The Worst Rock Videos Ever: Styx, "Music Time"

[Rockwriter]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

[froy]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

Funny thing I love this video

[Keiferb]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

Funny thing I love this video

Way to build credibility!

[Rockwriter]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

Funny thing I love this video

Well, that's what makes the world go 'round! LOL.

Sterling

[Toph]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

Sterling
Just wondering, when you list out the Styx hits in this article, is there a reason that you exclude BOT #3, SMTW #3, and DLIE #6 while you list BCM #21? Don't tell me that you've been corrupted by the Shaw-Young band that those 3 songs didn't exist?

[Real rock fan]

Rubbish song, absolutely terrible video

[Boomchild]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

While I don't feel the song and music video is one of Styx' better moments, I feel that there are tons of other music videos that sucked worse then this one. I got the sense that the video was Dennis satirizing 80's pop culture to the extreme. That seems in line with his humor. Being that you seem to be a fan of the band it would have been nice for you to mention that there videos for EOTC were well done. Especially the one for SMTW.

[Toph]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

While I don't feel the song and music video is one of Styx' better moments, I feel that there are tons of other music videos that sucked worse then this one. I got the sense that the video was Dennis satirizing 80's pop culture to the extreme. That seems in line with his humor. Being that you seem to be a fan of the band it would have been nice for you to mention that there videos for EOTC were well done. Especially the one for SMTW.

totally agree. According to this article, SMTW doesn't even exist. I fear Sterling is moving over to the dark side and becoming and Dennis basher. It is a shame too because I always thought he did a good job of staying in the center. But this article, combined with a few previous posts, has me thinking otherwise.

[Bearded Clam]

I think it's actually a decent song, the chorus is very weak though. I bet if they didn't make the goofy video, the song itself wouldn't have been so reviled.

[Rockwriter]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

Sterling
Just wondering, when you list out the Styx hits in this article, is there a reason that you exclude BOT #3, SMTW #3, and DLIE #6 while you list BCM #21? Don't tell me that you've been corrupted by the Shaw-Young band that those 3 songs didn't exist?

I was really trying to focus on songs that are more associated with the band and have had more long-term impact, and wanted a cross-section of the band's styles. "Show Me the Way" doesn't get a lot of continuing airplay and I haven't heard "Don't Let It End" on the radio, on TV or in a film in probably more than a decade. The songs I picked are the ones a general audience would more likely identify as Styx, and they are a good representation of the contrasting strengths of the two principal writers.

"The Best of Times," to tell you the truth I meant to include that and then didn't, LOL.


Sterling

[Rockwriter]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

While I don't feel the song and music video is one of Styx' better moments, I feel that there are tons of other music videos that sucked worse then this one. I got the sense that the video was Dennis satirizing 80's pop culture to the extreme. That seems in line with his humor. Being that you seem to be a fan of the band it would have been nice for you to mention that there videos for EOTC were well done. Especially the one for SMTW.

totally agree. According to this article, SMTW doesn't even exist. I fear Sterling is moving over to the dark side and becoming and Dennis basher. It is a shame too because I always thought he did a good job of staying in the center. But this article, combined with a few previous posts, has me thinking otherwise.

You guys are reading way too much into this innocuous article. Do you not get that this entire series is intended as a send-up of a certain transitional period in rock culture? The whole point of the idea is that the bands that achieved success prior to the introduction of rock videos tended to have difficulty making the transition, thereby creating some truly comical screen moments. These people never anticipated having to try to be actors, and the results are often funny. It's all in fun, so everybody relax.

Dennis was obviously the main writer of the band, its principal vocalist and thereby the primary architect of its recording success. But if you're going to praise him when he's good, you've got to give him credit when it's bad, too. This song is purely his vision, it is terrible, and his performance in this video is embarrassingly bad. Disagree all you like. It's only my opinion.

By the way, the notion that there is a "dark side" and a "light side" in a conversation about an erstwhile rock group is comical in and of itself. There are no Ben Kenobis or Darth Vaders in this story, no heroes or villains - only egocentric rock musicians, all of whom have some fairly obvious strengths and weaknesses.

As for why I didn't write that some of their other videos are good, first off that's not my opinion - I don't think any of their videos are all that great - and secondly, this is an article about this video. That would be like reviewing Kilroy and mentioning that Equinox was great. It has no bearing.

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.


Sterling

[hoagiepete]

Terrible song, humorous video...just not Styx as they were meant to be. What a godawful time for Rock n Roll.

