Light Up

[Baron Von Bielski]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

[Boomchild]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

[Toph]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

Call me a prude, but I would like "Light Up" more if the lyrical content was different. Wish they had just kept it as a tribute to the Beatles. Hard to play a song glorifying marijuana use with kids in the car.

[Baron Von Bielski]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

I totally agree. DDY sounds just as good now as ever.

[Boomchild]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

Call me a prude, but I would like "Light Up" more if the lyrical content was different. Wish they had just kept it as a tribute to the Beatles. Hard to play a song glorifying marijuana use with kids in the car.

IMHO, it has to be one of the most tame songs (lyrically) about the subject of pot. In fact, I would be willing to bet that at the time most of the "kids" that heard it wouldn't figure it out for themselves. I have never heard someone say "I started smoking pot because I heard about it in a song".

[Boomchild]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

I totally agree. DDY sounds just as good now as ever.

If it came down to a singing contest, even now Dennis could run circles around Larry. No offense to Larry personally but, nothing he has done or will do in Styx will impact what Styx will be remembered for.

[yogi]

Listen to Born For Adventure, Prelude12 & Suite Madame Blue with headphones on and crank it up. Best Styx EVER!!

What a GREAT side 2 and what a GREAT GREAT album Equinox is!!

[Toph]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

Call me a prude, but I would like "Light Up" more if the lyrical content was different. Wish they had just kept it as a tribute to the Beatles. Hard to play a song glorifying marijuana use with kids in the car.

IMHO, it has to be one of the most tame songs (lyrically) about the subject of pot. In fact, I would be willing to bet that at the time most of the "kids" that heard it wouldn't figure it out for themselves. I have never heard someone say "I started smoking pot because I heard about it in a song".

I have to disagree with you there. Anything that makes it sound permissible is IMHO, a gateway into kids thinking it is acceptable. I just don't think it is right to be driving around with a song that glorifies and encourages pot usage (how about the end - smoke Marijuana repeated over and over and over again) with kids in the car. I'm not going to be playing Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" or Marley's songs either. Just my choice on that. Again, like the tune of Light Up (although the middle instrumental section is a bit long - could have come back with another verse), but not a big fan of the lyrical content. Also and link to another thread - Journey doesn't have any songs about glorifying drugs.

[Higgy]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

Call me a prude, but I would like "Light Up" more if the lyrical content was different. Wish they had just kept it as a tribute to the Beatles. Hard to play a song glorifying marijuana use with kids in the car.

IMHO, it has to be one of the most tame songs (lyrically) about the subject of pot. In fact, I would be willing to bet that at the time most of the "kids" that heard it wouldn't figure it out for themselves. I have never heard someone say "I started smoking pot because I heard about it in a song".

I have to disagree with you there. Anything that makes it sound permissible is IMHO, a gateway into kids thinking it is acceptable. I just don't think it is right to be driving around with a song that glorifies and encourages pot usage (how about the end - smoke Marijuana repeated over and over and over again) with kids in the car. I'm not going to be playing Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" or Marley's songs either. Just my choice on that. Again, like the tune of Light Up (although the middle instrumental section is a bit long - could have come back with another verse), but not a big fan of the lyrical content. Also and link to another thread - Journey doesn't have any songs about glorifying drugs.

Are you some sort of 80s youth pastor? Wow! And yeah, Journey is the model of sobriety - oh, except for the name of their music publishing company.

[Archetype]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

Call me a prude, but I would like "Light Up" more if the lyrical content was different. Wish they had just kept it as a tribute to the Beatles. Hard to play a song glorifying marijuana use with kids in the car.

IMHO, it has to be one of the most tame songs (lyrically) about the subject of pot. In fact, I would be willing to bet that at the time most of the "kids" that heard it wouldn't figure it out for themselves. I have never heard someone say "I started smoking pot because I heard about it in a song".

