Another BBT Review (classicrocknews)

[SuiteMadameBlue]

This was posted on the ClassicRockNews groups:

2005-05-1621:57:30
Review by Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
14 May 2005

Damn the A&R person who first came up with the bright idea with cover albums. I never really understood the fun with them and especially not if the songs follow the originals right down to the shoe laces. Pop songs done in metal versions or why not the opposite? all fine by me!!! but a classic rock act that simply copy another classic act??? really... what's the point??? I'm sure that Styx is paying the dues and merely see this as a tribute to their heroes and that's somewhat cool I guess. However, why can't they re-arrange the songs a bit more or at least try and make something new and exciting about these versions. OK, some of the songs are darn nice but it's mainly for the die-hard, most-own-everything, with Styx fan. I'd also like to say here that "Cyclorama" ended up on my top-10 of 2003 album list and it's not a question of me hating the band.

"I Am The Walrus" should have been titled "I Am The Pothead" in reality since it's music created by potheads mainly for the pothead people. Yes, it's the Beatles, but you surely need to be on dope to appreciate the refrain to its fullest. CSI favourites The WHO has been covered with "I Can See For Miles" and it's a rather pointless version, since it only made me want to hear the original instead. "Can't Find My Way Home" (Blind Faith) is done with Tommy Shaw behind the mike and in a rather stripped down version. The first song that truly works actually and even though I perfer House Of Lords' version, this will surely do. The husky vocals of James Young go through a rather poor "It Don't Make Sense" (Willie Dixon) but it's a poor song to begin with in his defense. "I Don't Need No Doctor" originally performed by Humble Pie is a fun little number and Lawrence Gowan sings his little heart out. I don't believe I've heard him this "angry" and upset in the past, great! "One Way Out" by The Allman Brothers is ok but I'll stick with the southern rockers anyday. I love Gowan's unique sounding voice and the Procol Harum song "A Salty Dog" fits him like a glove. This is a great music and Gowan has managed to add his soul and imprint here. The same goes with Tommy Shaw's performance on "Summer In The City" actually and it's a fun number that the Lovin' Spoonful would be proud of. "Manic Depression" with James Young again and it's yet another 'forget-about-it' version I'm afraid. "Talkin' About The Good Times" (The Pretty Things) is the only track I had not heard before and it's a completely new experience in other words. A pretty average track in my opinion with a slight Beatlesque vibe and hardly worth the trouble in the end.

James Young finally get things right with Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" and "Wishing Well" (Free) is such a great song that you simply can't destroy it... no matter what, even though I must say that Gary Moore's version is better. "Blue Collar Man @ 2120" is a altered 6 minute long version that I find to be ehh... interesting. Hey! it's at least something different and credit to the people for trying and it's a great song anyhow. Hits and misses and you'll have to take the good with the bad. Now get back into the studio a.s.a.p. and give us a brand new STYX album instead, thanks.

[Ash]

I'm giving this record a few more listens and then I'll likely post my thoughts.... not that anyone really cares.... but that never stopped me before.

[froy]

I'm giving this record a few more listens and then I'll likely post my thoughts.... not that anyone really cares.... but that never stopped me before.

Of course we care post your thoughts
I don't see you as a pumper.
To me the reviews all say why
Why did you do this cd
To Me I can say WHY to STYX for just about everything they have done since dumping Dennis
That was the first WHY

[ek88]

Of course we care post your thoughts
I don't see you as a pumper.
To me the reviews all say why
Why did you do this cd
To Me I can say WHY to STYX for just about everything they have done since dumping Dennis
That was the first WHY

Why don't you tell us how you feel, froy?

[froy]

Of course we care post your thoughts
I don't see you as a pumper.
To me the reviews all say why
Why did you do this cd
To Me I can say WHY to STYX for just about everything they have done since dumping Dennis
That was the first WHY

Why don't you tell us how you feel, froy?

Why

[Abitaman]

Of course we care post your thoughts
I don't see you as a pumper.
To me the reviews all say why
Why did you do this cd
To Me I can say WHY to STYX for just about everything they have done since dumping Dennis
That was the first WHY

Why don't you tell us how you feel, froy?

Why

WHY NOT