And you wonder why Tommy left and the band is in conflict?

[brywool]

I thought the song was pretty catchy and the video was suitably weird. It seems more like a Dennis solo track to me, but I like it. Always have. It's gotta great hook even though it does have that "80s white guy dancing beat" to it. There were worse videos. Definitely more entertaining to watch when compared with Journey's "Separate Ways" video. Great song, terrrrrrible video. One of the best Beavis and Buttheads is when they are watching the "Separate Ways" video. Funny stuff.

Regarding SMTW, I thought that was a decent video for Styx. I think "Too Much Time On My Hands" is their best video because it incorporated a bit of humor into the band. The videos for the Grand Illusion stuff were good too though they were strictly them miming to the tracks.

One thing I remember seeing on a record ad in the 90s was an excerpt from some video around the time of Pieces of 8. Dennis had the blue vest on and the clothes were from that tour. I've never seen these videos anywhere else than in that commercial.

What happened to the Pieces of 8 videos? There must've been some for the singles that came out...

[kansas666]

WOW! It only took them 7 years to regroup after this video?

[Toph]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

While I don't feel the song and music video is one of Styx' better moments, I feel that there are tons of other music videos that sucked worse then this one. I got the sense that the video was Dennis satirizing 80's pop culture to the extreme. That seems in line with his humor. Being that you seem to be a fan of the band it would have been nice for you to mention that there videos for EOTC were well done. Especially the one for SMTW.

totally agree. According to this article, SMTW doesn't even exist. I fear Sterling is moving over to the dark side and becoming and Dennis basher. It is a shame too because I always thought he did a good job of staying in the center. But this article, combined with a few previous posts, has me thinking otherwise.

You guys are reading way too much into this innocuous article. Do you not get that this entire series is intended as a send-up of a certain transitional period in rock culture? The whole point of the idea is that the bands that achieved success prior to the introduction of rock videos tended to have difficulty making the transition, thereby creating some truly comical screen moments. These people never anticipated having to try to be actors, and the results are often funny. It's all in fun, so everybody relax.

Dennis was obviously the main writer of the band, its principal vocalist and thereby the primary architect of its recording success. But if you're going to praise him when he's good, you've got to give him credit when it's bad, too. This song is purely his vision, it is terrible, and his performance in this video is embarrassingly bad. Disagree all you like. It's only my opinion.

By the way, the notion that there is a "dark side" and a "light side" in a conversation about an erstwhile rock group is comical in and of itself. There are no Ben Kenobis or Darth Vaders in this story, no heroes or villains - only egocentric rock musicians, all of whom have some fairly obvious strengths and weaknesses.

As for why I didn't write that some of their other videos are good, first off that's not my opinion - I don't think any of their videos are all that great - and secondly, this is an article about this video. That would be like reviewing Kilroy and mentioning that Equinox was great. It has no bearing.

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.


Sterling

Fair points Sterling. thank you for clarifiyng. But I still have to disagree with you when you say that none of Styx's videos are all that great. I think Show Me The Way is fantastic and classy and has depth to it. I also think Desert moon, while not technically a Styx song, is quite good as well. you don't think those videos are strong?

[Ash]

My bet - they were contractually obligated to put a new song on the live album. So they did it after Tommy left. I'm sure none of them are super proud of it.

[Ash]

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.

I guess JY isn't really Tommy Shaw, but his Out on a Day Pass album is the worst piece of recorded shit in the history of music... ever.... ever.... ever.

From the first note to the last, it was pure, unmitigated trash... and that is being mean to trash.

[Toph]

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.

I guess JY isn't really Tommy Shaw, but his Out on a Day Pass album is the worst piece of recorded shit in the history of music... ever.... ever.... ever.

From the first note to the last, it was pure, unmitigated trash... and that is being mean to trash.

What about Dark Side - the contrary nature of man and Sitting On Top Of The World? Those are catchy, don't you think?

[Boomchild]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

While I don't feel the song and music video is one of Styx' better moments, I feel that there are tons of other music videos that sucked worse then this one. I got the sense that the video was Dennis satirizing 80's pop culture to the extreme. That seems in line with his humor. Being that you seem to be a fan of the band it would have been nice for you to mention that there videos for EOTC were well done. Especially the one for SMTW.

totally agree. According to this article, SMTW doesn't even exist. I fear Sterling is moving over to the dark side and becoming and Dennis basher. It is a shame too because I always thought he did a good job of staying in the center. But this article, combined with a few previous posts, has me thinking otherwise.

