Styx

You should listen to more of Styx music before you go bashing them.  While they aren't nearly as complex or talented as the greats (Genesis, KC, Yes, etc.) they are a great pop/prog band. Many prog fans start with the lighter poppier stuff and eventually listen to the most complex stuff out there like GG, Crimson, Renaissance.  So Styx is sort of a way to get prog radio attention so that many people (mostly younger) can get into the genre.

Also, Styx had many good prog tunes. Just check out the following:

A Day.....(1973) excellent psychadelic prog workout with Floyd-inspired jams

Father O.S.A......(1973)great guitar riff, vocals, and solos, with lyrics far better than anything Deep Purple ever wrote.

Young Man.....(1973) good anti-war song         &n bsp;  

Man of Miracles.....(1974) Uriah Heep inspired metal/prog  with an awesome intro

Suite Madam Blue.....(1975) one of the greatest art-rock songs ever

Also, the entire Grand Illusion album, not a weak track to be found, including (one of my all-time favorites) the dark 'Castle Walls'

In order to appreciate Styx, you must look past the AOR sh*t they made later, and listen to their earlier stuff, without taking them to seriosly.

I agree with Fearless and gr8dane.  Styx is not a prog band, but give them credit for originality, good song writing, and interesting musicianship.  Saw them live with Kansas once (mid-90's) and Styx stole the show (despite the fact that I am a Kansas-fanatic).  Grand Illusion is my favorite, but I must admit I haven't heard most of the songs that Fearless recommends - so now I have some listening to do...

I guess we are talking about Styx in the non-prog section so we should be OK.Anyways,you started of with the absolute worst Styx songs possible.Greatest hits does not always mean best songs.Babe was their biggest hit,sure,but what does that tell you ,sweet F A.

Now ,I agree they do tend to use their synths a great deal,so what,so does Yes.

When Styx was the biggest ,it was at a time of big hair and pomp.

If you do stumble upon Styx-Equinox or Serpent is rising second hand, give them a shot and you may be surprised,though on second thought,you probably won't since you sound like you only like prog,and pure(?) prog only.

All the best

I agree that with later releases they were a bit over the top.This was my least favorite era.

Early efforts had their crummy moments,i agree,but they certainly also had some great moments.

I like the music best  before and including Equinox.

At least ,Herrn Sean Trane you have heard everything from them ,before making your statements.Fair enough that you do not like them.

I was never a big fan of DDY's personality myself.He came across like a pompous snob,but he has made some great music(and some sh*tty stuff too) ,no doubt about it.

Cartman did make a great version,yes indeed.

I am glad you oldies have a good laugh every time Styx is mentioned.

I could have sworn that this thread was in the Non-Prog section,and anybody who can string 2 notes together ,can be mentioned here.

In the prog archives Styx is listed as art-rock.Maybe they should not be listed there at all.Fine,i could not care less.Better line up the responsible in front of the firing squad.

For me it was also downhill from Cornerstone.I guess as the albums went by I was hoping them going back to the old style.

When i said over the top,I was visualizing bands like Slipknot and GWAR and Styx do not seem too over the top.

Hammill wrote: who is prog? is that prog? is the other thing prog? i think we loose the meaning of music people...who really cares if something is prog or not....music is the only thing that counts...name me many prog bands that have composed a ballad like boat on the river or even albums such as the grand illusion and Cornerstone. What do you prefer... a band which is progressive or a band that composes good songs????

    Well said, Hammill.