JY on Glen

[sadie65]

I don't know when this interview was done, and forgive me if you have all seen it. Enjoy.

http://orig.app.com/pagex/story/0,2506,910265,00.html

Art-rockers return minus a favorite son

Published in the Asbury Park Press and the Home News Tribune

By MARK VOGER
STAFF WRITER

When Styx performs in Sayreville on Tuesday, it'll just about be the back yard of a recently departed member who is one of the area's favorite sons.

Irvington-born, New Brunswick-bred bassist Glen Burtnik left Styx to spend more time with his family, according to a band press release.



"I was, needless to say, sad to see him go," says James "J.Y." Young, founding guitarist for the '70s/'80s art-rockers behind "Lorelei," "Come Sail Away" and "The Grand Illusion."

"I'm the one who suggested back in 1989 that Glen be made a member of this band when (guitarist) Tommy (Shaw) went off with Damn Yankees. So I've been his champion in here."

Burtnik's replacement is bassist Ricky Phillips, formerly of the Babys and Bad English.

Says Young: "Ricky is a competent background singer. He's not the singer, on many levels, that Glen was. Glen has a unique voice, which is a great thing, which serves him so well as a solo artist.

"And there's something that Glen could do that nobody else in the band can currently do, which is blend with Tommy in a way that is just so smooth. Those two would sing a soft song like 'Yes I Can,' and they'd sound almost like the same person, but just different enough. That, we don't have. Ricky's voice is a little harder-edged than Glen's, so in some ways, it gives the backgrounds a little more power."

Backing vocals aside, there are other ways Burtnik's departure affected the dynamic of Styx, Young tells PAGE X.

"In some ways," the guitarist says, "there was not enough room for the great talent of Glen Burtnik and (keyboardist) Lawrence Gowan and Tommy Shaw and myself to co-exist as writers. In some ways, four writers is one too many. I know Glen was frustrated with the small contribution he was able to make, even though we all took equal credit on the songs.

"But until we establish this lineup firmly and everybody has a song that gets a lot of airplay, it's still Tommy's voice that's the most familiar, and mine is second. Glen could be said to be the third most familiar, but ultimately, there wasn't really a lot of room for Glen.

"So we've lost a little bit, but in some ways, we've opened up more opportunities for the three guys that do sing (lead vocals), because I don't have to worry about Glen's feelings, in a way.

"Hey, the guy's great, and he deserved a moment to be out there. But some nights we're given 75 minutes sandwiched between R.E.O. opening and Journey closing. People want to hear the hits, and Glen didn't sing those."

Not that Young means to denigrate Burtnik's tenure in Styx.

"He has all my respect and all my love and people should buy his new solo record ('Welcome to Hollywood')," Young says. "I think he's just a great talent and a fun guy to hang out with.

"But we are grown men here. Everybody's got to find his own balance. And this life, although it appears glamorous, can be very lonely. For someone who is as devoted to his wife and kids as Glen, it was a lot of time away."

A situation that would not have improved, Young says.

"Our schedule was going to have to remain aggressive in order to succeed back to the level that we enjoyed 20 years ago, which is our goal," he says. "With radio not being nearly as friendly as it was to us in the heyday -- if you're not appearing, you're disappearing. So, we have to be away from home a lot. Ultimately, that's something that wasn't going to change based on what Glen's feelings were. So he reluctantly left.

"But," Young adds with a laugh, "we've endured the departure and death of people in this band. And they still can't kill us!"

Styx is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Starland Ballroom, 570 Jernee Mill Rd., Sayreville. $36. (732) 238-5500. www.starlandballroom.com

[ek88]

"And there's something that Glen could do that nobody else in the band can currently do, which is blend with Tommy in a way that is just so smooth. Those two would sing a soft song like 'Yes I Can,' and they'd sound almost like the same person, but just different enough.

I really enjoy the vocals on Yes I Can, but I think I'm one of the few here that does.

"But," Young adds with a laugh, "we've endured the departure and death of people in this band. And they still can't kill us!"

Touche.

[classicstyxfan]

The vocals on "Yes I can" were OK, but the blending of the voices was NOWHERE NEAR what Tommy and Dennis could do as a vocal duet.....

I don't mean to "dis" Glen, but I will be very surprised if there is any disagreement with this from anyone who posts here.