I have to disagree with you there. Anything that makes it sound permissible is IMHO, a gateway into kids thinking it is acceptable. I just don't think it is right to be driving around with a song that glorifies and encourages pot usage (how about the end - smoke Marijuana repeated over and over and over again) with kids in the car. I'm not going to be playing Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" or Marley's songs either. Just my choice on that. Again, like the tune of Light Up (although the middle instrumental section is a bit long - could have come back with another verse), but not a big fan of the lyrical content. Also and link to another thread - Journey doesn't have any songs about glorifying drugs.

Sounds like you've been around Dr. Righteous for too long

[gr8dane]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

Call me a prude, but I would like "Light Up" more if the lyrical content was different. Wish they had just kept it as a tribute to the Beatles. Hard to play a song glorifying marijuana use with kids in the car.

IMHO, it has to be one of the most tame songs (lyrically) about the subject of pot. In fact, I would be willing to bet that at the time most of the "kids" that heard it wouldn't figure it out for themselves. I have never heard someone say "I started smoking pot because I heard about it in a song".

I have to disagree with you there. Anything that makes it sound permissible is IMHO, a gateway into kids thinking it is acceptable. I just don't think it is right to be driving around with a song that glorifies and encourages pot usage (how about the end - smoke Marijuana repeated over and over and over again) with kids in the car. I'm not going to be playing Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" or Marley's songs either. Just my choice on that. Again, like the tune of Light Up (although the middle instrumental section is a bit long - could have come back with another verse), but not a big fan of the lyrical content. Also and link to another thread - Journey doesn't have any songs about glorifying drugs.

So,how are you teaching your kids about drugs?
When there is something about drugs on TV or in a song,that is the golden opportunity to give a little lesson or at least talk about it.
I have talked about it,and I am happy my kid is not afraid, to come to me with questions.
I rather my kid learns about drugs from me or his teachers,instead of some snotnose punk who may promote.

[Toph]

I am glad so many of you have opinions on how I should raise my kids. Really appreciate that. And you can be sure I'll take to heart what a bunch of folks on a washed up band's internet site have to say.

I choose to not have my kids listen to songs that glorify marijuana use. Light Up fits that category. So sue me. And I've talked to them many times on the danger of drugs - I just don't think it is appropriate to play songs in the car that they may then go and sing in front of other kids, teachers, etc. that say "Light Up and get happy...smoke marijuana!". It is inappropriate. And if you have a problem with that, tough luck. I am raising my kids the way I see fit - you aren't.

[Higgy]

I am glad so many of you have opinions on how I should raise my kids. Really appreciate that. And you can be sure I'll take to heart what a bunch of folks on a washed up band's internet site have to say.

I choose to not have my kids listen to songs that glorify marijuana use. Light Up fits that category. So sue me. And I've talked to them many times on the danger of drugs - I just don't think it is appropriate to play songs in the car that they may then go and sing in front of other kids, teachers, etc. that say "Light Up and get happy...smoke marijuana!". It is inappropriate. And if you have a problem with that, tough luck. I am raising my kids the way I see fit - you aren't.

Maybe you should go smoke some weed and calm down - Dennis Deyoung would.

[gr8dane]

I am glad so many of you have opinions on how I should raise my kids. Really appreciate that. And you can be sure I'll take to heart what a bunch of folks on a washed up band's internet site have to say.

I choose to not have my kids listen to songs that glorify marijuana use. Light Up fits that category. So sue me. And I've talked to them many times on the danger of drugs - I just don't think it is appropriate to play songs in the car that they may then go and sing in front of other kids, teachers, etc. that say "Light Up and get happy...smoke marijuana!". It is inappropriate. And if you have a problem with that, tough luck. I am raising my kids the way I see fit - you aren't.

Lighten up toph.
You are way too serious today.
You were the one bringing up the subject of playing naughty songs in the car and calling yourself a prune.Remember.
Would it help if you talked about it on Dennis' site,instead of on a washed up band's?