You guys are reading way too much into this innocuous article. Do you not get that this entire series is intended as a send-up of a certain transitional period in rock culture? The whole point of the idea is that the bands that achieved success prior to the introduction of rock videos tended to have difficulty making the transition, thereby creating some truly comical screen moments. These people never anticipated having to try to be actors, and the results are often funny. It's all in fun, so everybody relax.

Dennis was obviously the main writer of the band, its principal vocalist and thereby the primary architect of its recording success. But if you're going to praise him when he's good, you've got to give him credit when it's bad, too. This song is purely his vision, it is terrible, and his performance in this video is embarrassingly bad. Disagree all you like. It's only my opinion.

By the way, the notion that there is a "dark side" and a "light side" in a conversation about an erstwhile rock group is comical in and of itself. There are no Ben Kenobis or Darth Vaders in this story, no heroes or villains - only egocentric rock musicians, all of whom have some fairly obvious strengths and weaknesses.

As for why I didn't write that some of their other videos are good, first off that's not my opinion - I don't think any of their videos are all that great - and secondly, this is an article about this video. That would be like reviewing Kilroy and mentioning that Equinox was great. It has no bearing.

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.


Sterling

After re-reading my reply I noticed a typo. I meant to say it was NOT one of the bands better moments. In regards to you saying that this article is just about Music Time, you do begin the article saying that the band has made many truly wretched videos. That's a plural statement. I just thought it would have been fair to point out that when they did the videos for EOTC they seemed to produce a more decent video. Your article seems to give the impression that all of their music videos were garbage and I do not think that is the case. In fact, a good portion of them are in the same vain as other videos being done at the time. A lot of the early music videos produced for airplay on MTV were cheesy and lacking substance. It was an emerging format. At any rate I am breaking one of my own rules and that is caring about articles written by music critics\reviewers. No offense, I just feel that they think they have better ears and eyes then the general public and that is clearly BS.

[Boomchild]

Terrible song, humorous video...just not Styx as they were meant to be. What a godawful time for Rock n Roll.

And you wonder why Tommy left and the band is in conflict?

I don't wonder at all. The guy was clearly in a drug haze and thought that he would be able to make it just as well on his own.

[Boomchild]

My bet - they were contractually obligated to put a new song on the live album. So they did it after Tommy left. I'm sure none of them are super proud of it.

It does seem to show the cracks that had formed in the band.

[Boomchild]

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.

I guess JY isn't really Tommy Shaw, but his Out on a Day Pass album is the worst piece of recorded shit in the history of music... ever.... ever.... ever.

From the first note to the last, it was pure, unmitigated trash... and that is being mean to trash.

And City Slicker was not that far behind. Based on that stuff I can't see how people give more credit to JY then is due for the success Styx had.

[Rockwriter]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

While I don't feel the song and music video is one of Styx' better moments, I feel that there are tons of other music videos that sucked worse then this one. I got the sense that the video was Dennis satirizing 80's pop culture to the extreme. That seems in line with his humor. Being that you seem to be a fan of the band it would have been nice for you to mention that there videos for EOTC were well done. Especially the one for SMTW.

totally agree. According to this article, SMTW doesn't even exist. I fear Sterling is moving over to the dark side and becoming and Dennis basher. It is a shame too because I always thought he did a good job of staying in the center. But this article, combined with a few previous posts, has me thinking otherwise.

You guys are reading way too much into this innocuous article. Do you not get that this entire series is intended as a send-up of a certain transitional period in rock culture? The whole point of the idea is that the bands that achieved success prior to the introduction of rock videos tended to have difficulty making the transition, thereby creating some truly comical screen moments. These people never anticipated having to try to be actors, and the results are often funny. It's all in fun, so everybody relax.

Dennis was obviously the main writer of the band, its principal vocalist and thereby the primary architect of its recording success. But if you're going to praise him when he's good, you've got to give him credit when it's bad, too. This song is purely his vision, it is terrible, and his performance in this video is embarrassingly bad. Disagree all you like. It's only my opinion.

By the way, the notion that there is a "dark side" and a "light side" in a conversation about an erstwhile rock group is comical in and of itself. There are no Ben Kenobis or Darth Vaders in this story, no heroes or villains - only egocentric rock musicians, all of whom have some fairly obvious strengths and weaknesses.

As for why I didn't write that some of their other videos are good, first off that's not my opinion - I don't think any of their videos are all that great - and secondly, this is an article about this video. That would be like reviewing Kilroy and mentioning that Equinox was great. It has no bearing.