Does Styx still perform Yes I can without Glen ? If so, who took over his part ?

[DarrenUK]

Probably the next best singer......Todd

Thought ide get that in before Froy

[bugsymalone]

Not that Young means to denigrate Burtnik's tenure in Styx.

Far be it from him to ever do this to ANYONE, right?

Bugsy

[styxfanNH]

The article was done on February 20th, 2004.

probably not your intention and I am not saying it is, but this will become another opportunity for some on this board to bash Jy for something he said a year ago, as if it was said yesterday.

[Zan]

The vocals on "Yes I can" were OK, but the blending of the voices was NOWHERE NEAR what Tommy and Dennis could do as a vocal duet.....

I don't mean to "dis" Glen, but I will be very surprised if there is any disagreement with this from anyone who posts here.

If you say so.

[kansas666]

The vocals on "Yes I can" were OK, but the blending of the voices was NOWHERE NEAR what Tommy and Dennis could do as a vocal duet.....

Well, I have to disagree on this.

One good example is the live version of Boat on the River on Styxworld I think sounds much better than any Tommy/Denny versions.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Kansas666 says:

One good example is the live version of Boat on the River on Styxworld I think sounds much better than any Tommy/Denny versions.

I have to disagree with you on this one, just my opinion. I think Tommy & Dennis' version is much better. I can't see anyone else singing this song together.

[sadie65]

Kansas666 says:

One good example is the live version of Boat on the River on Styxworld I think sounds much better than any Tommy/Denny versions.

I have to disagree with you on this one, just my opinion. I think Tommy & Dennis' version is much better. I can't see anyone else singing this song together.

I'm with Suite on this one. I definitely prefer Shaw/DeYoung on this song.

Sadie

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Thanks Sadie.

I'm listening to Cornerstone right now.

Does Carrot Styx still play "Lights" in their concerts? I always liked hearing that song too live. Does anybody know what they were talking about in the background during the recording of this song? Hmmm, I'll have to find out.

Boy do I feel old, I just realized that Cornerstone came out 26 years ago this year. That's a loooooooooong time ago.

[Zan]

Kansas666 says:

One good example is the live version of Boat on the River on Styxworld I think sounds much better than any Tommy/Denny versions.

I have to disagree with you on this one, just my opinion. I think Tommy & Dennis' version is much better. I can't see anyone else singing this song together.

I'm with Suite on this one. I definitely prefer Shaw/DeYoung on this song.

I consider myself a relatively observant person when it comes to music. To tell the truth, I don't see much difference between the two. I DO, however, understand the magnitude of impression and what it does to our perception. Shaw and DeYoung were the first to do the duet, the one we heard when we were younger and fell in love with Styx. Therefore, any alteration will never be the same for us. How could it? But you can never go home.

That said, I think Glen and Tommy sound beautiful together. Their voices are so similar that it makes for better harmonic tones. I'm talking general tone & pitch here, not personal preference of vocal styles.

If you want to get into personal styles, Glen has a quiet, modest, almost soulful tone to his voice, wheras Dennis' voice is more boisterous and proud. I think they both have beautiful voices, but I feel that Glen's is far more accomodating to different types of music. Hearing Dennis sing "rock" is akin to Julie Andrews singing Metallica or seeing my grandmother trying to breakdance.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Zan says:

Julie Andrews singing Metallica

Darn, I thought I was the only that had a bootleg of that!! I have her singing "Seek and Destroy". I thought she did a GREAT job.

[ek88]

Does Carrot Styx still play "Lights" in their concerts?

They played it in Omaha a few years back, along with Sing For The Day and Borrowed Time (JY and Tommy split lead vocal). I really enjoyed hearing these three live and they sounded great. It's no surprise that I enjoyed that concert more than the other times I've seen the new lineup, as there were actually some surprises in the setlist!!!!! Sadly they did not play Miss America

[sadie65]

Kansas666 says:

One good example is the live version of Boat on the River on Styxworld I think sounds much better than any Tommy/Denny versions.

I have to disagree with you on this one, just my opinion. I think Tommy & Dennis' version is much better. I can't see anyone else singing this song together.

I'm with Suite on this one. I definitely prefer Shaw/DeYoung on this song.

