track too. I think Tommy has had some great stuff since PT. On My Way, Come Again, Everything Is Cool and Brave New World come to mind. Off Cyclo, the songs he sang were crap. JY and Larry had the best songs off that album. bookout.

[Abitaman]

Yea Tommy songs on that cd were not his best, did like One with Everything he did tho. But JY had the best. Glen should have had more songs, his were good too. And Larry shows he can right Styx style songs on that cd. No more cover or live cds. Time for a new cd of new material-ERIC

[thebook]

Yea Tommy songs on that cd were not his best, did like One with Everything he did tho. But JY had the best. Glen should have had more songs, his were good too. And Larry shows he can right Styx style songs on that cd. No more cover or live cds. Time for a new cd of new material-ERIC

Good point, one with everything gets a passing grade, waiting for our time was ok too. it's just his stuff on brave new world was so much better than cyclo. its unfortunate tommy and dennis weren't on the same page for that album. the mixing of brave new world sans dennis' songs was horrilbe. they did get a better production effort on cyclo though, its just that the songs weren't there. Fields of the Brave does have the classic styx sound, the other one didn't, it had a beatles sound to it - it's a nice track. bookout

[stabbim]

I don't even think it's the best thing on that CD. ("Rain" would probably get my vote.)

Then again, other than the "AD 1928/58" refrain, I don't consider PT to be the pinnacle of DDY's songwriting career either, so...

Well, yeah. It always depends what the measuring stick is.

Right. I suppose my disappointment in "Rubicon" may have been a bit overinflated due to some of the hype I had seen before the album was released, proclaiming it to be the next "Castle Walls" or "Suite Madame Blue" (it's not) and hearing the 30 second snippet from the web site which IMO promised a better song than was eventually delivered. But compared to, say, the DDY songs on BNW or the sporadic tracks he's released since then, I'd call it -- along with most of the 100 Years album -- an upswing.

I think I'm one of the few who really likes DDY's Broadway album - especially the song "It's In Every One Of Us". I think that album although it has no DeYoung originals is one of the most challenging things he's done and it comes across very well. Another nail in the coffin for some, of course.

Mixed bag for me. I didn't dislike it on a conceptual level -- DDY and showtunes go together like PB&J -- but some tracks worked better than others. "It's In Every One Of Us" is among the better ones.

[Zan]

When I played "Rubicon" for my mother, she said it sounded just like an old Styx record, but she didn't think it was a masterpiece, just thought it was a good song that had a Styx-y sound.

As for 10 On Broadway, I always liked the album. My favorites are: "Someone Else's Story" and "Someone to Watch Over Me"

Not a big fan of "Where I Want to Be," but the rest is ok.

[StyxCollector]

This is where I've always tried to be careful in wording - "Rubicon" is easily one of the most "classic" Styx-esque sounding anyone associated with the band has done in quite some time. If it was a choice of that or "Come Sail Away", I think we all know which would win out, but I agree stabbim, given how mediocre a lot of the output post-EOTC has been, it's very good.

Best Dennis song ever? No.

"Where I Want To Be" isn't my fave either, Zan. I thought it was an odd song choice. Although it's better than his version of "Pinball Wizard" which leaked.

I do miss Dennis doing "Summertime" at his orchestral shows. That went over well. Since it's become more of a rock thing I understand but it was a nice moment.

[stabbim]

Not a big fan of "Where I Want to Be," but the rest is ok.

"Where I Want To Be" isn't my fave either, Zan. I thought it was an odd song choice. Although it's better than his version of "Pinball Wizard" which leaked.

I like "Where I Want To Be," and I can see how the lyrics would speak to DDY, but I didn't care for the treatment -- subtlety and restraint are unfortunately hard to come by on that record (see also "Bring Him Home.") If I had to pick another song from Chess for him to do, I think "Pity The Child" would have been a real barnburner.

[sadie65]

I think 10oB is a very solid set of interpretations from him. I agree that Pinball should not have been used. For me, I would rather he lost either Where I Want to Be or Memory (totally done to death). I rather wish he would have included Tell Me on a Sunday. Personal preference for me as favorites are Someone Else's Story and the doo-wop version of On the Street Where You Live.

Rubicon is a very strong song for me. I can see elements of the "Styx sound" throughout the cd as a whole. And like all of his other albums/cd's it has it's weaknesses as well.

Peace

[bugsymalone]

I love "Where I Want to Be". (Different strokes) I also think the simple, beautiful arrangement of "Once Upon a Dream" (the album version) is wonderful.

My brother-in-law has seen "Les Miserables" a LOT of times, including the original NY cast and he owns the original cast recording. I told him Dennis sings "Bring Him Home" better than the original version and he scoffed at me. I stuck the earphones in his ears and played the song for him and his comment was "I'm convinced. Beautiful."