[Baron Von Bielski]

I started this topic to talk about the music and melody of this great song. Not really the lyrical content. If that were the case, and I overanalyzed it... I might not think as highly of it. Oh, and I can guarantee one thing... my kids aren't "singing" along with this one in the car I assure you. If it ain't their choice, then it's headphones on. Works for me, nobody likes what I like anyway.

[Boomchild]

I have been listening to the remastered version of 'Light Up' from Equinox/Crystal Ball and I just need to comment on what an excellent song it is. Listening to it with headphones on I was able to hear the layers of guitars especially during the verse. Sounds you can't really hear otherwise... at least not as clear or prominent. It's a great opener to an album and I think it'd a great opener to a concert. Styx was using the beginning to their shows last year before they'd kick in to Borrowed Time which I liked, but it's not the same without Dennis singing it. Plus there is no way I'd want Gowan trying 'Light Up', I'm not bashing him... but his voice doesn't work for it... at all. As much as people say he's a Dennis sound alike, I don't think so at all. Not even the same key. Anyways, it's about the song and how great is and how great Styx was... and COULD be again.

Personally, I feel it's an insult to Dennis to say that Gowan is a sound alike. Dennis' vocal abilities are far and above anything Gowan has done. Gowan is not even in the same league, period.

Call me a prude, but I would like "Light Up" more if the lyrical content was different. Wish they had just kept it as a tribute to the Beatles. Hard to play a song glorifying marijuana use with kids in the car.

IMHO, it has to be one of the most tame songs (lyrically) about the subject of pot. In fact, I would be willing to bet that at the time most of the "kids" that heard it wouldn't figure it out for themselves. I have never heard someone say "I started smoking pot because I heard about it in a song".

I have to disagree with you there. Anything that makes it sound permissible is IMHO, a gateway into kids thinking it is acceptable. I just don't think it is right to be driving around with a song that glorifies and encourages pot usage (how about the end - smoke Marijuana repeated over and over and over again) with kids in the car. I'm not going to be playing Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" or Marley's songs either. Just my choice on that. Again, like the tune of Light Up (although the middle instrumental section is a bit long - could have come back with another verse), but not a big fan of the lyrical content. Also and link to another thread - Journey doesn't have any songs about glorifying drugs.

The great thing about living in the USA is that everyone has a right to speak their minds freely. I am just saying that as a song about pot Light Up is not something that pushes it your face. Plus, Styx was never a band that I considered really glorified the use of drugs in their music or were really outspoken about it. Personally, I do not condone the use of mind altering substances but it is not my job to police the public. People are free to make their own choices and have to deal with the consequences (if any) that come with them.

[Boomchild]

I am glad so many of you have opinions on how I should raise my kids. Really appreciate that. And you can be sure I'll take to heart what a bunch of folks on a washed up band's internet site have to say.

I choose to not have my kids listen to songs that glorify marijuana use. Light Up fits that category. So sue me. And I've talked to them many times on the danger of drugs - I just don't think it is appropriate to play songs in the car that they may then go and sing in front of other kids, teachers, etc. that say "Light Up and get happy...smoke marijuana!". It is inappropriate. And if you have a problem with that, tough luck. I am raising my kids the way I see fit - you aren't.

For the record my replies to your posts in no way was meant to imply how you should personally raise your children. I have always had the opinion that it is the job of the parent(s) and no one else. That being said, if a child starts using drugs because of what they heard in a song then I would have to say that the parent(s) maybe are lacking in their parental responsibilities. Again, I was merly talking about the song itself.

[Boomchild]

I am glad so many of you have opinions on how I should raise my kids. Really appreciate that. And you can be sure I'll take to heart what a bunch of folks on a washed up band's internet site have to say.

I choose to not have my kids listen to songs that glorify marijuana use. Light Up fits that category. So sue me. And I've talked to them many times on the danger of drugs - I just don't think it is appropriate to play songs in the car that they may then go and sing in front of other kids, teachers, etc. that say "Light Up and get happy...smoke marijuana!". It is inappropriate. And if you have a problem with that, tough luck. I am raising my kids the way I see fit - you aren't.