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.


Sterling

Fair points Sterling. thank you for clarifiyng. But I still have to disagree with you when you say that none of Styx's videos are all that great. I think Show Me The Way is fantastic and classy and has depth to it. I also think Desert moon, while not technically a Styx song, is quite good as well. you don't think those videos are strong?

I don't care for the video to SMTW, but I absolutely love the video for "Desert Moon." Please note that this piece specifically said that DDY displayed a real acting presence in his solo videos. I think he has talent as an actor - which is part of why I argue against "Music Time." In my opinion, it's a bit like watching Ben Affleck in 'Surviving Christmas.' He's talented, but that still sucks.


Sterling

[Rockwriter]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

While I don't feel the song and music video is one of Styx' better moments, I feel that there are tons of other music videos that sucked worse then this one. I got the sense that the video was Dennis satirizing 80's pop culture to the extreme. That seems in line with his humor. Being that you seem to be a fan of the band it would have been nice for you to mention that there videos for EOTC were well done. Especially the one for SMTW.

totally agree. According to this article, SMTW doesn't even exist. I fear Sterling is moving over to the dark side and becoming and Dennis basher. It is a shame too because I always thought he did a good job of staying in the center. But this article, combined with a few previous posts, has me thinking otherwise.

You guys are reading way too much into this innocuous article. Do you not get that this entire series is intended as a send-up of a certain transitional period in rock culture? The whole point of the idea is that the bands that achieved success prior to the introduction of rock videos tended to have difficulty making the transition, thereby creating some truly comical screen moments. These people never anticipated having to try to be actors, and the results are often funny. It's all in fun, so everybody relax.

Dennis was obviously the main writer of the band, its principal vocalist and thereby the primary architect of its recording success. But if you're going to praise him when he's good, you've got to give him credit when it's bad, too. This song is purely his vision, it is terrible, and his performance in this video is embarrassingly bad. Disagree all you like. It's only my opinion.

By the way, the notion that there is a "dark side" and a "light side" in a conversation about an erstwhile rock group is comical in and of itself. There are no Ben Kenobis or Darth Vaders in this story, no heroes or villains - only egocentric rock musicians, all of whom have some fairly obvious strengths and weaknesses.

As for why I didn't write that some of their other videos are good, first off that's not my opinion - I don't think any of their videos are all that great - and secondly, this is an article about this video. That would be like reviewing Kilroy and mentioning that Equinox was great. It has no bearing.

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.


Sterling

After re-reading my reply I noticed a typo. I meant to say it was NOT one of the bands better moments. In regards to you saying that this article is just about Music Time, you do begin the article saying that the band has made many truly wretched videos. That's a plural statement. I just thought it would have been fair to point out that when they did the videos for EOTC they seemed to produce a more decent video. Your article seems to give the impression that all of their music videos were garbage and I do not think that is the case. In fact, a good portion of them are in the same vain as other videos being done at the time. A lot of the early music videos produced for airplay on MTV were cheesy and lacking substance. It was an emerging format. At any rate I am breaking one of my own rules and that is caring about articles written by music critics\reviewers. No offense, I just feel that they think they have better ears and eyes then the general public and that is clearly BS.

I don't disagree that many critics set themselves above their readers. I sincerely don't think I'm one of them. I have pretty populist tastes for the most part. I mean, hell, I'm the author of a book about Styx, for Chrissakes, LOL. But I sincerely don't see the value in this particular video.

Of course, that doesn't mean that NOBODY does.


Sterling

[Rockwriter]

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.

I guess JY isn't really Tommy Shaw, but his Out on a Day Pass album is the worst piece of recorded shit in the history of music... ever.... ever.... ever.

From the first note to the last, it was pure, unmitigated trash... and that is being mean to trash.

Now that you say that, I'm hard-pressed to disagree. To tell you the truth, I don't even regard those JY solo albums as proper solo albums, since he essentially had to pay for their release. No record company in its right mind would have tried to release those albums to try to realize an actual profit. I know for a fact that Tommy mocked those albums to his band at the time. Rightfully so.


Sterling

[brywool]

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.

I guess JY isn't really Tommy Shaw, but his Out on a Day Pass album is the worst piece of recorded shit in the history of music... ever.... ever.... ever.

From the first note to the last, it was pure, unmitigated trash... and that is being mean to trash.

Funny, I was cleaning out my CDs last night after a home disaster of sorts. That was one that I held in my hand and almost threw out. Eh, couldn't do it.