I agree with you, Sadie, about "Memory". Yet another version of that song sure could have been left off this album.


Bugsy

[Classicrockr]

Maybe it was just this show, but when I saw the current Styx line up a few months ago, JY only did "Miss America". Why? - Half Penny-Two penny, Heavy Metal Posioning, and Homewrecker are all AWESOME tunes. I realize HMP was off the Kilroy era (which JY & Tommy did not like much), but it was a great song. If I ever see them again, I'd like to see him do some more. There aren't many bands that have more than one singer (Styx, Eagles, KISS) but in the ones that do, each singer's songs are paramount to the bands style & success.

Bring it on a little heavier, JY!!

[StyxCollector]

Maybe it was just this show, but when I saw the current Styx line up a few months ago, JY only did "Miss America". Why? - Half Penny-Two penny, Heavy Metal Posioning, and Homewrecker are all AWESOME tunes. I realize HMP was off the Kilroy era (which JY & Tommy did not like much), but it was a great song. If I ever see them again, I'd like to see him do some more. There aren't many bands that have more than one singer (Styx, Eagles, KISS) but in the ones that do, each singer's songs are paramount to the bands style & success.

Bring it on a little heavier, JY!!

Well, let's see ... "Half-Penny" the current lineup did around 2000/2001 and hasn't really been played since, HMP was retired "live" in 1984, and "Homewrecker" thankfully hasn't been played since 1991.

"Miss America" is JY's staple song and I doubt it will ever leave the set. Recently they've added "Midnight RIde" on some dates, and JY does "Lorelei". Live, JY has been and will always be 2nd fiddle to TS and/or DDY.

Look at the history of Styx going back to the 70s. The formula the have now is the one that's been in place for over 30 years.

[Roboto750]

I love DDY's new album and "Rubicon," but I like "Rain" the best.

[Barbara]

If I ever see them again, I'd like to see him do some more.

I'd like to see/hear "These Are The Times".

[stmonkeys]

they played that during the 2003 tour (maybe 2004 as well) i have it somewhere, one of these days i'll get it on youtube for ya.

[Barbara]

Thank You!!

[gr8dane]

I think this album has some of his best work ever. I am one who has a hard time deciding on a favorite, though.

Off the 200 or so songs I bought from I-Tunes,the song I dislike the most,DDY's I believe,is the song that has been played the most on my shuffle.Go figure.

Gr8, I am assuming you are talking about "I Believe in You"? That song was one I dismissed outright at first and now I have gotten to where I really enjoy listening to it. The piano solo at the end is a lot of fun. And, despite its humdrum lyrics, it has such a catchy rhythm and nice harmonies.


Bugsy

Yes Bugs.
I believe in you.
I rarely listen to lyrics,'cause my mind wonders of.
But I hear the whole thing/package/mainly the tune.
BUT with IBIY,I just can't stop listening to lyrics and I just wanna put on the Spice Girls on anything else for that matter.
After 4 or more songs of devotion, I had enough.Never noticed the piano thing you are talking about
Maybe next time.
I am glad Dennis is happy after what seems forever.Bless him

[gr8dane]

I think this album has some of his best work ever. I am one who has a hard time deciding on a favorite, though.

Off the 200 or so songs I bought from I-Tunes,the song I dislike the most,DDY's I believe,is the song that has been played the most on my shuffle.Go figure.

Gr8, I am assuming you are talking about "I Believe in You"? That song was one I dismissed outright at first and now I have gotten to where I really enjoy listening to it. The piano solo at the end is a lot of fun. And, despite its humdrum lyrics, it has such a catchy rhythm and nice harmonies.


Bugsy

There it was again.
Did hear the piano,but almost missed due to 'The 2 hearts as 1' Sob.
The piano bit was indeed nice but reminded me of Tesh or Richard Clayderman.

[bugsymalone]

I think this album has some of his best work ever. I am one who has a hard time deciding on a favorite, though.

Off the 200 or so songs I bought from I-Tunes,the song I dislike the most,DDY's I believe,is the song that has been played the most on my shuffle.Go figure.

Gr8, I am assuming you are talking about "I Believe in You"? That song was one I dismissed outright at first and now I have gotten to where I really enjoy listening to it. The piano solo at the end is a lot of fun. And, despite its humdrum lyrics, it has such a catchy rhythm and nice harmonies.


Bugsy

There it was again.
Did hear the piano,but almost missed due to 'The 2 hearts as 1' Sob.
The piano bit was indeed nice but reminded me of Tesh or Richard Clayderman.

Gr8, yer cracking me up! Not TESH!! Maybe Hornsby. That's who I thought of first time I heard it.


Bugsy