Listened to the new Styx Anthology!

by **rollnrocker** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 6:31 am

I got my hands on an early copy of "Come sail away: The Styx Anthology" to listen to at work at UMG this morning. Double-disc with 2 1/2 hours of straight styx. its really nice, it spans their entire carreer pulling hits off 12 of their albums, i think, i stand to be corrected. Anyways, its supposed to hit the stores in early may, i'll let ya know if I hear anything new w/ it though.

by **ptgraphics** » Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:49 am

What does the cover look like? Does it still resemble my Avatar?

PAT

by **classicstyxfan** » Sat Apr 17, 2004 6:31 am

Are the songs on this released at least re-mastered ? can anyone confirm that ?

by **bugsymalone** » Sat Apr 17, 2004 1:27 pm

It is my understanding that the songs on the new anthology are all re-mastered. The styxcollector.com has a detailed review of the remastering process that was used. I read it awhile back so don't remember much, but I am sure it is still there.

I found the link to the review of the CD:

http://www.styxcollector.com/revframe.html

Bugsy[/url]

by **spaceace02038** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 12:48 am

ptgraphics wrote:What does the cover look like? Does it still resemble my Avatar?

PAT

i think it might have been shown here [the artwork]

here it is

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... id=1360649

by **bugsymalone** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 5:07 am

Nice artwork.

If anyone does some song comparisons (original releases vs. these re-mastered ones on CSA-The Styx Anthology) it would be interesting to hear what you have to say on it.

I have not decided whether to add this to my collection or not.

Bugsy

by **ptgraphics** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 2:16 am

I had originally shown Styx my artwork a few years ago while they were here in Charlotte. I told them it was just an idea I had for a cover design. Now I see something very, very similar concept wise showing up on the next cd cover. Don't know what to make of it.

PAT

by **classicstyxfan** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 3:29 am

PT, depends on your motivation and expectations were when you showed them your design I guess.........you could be flattered that they liked what you showed them enough to come out with a design quite like yours.

OR

You could be pretty PO'd if you were hoping for or expecting some monetary renumeration for your efforts...or at least a co-credit for the design. It could be a coincidence ? these types of situations are expensive and difficult to fight if you are thinking about that course of action ....If you are a graphic desiner for a living, I could see where you might think about that....

Did you give them your address if they wanted to use your design ? if so, it would be a classless move for them to take it without contacting you...on the other hand, it would be pretty cool to find yourself credited on their CD case, wouldnt it ? I could definately understand it if you are feeling some adreneline and anticipation about this !

by **GaryS** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 3:42 am

Hey pt... do have a place online where we can see your rendering vs. the cd cover?

by **bugsymalone** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 4:55 am

Hey pt... do have a place online where we can see your rendering vs. the cd cover?

Excellent idea, Gary! Seeing both of them side by side would be very interesting.
I surely do see the resemblance.

BTW, I meant to mention how much I like yours when I first signed on to this board. Very nice, indeed.

Bugsy

by **ptgraphics** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 1:16 pm

Here is the address for one version of it online: http://home.carolina.rr.com/ptgraphics/styxcover.html

I was trying to contact them to see who is getting credit for the cover design. I do have one version of the design that they signed and my address and phone was on the back of the artwork. I am not saying they stole it or anything. I know for a fact they liked it and Todd and Glen talked to me a little about it, how it was done, etc. Maybe they don't remember seeing it and someone in the band came up with the idea thinking it was an original idea but in fact they were remembering my concept.

I know they changed it enough to be different than mine. I just feel it is too close to my idea to not be based on my idea/concept. If the band would at least contact me back they could tell me I was full of it or not I guess.

PAT

by **GaryS** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 4:03 pm

PT... I looked at them side by side and I must say they are VERY close...
Contact their management.
Info you may need...1) When was your artwork created and can you prove the date? 2) When and where and to whom did you show it (within the Styx camp) and again can you prove it?
I know you can't copyright an idea... for example if your band was going to do a techno remake of the entire Abbey Rd. album and another band cathes wind of your plan and does it first you cannot sue the other band. It is an idea and you can't copyright an idea. So I guess the first question is whether or not your design is a design or an idea... I would say it is a design but that is just my opinion.
Prove you designed it first and prove you showed it to somebody with influence and you have a leg to stand on.
Even the mountains in the bkgrnd are alike...

by **GaryS** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 4:04 pm

by the way, I think yours would have made a better cover.

by **ptgraphics** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 1:46 pm

Thanks for the kind words about my cover. I do have all the proof that I need to show I created the cover idea back in '99. I can prove that I showed it to Styx as it was signed by the band on June 22, 2001. It is just very frustrating that both designs are so close to each other and some other person who probably does not deserve it is going to get credit for the cover idea.