Musically, and this is from memory, there are decent song skeletons there. But vocally... man! JY is a big part of the Styx harmony sound. He's got a super high head voice (or did at the time of that release). WHY did he not get some coaching before doing that album? Seriously, how can he listen to that and not go "wow, I really need some vocal help". His pitch is good. But his delivery and vibrato are just out of control. The screams on it are just laughable (Sorry Jy!). One thing I do like on it are the harmonies. Those harmonies sound more Styxish than any of the solo albums to me. But it's the lead vocals that are embarrassingly bad. Especially strange when he comes from a great vocal act like Styx.

Having said that, I did like the JY GROUP album. Thought it was decent.

[Baron Von Bielski]

This is the first of a series of funny articles I am writing on the worst rock videos ever made http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... music-time

Thanks, I hope all is well.


Sterling

While I don't feel the song and music video is one of Styx' better moments, I feel that there are tons of other music videos that sucked worse then this one. I got the sense that the video was Dennis satirizing 80's pop culture to the extreme. That seems in line with his humor. Being that you seem to be a fan of the band it would have been nice for you to mention that there videos for EOTC were well done. Especially the one for SMTW.

totally agree. According to this article, SMTW doesn't even exist. I fear Sterling is moving over to the dark side and becoming and Dennis basher. It is a shame too because I always thought he did a good job of staying in the center. But this article, combined with a few previous posts, has me thinking otherwise.

You guys are reading way too much into this innocuous article. Do you not get that this entire series is intended as a send-up of a certain transitional period in rock culture? The whole point of the idea is that the bands that achieved success prior to the introduction of rock videos tended to have difficulty making the transition, thereby creating some truly comical screen moments. These people never anticipated having to try to be actors, and the results are often funny. It's all in fun, so everybody relax.

Dennis was obviously the main writer of the band, its principal vocalist and thereby the primary architect of its recording success. But if you're going to praise him when he's good, you've got to give him credit when it's bad, too. This song is purely his vision, it is terrible, and his performance in this video is embarrassingly bad. Disagree all you like. It's only my opinion.

By the way, the notion that there is a "dark side" and a "light side" in a conversation about an erstwhile rock group is comical in and of itself. There are no Ben Kenobis or Darth Vaders in this story, no heroes or villains - only egocentric rock musicians, all of whom have some fairly obvious strengths and weaknesses.

As for why I didn't write that some of their other videos are good, first off that's not my opinion - I don't think any of their videos are all that great - and secondly, this is an article about this video. That would be like reviewing Kilroy and mentioning that Equinox was great. It has no bearing.

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.


Sterling

Fair points Sterling. thank you for clarifiyng. But I still have to disagree with you when you say that none of Styx's videos are all that great. I think Show Me The Way is fantastic and classy and has depth to it. I also think Desert moon, while not technically a Styx song, is quite good as well. you don't think those videos are strong?

I don't care for the video to SMTW, but I absolutely love the video for "Desert Moon." Please note that this piece specifically said that DDY displayed a real acting presence in his solo videos. I think he has talent as an actor - which is part of why I argue against "Music Time." In my opinion, it's a bit like watching Ben Affleck in 'Surviving Christmas.' He's talented, but that still sucks.


Sterling

You know what we used to call it.... the sqeaky stair!

[Boomchild]

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.

I guess JY isn't really Tommy Shaw, but his Out on a Day Pass album is the worst piece of recorded shit in the history of music... ever.... ever.... ever.

From the first note to the last, it was pure, unmitigated trash... and that is being mean to trash.

Funny, I was cleaning out my CDs last night after a home disaster of sorts. That was one that I held in my hand and almost threw out. Eh, couldn't do it.

Musically, and this is from memory, there are decent song skeletons there. But vocally... man! JY is a big part of the Styx harmony sound. He's got a super high head voice (or did at the time of that release). WHY did he not get some coaching before doing that album? Seriously, how can he listen to that and not go "wow, I really need some vocal help". His pitch is good. But his delivery and vibrato are just out of control. The screams on it are just laughable (Sorry Jy!). One thing I do like on it are the harmonies. Those harmonies sound more Styxish than any of the solo albums to me. But it's the lead vocals that are embarrassingly bad. Especially strange when he comes from a great vocal act like Styx.

Having said that, I did like the JY GROUP album. Thought it was decent.