I consider myself a relatively observant person when it comes to music. To tell the truth, I don't see much difference between the two. I DO, however, understand the magnitude of impression and what it does to our perception. Shaw and DeYoung were the first to do the duet, the one we heard when we were younger and fell in love with Styx. Therefore, any alteration will never be the same for us. How could it? But you can never go home.

That said, I think Glen and Tommy sound beautiful together. Their voices are so similar that it makes for better harmonic tones. I'm talking general tone & pitch here, not personal preference of vocal styles.

If you want to get into personal styles, Glen has a quiet, modest, almost soulful tone to his voice, wheras Dennis' voice is more boisterous and proud. I think they both have beautiful voices, but I feel that Glen's is far more accomodating to different types of music. Hearing Dennis sing "rock" is akin to Julie Andrews singing Metallica or seeing my grandmother trying to breakdance.

I see your point, however it is because their voices are so similar that I prefer the Shaw/DeYoung version. I think there should be more contrast when doing the song. Just a personal preference.

I don't have a problem with Dennis doing rock, but I do agree his voice is better suited to other material.

And come one, Julie does one heckuva great Mettalica!

Sadie

[classicstyxfan]

Interesting........I kind of knew some of you would disagree with my opinion/prefernce on Personnel and vocals. I stand by my opinion, but I respect the opinions of those who disagree as well.

Glen DOES have a good voice, I disagree that it the tonality is all that similar to Tommy's though. We all hear things slightly differently, I developed an ear for vocals and how they blend during my years singing in Choir, Bands etc in High school, so I may be coming to my conclusions from a slightly different perspective than others......

This is the kind of topic in which there is no absolute right or wrong answer though. But wait...what a boring post !! I"M RIGHT, AND THE REST OF YOU IDIOTS DON"T HAVE A FREAKIN CLUE WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT !!!!!

[Zan]

Interesting........I kind of knew some of you would disagree with my opinion/prefernce on Personnel and vocals. I stand by my opinion, but I respect the opinions of those who disagree as well.

Glen DOES have a good voice, I disagree that it the tonality is all that similar to Tommy's though. We all hear things slightly differently, I developed an ear for vocals and how they blend during my years singing in Choir, Bands etc in High school, so I may be coming to my conclusions from a slightly different perspective than others......

This is the kind of topic in which there is no absolute right or wrong answer though. But wait...what a boring post !! I"M RIGHT, AND THE REST OF YOU IDIOTS DON"T HAVE A FREAKIN CLUE WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT !!!!!

Well, how interesting. Coincidentally, I too, have come from a long supply of musical education like chorus and band, had the lead in several high school plays, and once in awhile, people even pay to hear me sing (Idiots, I know). I also know every line in the Star Wars trilogy and have various commercials from the 1970's memorized. I can draw like a son-of-a-bytch too (dancing, however, is not my forte). I am the most qualified to judge how similar Glen's and Tommy's vocals are, and clearly, you have emotional issues. But hey, thanks for the reassurance that Glen has a good voice, by the way! Like I needed your stamp of approval! GREAT! Now my life can go on!

Some PEOPLE.

Now look what you've done!

[bugsymalone]

Hearing Dennis sing "rock" is akin to Julie Andrews singing Metallica

Well, then, I guess you haven't heard the "Julie Andrews Death Metal Ultimate Collection". It totally rawks!!!
(And she includes the bonus cover of the Death Metal version of Blue Collar Man, which is on CD no. 6 of the "Complete Blue Collar Man Ultimate and Final (Until we do another version) Collection")

Bugsy

[Zan]

Hearing Dennis sing "rock" is akin to Julie Andrews singing Metallica

Well, then, I guess you haven't heard the "Julie Andrews Death Metal Ultimate Collection". It totally rawks!!!
(And she includes the bonus cover of the Death Metal version of Blue Collar Man, which is on CD no. 6 of the "Complete Blue Collar Man Ultimate and Final (Until we do another version) Collection")

I don't believe I'm familiar with that series. It sounds very intriguing. Was this released before or after she joined Dennis' hair care products Irony Tour?

[bugsymalone]

Dennis' hair care products Irony Tour?

Uh...........what?

Bugsy

[Zan]

Dennis' hair care products Irony Tour?

Uh...........what?

