by classicstyxfan » Tue Nov 25, 2003 12:55 pm
OK, 1st run through is complete........In my opinion, this is a MUST OWN
for any fan of Dennis. If you are a fan of Styx, you probably should have this for your collection as well, with this one caution...it is NOT Styx, for the most part, it does not Rock up to that level. It has moments that
you will enjoy if you turn it up though.
The performances are very tight for a live show with an orchestra.....I was pleasantly surprised by the vocal harmonies on many of the Styx tunes. I'm not saying the voices blend as well as Tommys and Dennis do, but the vocalists hit ALL the high notes, and in most places, the mix is good enough to hear the vocals well. The guitarist has some fine moments...he wont make you forget Tommy or JY, but he does all right.
Most of the orchestral arrangements do bring something new and fresh to the Styx songs, but there are several moments where the additions detract from rather than add to a song. I'm going to listen again before stating which songs and parts fit this description.
The low points of the release are definately the Hunchback songs, Ave Maria and With Every Heartbeat ( this was by the way my 1st exposure to any Hunchback music ) Perhaps these songs sound better in the context of the entire work.....as stand alone, I could do without them though.
For me, the HIGH POINT of this release are the songs Black Wall and My God can beat up your God....these both would have been GREAT Styx songs, and stand upi to DDY's best solo work. I do like Hello God and Goodnight my love as well. Dennis should take these 4 songs, write about 5 more in the same vein, and cut a studio record !
To those who judged this music by crappy 30 second streamed samples on the web....it's your loss. To those on the Fence, I'd encourage you to take the plunge and buy this, I dont think you will regret it. I'm looking forward to others reviews...pleas share your opinions when you get this.