STYXWORLD LIVE 2001

Anyone who has seriously listened to Styx' dramatic, pomped-up pop/rock has an opinion about ex-frontman/ keyboardist Dennis DeYoung. Many think DDY was an essential part of Styx, citing his tremendous singing voice and sweet songwriting touch. Some, however, think that DDY was holding the band back a bit, restraining them from reclaiming their old rockin' edge. For those who longed for a more rockin' Styx, this live album is for you.

That's right, "Styxworld" rocks. (It's worth repeating.) The four singer/ songwriters in the band --longtime guitarists James (JY) Young and Tommy Shaw, and recent additions bassist/guitarist Glen Burtnik and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan-- sound great together, hitting on cylinders that the Styx engine hasn't used for a long time. From the opening rush of "Rockin' The Paradise" to the extended axework and intense grooves of "Love Is The Ritual," the menacing hard rock of "Miss America," and the gloriously bombastic "Come Sail Away," Styx' new energy radiates throughout the album.

Sure, it's not the same without DeYoung's spectacular voice and lovely ballads, but with so much talent still in the band, it's no real shock that they rise to the occasion. JY sounds *amazing* singing DDY's lines on the hard-driving early Styx cut "Lorelei." Gowan's vocal harmonies are consistently strong, and he does surprisingly well with the lead vocals of "Come Sail Away"; less surprisingly, his keyboard performances shine on "Sing For The Day" and "Come Sail Away." And the abbreviated editions of Burtnik's "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" and Shaw's "High Enough" show that this version of Styx has plenty of hit ballad potential. It's easy to hear a bright future in "Styxworld."

Gowan deserves special mention for bringing his own distinctive tones to DeYoung's old roles. He has all the command and the drama we could want --check out the wonderful Styx version of Gowan's intense "A Criminal Mind" for evidence-- without DeYoung's mainstream direction and pop polish. Effectively, Gowan brings rock substance at the expense of DeYoung's sweeter, more broadly accessible sensibilities. This may not be to everyone's tastes, but for rock-oriented Styx fans, even those who cherish DDY's contributions, it may well feel like a step up.

As Styx' third live album in their last four releases, "Styxworld" is essential to only the most devoted Styx fans. Nonetheless, it is something truly different from the pomp-rock heroes, with a renewed vitality that sets it apart. It is a welcome and long-overdue reminder of what Styx sounds like when they rock, and it whets the appetite for a first studio album from this energetic, talented lineup.

I saw Styx live in 1976 in support of their Grand Illusion album. I remember being in absolute awe of how good they were live. How could anybody be that good live? I asked myself. Well, they were that good, and they still are. And to this day I think it was the best live concert that I have ever seen. Now it is 2001, and here I sit with a StyxWorld Live 2001 CD in my hand. I can't express the excitement I felt when I opened the package and saw this CD. I stopped listening to this group after Paradise Theater, and then I followed Tommy Shaw's solo career and the groups he was in over the years for a while, then I just lost interest. I have interest again, and in a very big way.

Styx is minus Dennis DeYoung, but they are still the core of what they were when they started. Tommy Shaw (guitar, vocals) and James "JY" Young (guitar, vocals) are the long-standing guiding lights and the glue that has held the Styx phenomenon in place all of these years. They both can still sing and play a mean guitar. The soaring harmonies and rocking melodic guitars is the trademark of this band.

The only time I really missed DeYoung's touch was on "Come Sail Away," it's just not the same without him. Lawrence Gowan does a fine job fronting the group, and his voice bears a startling resemblance to DeYoung's, which is why the group asked him to join I am sure. The tracks where JY and Shaw sing lead were the most enjoyable for me. I discovered Styx back in the seventies by listening to the albums Equinox and Crystal Ball, and that is when I really enjoyed them the most, so it was relatively easy for me to get completely engrossed in this CD. Old friend and former bass player Chuck Panozzo shows up to stand in for a guest appearance to bring you back to the good old days when it all began. I had chills throughout the entire run of this, and there aren't too many albums that do that to me.

The one song that just blew me away was "Love Is The Ritual," what a rocker! Styx still has what takes, and they are so much better than the majority of recording artists that are claiming to be the real deal. JY had his moment with his song "Miss America"; I have always loved that number. His vocals are so commanding and strong. I can see Alice Cooper performing that song with a whiplash smile now. It has those cynical and dark lyrics that would be perfect for the king of shock of rock. JY does fine job with it though, it's a perfect match for his deep voice and the fat power chords he keeps pumping out while singing. It's a chill and a thrill a minute with each song on this CD. The recordings are taken from all over the world, and it's a good mixture of their career over the years. They touch upon each decade that they recorded. A special bonus is "Sing For The Day," which was never before performed live, and the Don Henley and Patty Smyth song "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough." The Damn Yankees' (a supergroup with Tommy Shaw) great song "High Enough" is recorded for the first time by Styx, making this an all encompassing recording that reflects different aspects of the group and the individual efforts of the members as well.

I know I am gushing and carrying on about this CD, I can't help myself. I have always appreciated Styx and their talent. All of them can sing and play with equal expertise, and they do to this day. Yes, the magic is still within their grasp, and they are seizing the moment. You can't miss out on this CD, you owe it to yourself to buy this CD. If you don't, hang your head in shame. They are also keeping up with the times, as their website is excellent ... it's very hip and very cool. The true disciples of rock and roll will be able to relate to every word I say... Styx is back!

The shot in the ass that they needed. Lawrence Gowin leaves Dennis De Young in a cloud of dust ! Their is a reason for the rebirth of this great band. They never gave up on what they do best. This line up is possibly their best ever. Don't miss them, for they will astonish you on stage.!!!!