STYX Poll

Dr. Prog wrote: jimmy_row wrote: ClassicRocker wrote: Cesar Inca wrote:   Very emotional song about a political issue: America, stop being so imperalist because that won't lead you to greatness. If you want to be great again, stick to the dreams of freedom that gave you birth in the first place and stop being imperialist. That will help to solve the country's internal problems, the most important and urgent ones.            Kind regards. I don't want to get into a political argument here, but "imperialist"? Are you sure about that? I wasn't aware we had an American Empire. For clarification, are you referring to the song's meaning or your own opinion? oh and, erm, "Styx rox!" and such... well politics aren't the issue here anyway, it's the writer's intention.  I'm pretty sure DeYoung has said that the song was a metaphor between a man's love for this woman, and what was going on with the country and the world.  it was the bicentennial and Dennis was reflecting on what had happened to the dream, "but somehow you've changed"...     "Red, white, and blue..." that's a clear reference; the big deal was American supported militias in South America and the Dirty Wars around the time Suite Madame Blue was written. not to mention a little debacle called Vietnam.......

Sorry guys, i wasn't thinking that far back. Truly I was considering only a modern (last 5 years) context when reading Cesar's response. (Please don't carry on about Iraq now)
It was my mistake I suppose in interpretation; I'm also not an expert on imperialism beyond that of the Europeans (my AP US history class only reached the 1950s to boot).

Anyways, I have a small issue with it when people are talking about the actions of a government, and instead address their criticism to the nation/population as a whole, as I felt Cesar did. This gives the impression that Cesar may think that each person who lives in the US, including myself, is a supporter of imperialism.




Edited by ClassicRocker - May 15 2008 at 20:00

ClassicRocker wrote: Cesar Inca wrote:   Very emotional song about a political issue: America, stop being so imperalist because that won't lead you to greatness. If you want to be great again, stick to the dreams of freedom that gave you birth in the first place and stop being imperialist. That will help to solve the country's internal problems, the most important and urgent ones.            Kind regards. I don't want to get into a political argument here, but "imperialist"? Are you sure about that? I wasn't aware we had an American Empire. For clarification, are you referring to the song's meaning or your own opinion? oh and, erm, "Styx rox!" and such...

well politics aren't the issue here anyway, it's the writer's intention.  I'm pretty sure DeYoung has said that the song was a metaphor between a man's love for this woman, and what was going on with the country and the world.  it was the bicentennial and Dennis was reflecting on what had happened to the dream, "but somehow you've changed"...

Edited by jimmy_row - May 15 2008 at 19:13

I love "Come Sail Away", but grossly overplayed. I do like the live version from Caught In The Act with the epic solo by Shaw at the end.

"Borrowed Time" from Cornerstone was always a favorite, too. Monster guitar solo.

E

it has to be Suite Madame Blue b/c of the same reason Cesar said.  I agree with the term Imperialistic.  Any nation that has as large a military presence abroad as at home, even in times of peace, is an Empire


Edited by akiko - May 14 2008 at 21:58

Imperialist ? ! I thought it was a song about a guy in love with a call girl.

OOps,

nordwind wrote: My all time favourite Styx tune would have to be Suite Madame Blue ,I just find it a very emotional song which has the some of best tempo changes these ears have ever heard

Crystal Ball for sure. If I can blot out the video, Mr Roboto is quite good, considering the era. One fave of mine that many here might not even think of is " A Day" off of Styx II, by John Curuleski (or something like that).
That album was my first Styx because it included Lady, and remains my favourite to this day.
Of the other overlooked gems, I'd include Father , You Need Love, Far beyond these Castle Walls, Miss America, Renegade.
P.S. their reunion DVD - Return to Paradise is excellent, and well worth the price.

I went with Pieces of Eight, Ivan.  There was a radio station that used to play that at 6 AM every morning when that album came out  to match the opening vocal line. That was my alarm clock

Come Sail Away is arguably their proggiest song, and certainly one of their best, so strange its not listed as a choice, as well as one of their biggest hits, The Grand Illusion.