RETURN TO PARADISE

This live set was recorded live at The Rosemont, Horizon Rosemont, Il. On the Autumnal Equinox 1996. This is one of excellent live concert CDs that I like. The band performs their studio tracks excellently especially in delivering vocal harmony - in most parts between Dennis De Young and Tommy Shaw. Looking at the CD sleeve, the stage was designed with grandiose concept at which the album cover artwork of Paradise Theater was emulated. It must have consumed a lot of money and time to prepare the stage and I think the show was a phenomenal one. In fact, this audio CD record reconfirms that excellent performance.

Along with "Caught In The Act" live set, "Return To Paradise" is another favorite of mine for an excellent rock performance. The music represents how the band sounds like on stage with their best line-up: Dennis De Young, James Young, Tommy Shaw and Chuck Pannozzo. Out of the songs performed at Disc One "Blue Collar Man" - with Tommy Shaw playing guitar and does lead vocal - is my favorite best live performance. Other tracks include "Snowblind", "Suite Madame Blue" and "Crystal Ball". "Snowblind" resembles the power of James Young vocal and guitar playing, while "Suite Madame Blue" has been my all-time Styx favorite tracks. It's taken from "Equinox" album that means something special as it colors my childhood. So is the case with "Crystal Ball" which has great acoustic guitar opening and powerful vocal line. From Disc Two, I Like "Grand Illusion", the ballad "Boat On The River" (from Cornerstone album), and "Renegade".

Overall, it's an excellent hard rock live performance which will satisfy you if you really Styx fan. Keep on proggin' ..!