The Styx camp keeps blowing me off too so I have no idea what I am going to do.

Most people say it is very similar but they changed it enough for any legal action. I agree, somewhat. I am sure Styx covered all there legal ends as they have the cash to check on these things.

I had a dream and that was to design a cover for my favorite music artist, Styx. To see what will be the new cover and have it looking so much like my design is something I am having trouble getting over.

PAT

by **classicstyxfan** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:18 pm

Yet another move / Decision I do not understand by our boys......
:?:

PT, I cant speak for you, but it would seem to be
they could 1. respond to you, and 2. Even if they feel can't credit or co-credit you directly for the design ( which would be the most classy thing to do ) They could list your name in the "Styx would like to thank" area of the cover.

Kudos to you PT, though it's small consolation, the posters and readers of this board will know the real story, and think of you when we see this cover in the store or in our collections.

-Classic

by **bugsymalone** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:56 pm

Let me add my .02, now that I have seen your design in detail.

It really is a very good one.

I also agree that the Anthology cover is a bit close for comfort.

Not knowing the legal ins and outs of these kinds of things, I cannot comment there.

I agree with Classic. There should be some acknowledgement from the Neo-Styx camp to you.

Bugsy

by **GaryS** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:14 am

PT... CONTACT THE LABEL!!!
Dude, if you can PROVE that the design was done in 1999 AND those idiots not only saw it but SIGNED it, you WIN. With that proof the new cover is no doubt inspired by yours. It CAN'T be coincidence. They are too close. Somebody is getting paid for that artwork and it isn't you BUT it is your design. Is that fair? Hell no it isn't fair. Contact the label and let them know that you want credit and $$. If you don't get a response from the label or the band, find out who their legal representatian is and contact them.

by **classicstyxfan** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:56 am

Gary is right, PT, the only question is your level of passion for a fight. If you are up to it financially, emotionally and have the time and effort to invest, I say go for it !!

I just think it's a pity an olive branch hasnt been offered, and doesnt appear to be coming.

by **ptgraphics** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:36 am

Well it is too late to do anything before the new cd gets shipped. I have tried to contact Styx through there own website, record label (A&M) and management. I have only called there management once and left a message with someone. I do not want to tick anyone off inside the Styx camp. I just want credit were it is due and if someone else's name is credited for the cover in the liner notes I will go ballistic I think!

Maybe Styx has no idea that me and my design exist and have no clue that they saw the design before. That's cool if that is the case but I am trying to challenge that theory with no results... yet.

PAT

by **ptgraphics** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:22 pm

I added the signed version to my old website:
http://home.carolina.rr.com/ptgraphics/styxcover.html

I even greased the wheel a little JUST in case the boys see the web page.

PAT

by **GaryS** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 5:01 pm

Dude... Don't lay down and let these guys have their way with you. Get a lawyer TODAY.

by **SuiteMadameBlue** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:41 pm

Pat, I keep looking at both covers side by side, there is NO doubt that they took this cd (idea) cover from you.

I would keep contacting the record company until you talk to someone that can help you. I would ask them if someone is credited for the "artwork" of the cover of the cd.

If you find out that you didn't get credit for it, then I would check with the media for help. Contact your local newspaper for a story or even contact Allan Hirt at Styxcollector to do a story with him. If it was me, I would have your artwork and story on every Styx site, there are quite a few. Word will get around and it should get to the Carrot Styx management.

I'll try to help you and see what I can do

Good Luck

by **Adam** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:35 pm

See? This is the reason successful musicians are adviced to never accept demo tapes from fans. This is one of the reasons sucessful musicians keep their distance from fans.

Now you're being egged on to SUE the band you like by another fan!

Aint that America?

That Styx logo has been reconfigured into about as many layouts as possible by now - often, and probably most effectively, in front of a landscape of some sort. The permutations are beginning to become REDUNDANT if you ask me.

It is very likely a coincidence that there's a mountain/iceberg and water in both layouts.

I sincerely doubt that Tommy, JY, Todd, Glen or whoever took a mental note of some painting a fan showed them one time. (EVERY NIGHT these guys face a group of fans wanting to play show & tell).

And to hire a lawyer and SUE the band (or their label) is a classic move. Set 'em up & knock 'em down, huh?

Anyone ever hear of the President of the REO Speedwagon Fan Club who successfully sued the band to allow her access to their backstage (she was suxch a pest they had her banned, but LOST IN COURT)? True story.