Maybe you should go smoke some weed and calm down - Dennis Deyoung would.

[Boomchild]

I started this topic to talk about the music and melody of this great song. Not really the lyrical content. If that were the case, and I overanalyzed it... I might not think as highly of it. Oh, and I can guarantee one thing... my kids aren't "singing" along with this one in the car I assure you. If it ain't their choice, then it's headphones on. Works for me, nobody likes what I like anyway.

Amazing how a thread can veer off in another direction isn't it? I don't think you had anything to do with where this went.

[kansas666]

how about the end - smoke Marijuana repeated over and over and over again

You've got to listen real close to hear that. Put the headphones on.

It always sounded like "smoke dope" to me.

[cinj]

how about the end - smoke Marijuana repeated over and over and over again

You've got to listen real close to hear that. Put the headphones on.

It always sounded like "smoke dope" to me.

I thought they were trying to copy the Beatles and insert hidden messages that said (repeatedly) "Dennis is dead. Honestly." Come to think of it, I think it was actually backwards. I seem to recall hearing: "yltsenoh. daed si sinneD".

Maybe it's just me.

Cinj

[Baron Von Bielski]

I started this topic to talk about the music and melody of this great song. Not really the lyrical content. If that were the case, and I overanalyzed it... I might not think as highly of it. Oh, and I can guarantee one thing... my kids aren't "singing" along with this one in the car I assure you. If it ain't their choice, then it's headphones on. Works for me, nobody likes what I like anyway.

Amazing how a thread can veer off in another direction isn't it? I don't think you had anything to do with where this went.

You know what's kinda embarrassing, I have never "really" listened to the words that closely. Now obviously I've listened to "Everyday's a holiday when your lips meet mine...", and so on. Kinda cheesy. Even the line "All I need is just one hit to get me by" I took is as a metephor like a hit of love because of the "when I'm with you I'm halfway high". Like being high on love. As far as "Light Up, everybody"... I never paid attention to the line. I am embarrassed to say I didn't know the song was about pot when I started this thread. I am not a naive person either, but this one sure slipped by the ol' radar.

[Ash]

OMG... a 70's prog rock band singing a song about drugs.

What will be next? Them singing a song about doing ladies in waiting while stealing their gold? In a church no less.

What HAS the world come to?

On their next album they'll be talking about sex with 17 year olds.

[Boomchild]

OMG... a 70's prog rock band singing a song about drugs.

What will be next? Them singing a song about doing ladies in waiting while stealing their gold? In a church no less.

What HAS the world come to?

On their next album they'll be talking about sex with 17 year olds.

Then they will end up using the word "penis" and "balls" in a video about robots. "You can't stop the music, you bastards!"

[Boomchild]

I started this topic to talk about the music and melody of this great song. Not really the lyrical content. If that were the case, and I overanalyzed it... I might not think as highly of it. Oh, and I can guarantee one thing... my kids aren't "singing" along with this one in the car I assure you. If it ain't their choice, then it's headphones on. Works for me, nobody likes what I like anyway.

Amazing how a thread can veer off in another direction isn't it? I don't think you had anything to do with where this went.

You know what's kinda embarrassing, I have never "really" listened to the words that closely. Now obviously I've listened to "Everyday's a holiday when your lips meet mine...", and so on. Kinda cheesy. Even the line "All I need is just one hit to get me by" I took is as a metephor like a hit of love because of the "when I'm with you I'm halfway high". Like being high on love. As far as "Light Up, everybody"... I never paid attention to the line. I am embarrassed to say I didn't know the song was about pot when I started this thread. I am not a naive person either, but this one sure slipped by the ol' radar.

Maybe I'm a dense person but when that first came out and I listened to it several times before the light bulb went on. Trust me you are not the first or the last.