Oh, never mind! LOL

[ek88]

I also know every line in the Star Wars trilogy

That is the coolest thing I've heard all day. Seriously. What do you think of the two newer movies? (sorry to everyone else, getting way off topic here )

[SuiteMadameBlue]

ek88 says:

That is the coolest thing I've heard all day. Seriously. What do you think of the two newer movies? (sorry to everyone else, getting way off topic here)

We never get off topic on this board - LOL My kids saw the 2 newer movies first, then we bought the Star Wars trilogy for Christmas. They thought the newer ones were "cooler". I personally like the older ones. Do you know if there's just going to be one more movie and that's it, or are they going to do the other 3 too?

[classicstyxfan]

Zan, This here board isn't big enough for the 2 of us ! ( or is that our
ego's ? )

I feel as though I must now challenge you to a dual...........a KARAOKE duel !

Seroiusly, I bet there are a lot of frustrated ex-musician types amongst the posters here. I wasnt trying to imply I have a better ear for music than anyone else, though it may have come across that way....

[bugsymalone]

Oh, never mind! LOL

Uhhhh.....okay.

And on to the the NEXT topic:

Do you know if there's just going to be one more movie and that's it, or are they going to do the other 3 too?

The last thing I read about this is the movie coming out this spring will be the last one Lucas makes. As to whether anyone else might tackle the last three, never say never.

Oh, and put me down as a fan of the first set of Star Wars movies. (Episodes 4 , 5 and 6, that is).

Bugsy

[Zan]

I also know every line in the Star Wars trilogy

That is the coolest thing I've heard all day. Seriously. What do you think of the two newer movies? (sorry to everyone else, getting way off topic here )

I absolutely, positively, cannot stand Episode 2. Got to be the worst acting ever in movie history. It was a disgrace on every level. It was like Lucas phoned it in while he was on the can.

Episode I was ok. Nothing spectacular. I'm shuddering at the thought of what III will be like...

[Zan]

Zan, This here board isn't big enough for the 2 of us ! ( or is that our
ego's ? )

I feel as though I must now challenge you to a dual...........a KARAOKE duel !

Seroiusly, I bet there are a lot of frustrated ex-musician types amongst the posters here. I wasnt trying to imply I have a better ear for music than anyone else, though it may have come across that way....

You don't know what you're up against, Bucko. I'll see your duel (or will that be "duet?") and raise you a lymric!

And I'm not an ex musician type. I'm your next superstar!!!! Look out Clay Aiken, I'm gonna kick your wussy arse - because we all know that'd be SO hard to do.

May the Force be with you.

[classicstyxfan]

Zan, LOL at your acceptance of my challenge ! Of course, talk is cheap when you're in Florida and I'm in Wisconsin.......

You may have the edge on me experience wise, The only semi - professional vocal work I ever did was a handful of weddings in the 80's.....I did a mean version of the Wedding song, I'll let you add your own definition to the word mean though !!!!!!

I Had a lot of fun in a band in high school that took itself way too seroiusly....we did lots of 70's prog rock ( ELP, Early Genesis, King Crimson, etc......)

We have a band in town that does a " Karaoke with a live band" show every week, they have a cataqlog of over 700 songs they can play on the spot. One of these days I'm going to go out and see if I have anything left in my voice box !

[Zan]

Zan, LOL at your acceptance of my challenge ! Of course, talk is cheap when you're in Florida and I'm in Wisconsin.......

Why do I keep thinking of shrinkage?


You may have the edge on me experience wise...


I guess my reputation does preceed me!



I Had a lot of fun in a band in high school that took itself way too seroiusly....we did lots of 70's prog rock ( ELP, Early Genesis, King Crimson, etc......)

We have a band in town that does a " Karaoke with a live band" show every week, they have a cataqlog of over 700 songs they can play on the spot. One of these days I'm going to go out and see if I have anything left in my voice box ![/quote]


Sounds like your band was a lot of fun. Mine was pretty lame. I highly recommend the karaoke experience, my friend! Cheesy as it is, it's a lot of fun, and the audience is so enthusiastic! If you don't SUCK, they think you're AWESOME![/b]

[classicstyxfan]

My only previous experience with Karaoke was actually a blast ! It helped that I didnt know a soul at the bar other than my date......they were having a contest ( my ego requires me to add I won the contest ! )

but as we got closer to bar time it turned into a group sing-a-long, I've never heard, before or since, so many drunks belting out classic rock tunes in my life !