Lawyers rule. Pay a lawyer to harass your idols.

Beautiful.

by **GaryS** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 12:01 am

Hey Adam... you are wrong.

by **SuiteMadameBlue** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 12:13 am

I don't think he should sue, but I feel that Pat should get credit for the artwork or find out who is getting the credit for it. I wouldn't be surprised if a lurker saw it on one of these boards or Pat's website and took the idea to the record company. FYI - You know employees of record companies come on these group sites (Yahoo, MSN, AOL, etc.) every week. Where do you think THEY get some of their information!! Did you know that some families of band members, of other music groups and artists, come to these sites too? The internet is very powerful.

That's so funny you mentioned the REO fan club president. I met her at a REO concert a few years ago, before the law suit. I think she still lives in my area or close to it. She was a real piece of work and after talking with her I really felt sorry for bands that were harassed with people like her. She was WAY obsessed with REO and was trying to get backstage where I was. There are always 2 sides of a story and I witnessed both sides - very scary!! :shock:

by **ptgraphics** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 2:26 am

I think I have been very careful as to not say anything that would indicate that the band did steal my idea or anything. All I have been trying to find out is who is getting credited for the cover. That is all I have done so far. It could be me but who knows? Nothing has been said about me suing anyone. Why would I do that to Styx? I love the band and in no way want to screw them over. I am well aware of why musicians don't take demo tapes. Art is a little different. They did not have to sign it, they chose to and it goes to show what a great bunch of guys they are that they will do such a thing. I hope this does not stop them from doing that in the future. Like I said many times I just want to know where they got the idea from. Everyone can see how I put my idea together. I did that many years ago. Trust me, the last thing I expected was to go to musictap.net and see the cover of the new anthology last month and that the cover very closely resembled my idea for a cover from a number of years ago. Talk about being floored!

I know they are different covers and they give off a different vibe and what not. If Styx would just acknowledge that I am full of it that it would probably be the end of my wondering if they remembered my design when coming up with the Anthology cover or if somebody else saw my design and submitted it from the record label.

I contacted Styxcollector.com and he did not sound like he wanted to get involved at all, and I can understand that and it's cool. He has his contacts and he probably did not want to start or ask something that could come back to haunt him later!

PAT

by **yogi** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 3:34 am

This kind of sounds like when Dennis stole Tommy's 'Aint Gettin Down, Aint Gettin Down' and turned it into 'Come Sail Away, Come Sail Away'.

Heres a little known fact: Tommy came up with Aint Gettin Down, Aint Gettin Down, after watching soooo many bowlers failing to pick up the 7/10 split. That last pin just wouldnt fall. Think about it....

I'm bowling away, traded in street shoes with my bowling fee
Cause Ive got to succeed, knock down all those pins, standing in front
of me.............. You fill in the rest.

Damn,what could of been!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just trying to lighten things up a little!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by **bugsymalone** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 4:34 am

Wait, Yogi! I thought "The Legend" was taking credit for Come Sail Away. No???

Well, we all know that copy-cat control-freak Dennis DeYoung CERTAINLY did not "really write" it, eh?

Bugsy

by **Ash** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 4:52 am

wow.... I can't say they stole it, but it sure looks like it was inspired enough by it.

Man I feel bad for you. If that was my artwork on there and they'd used it or re-created it so they could avoid giving credit/paying the person who had the original thought that would be the lowest of all possible low's.

Although I think you should not involve an attorney unless you're serious about getting paid/recognition for it. Attorney's introduce a whole "next level" mentality in the situation and then everyone has to take sides. Does this sound familiar?

They will not recognize your work without one tho... to do so would to be admit guilt - and I don't think the record company, managment or anyone in Styx is anywhere NEAR ready to do that. Besides it would give you leverage that nobody is going to want to give you if you ever did want to sue.

by **ptgraphics** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:58 am

Yea it kind of sucks that the Styx camp won't return my inquires. I am asking a simple question (or two). Who is credited with the cover design and was it inspired in any way by my design. Pretty simple when you think about it. I will have to wait to see the liner notes myself I guess. I did write a e-mail to UMG but I know I am fooling myself to think that they actually care anything about it.

I was not going to mention the cover design on this board because I did not want to rub the band the wrong way if it ever got back to them. I am really not complaining that the covers look very similar but I am very perplexed as to why they look similar. I guess I just wanted to see what other Styx fans thought about it. It's good to see I am not crazy!! I know some people disagree on it being similar but so far most fans and non-fans think it's more than just a passing resemblance.

PAT

MR

Listened to the new Styx Anthology!

Listened to the new Styx Anthology!

Who is online