His solo alnums really bring out his weakness as an artist. For a guy who was influenced by the likes of Hendrix and wanted to be such a "hard rocker" to use a drum machine on his album is pathetic. He is a good artist to collaborate with but on his own it leaves one thinking "This guy was a member of Styx?".

[Baron Von Bielski]

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.

I guess JY isn't really Tommy Shaw, but his Out on a Day Pass album is the worst piece of recorded shit in the history of music... ever.... ever.... ever.

From the first note to the last, it was pure, unmitigated trash... and that is being mean to trash.

Funny, I was cleaning out my CDs last night after a home disaster of sorts. That was one that I held in my hand and almost threw out. Eh, couldn't do it.

Musically, and this is from memory, there are decent song skeletons there. But vocally... man! JY is a big part of the Styx harmony sound. He's got a super high head voice (or did at the time of that release). WHY did he not get some coaching before doing that album? Seriously, how can he listen to that and not go "wow, I really need some vocal help". His pitch is good. But his delivery and vibrato are just out of control. The screams on it are just laughable (Sorry Jy!). One thing I do like on it are the harmonies. Those harmonies sound more Styxish than any of the solo albums to me. But it's the lead vocals that are embarrassingly bad. Especially strange when he comes from a great vocal act like Styx.

Having said that, I did like the JY GROUP album. Thought it was decent.

His solo alnums really bring out his weakness as an artist. For a guy who was influenced by the likes of Hendrix and wanted to be such a "hard rocker" to use a drum machine on his album is pathetic. He is a good artist to collaborate with but on his own it leaves one thinking "This guy was a member of Styx?".

If you go on that Hear Rock City bootleg site, they have JY's City Slicker available there and it even has some part of an interview he did where he was asked when the material was written. His response was "some of the material were ideas that were too hard-edged for Styx, that had been submitted through the years, but were rejected". It just caught me as a ridiculous statement because it has been said to be an extremely poor album and in his mind the reason they didn't make it on a Styx record is because they rock too hard or something. Maybe he should have written for Iron Maiden.

[Boomchild]

Recognizing when someone has not done his best work is not "bashing." If I say that What If is the most embarrassing solo album ever recorded by a major-name musician from a Seventies supergroup, is that bashing, or is it true? It doesn't mean I don't like Tommy Shaw. But I defy anyone to name an album by any member of Journey, Kansas, Queen, Yes or any other band from that period that contains two songs as bad as "Friendly Advice" or "True Confessions." That doesn't mean Tommy sucks, but that's not an example of his best work . . . just as "Music Time" is not for Dennis.

I guess JY isn't really Tommy Shaw, but his Out on a Day Pass album is the worst piece of recorded shit in the history of music... ever.... ever.... ever.

From the first note to the last, it was pure, unmitigated trash... and that is being mean to trash.

Funny, I was cleaning out my CDs last night after a home disaster of sorts. That was one that I held in my hand and almost threw out. Eh, couldn't do it.

Musically, and this is from memory, there are decent song skeletons there. But vocally... man! JY is a big part of the Styx harmony sound. He's got a super high head voice (or did at the time of that release). WHY did he not get some coaching before doing that album? Seriously, how can he listen to that and not go "wow, I really need some vocal help". His pitch is good. But his delivery and vibrato are just out of control. The screams on it are just laughable (Sorry Jy!). One thing I do like on it are the harmonies. Those harmonies sound more Styxish than any of the solo albums to me. But it's the lead vocals that are embarrassingly bad. Especially strange when he comes from a great vocal act like Styx.

Having said that, I did like the JY GROUP album. Thought it was decent.

His solo alnums really bring out his weakness as an artist. For a guy who was influenced by the likes of Hendrix and wanted to be such a "hard rocker" to use a drum machine on his album is pathetic. He is a good artist to collaborate with but on his own it leaves one thinking "This guy was a member of Styx?".

If you go on that Hear Rock City bootleg site, they have JY's City Slicker available there and it even has some part of an interview he did where he was asked when the material was written. His response was "some of the material were ideas that were too hard-edged for Styx, that had been submitted through the years, but were rejected". It just caught me as a ridiculous statement because it has been said to be an extremely poor album and in his mind the reason they didn't make it on a Styx record is because they rock too hard or something. Maybe he should have written for Iron Maiden.

Even Iron Maiden would reject that stuff. It's been a long time since I listened to that album but I remember thinking that it sounded like some unknown artist's first attempt at making an album. I don't think that JY can tell when he writes something good or something that is crap. His ego makes him blind and unable to censor himself.