But what’s with ‘Big Bang Theory’? What is the theory beyond a set of covers from Styx? What record label would allow this to happen?
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Styx
ALBUM: Big Bang Theory
LABEL: Frontiers SRL
SERIAL: FRCD 247
YEAR: 2005
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Larry Gowan – vocals, keyboards *Tommy Shaw – vocals, guitars * James Young – vocals, guitars * Ricky Phillips – bass, vocals * Todd Sucherman – drums, percussion, vocals
TRACK LISTING: 01 I Am the Walrus (The Beatles) * 02 I Can See You For Miles (The Who) * 03 It Don’t Make Sense (You Can’t Make Peace) (Willie Dixon) * 04 I Don’t Need No Doctor (Humble Pie) * 05 Can’t Find My Way Home (Blind Faith) * 06 Locomotive Breath (Jethro Tull) * 07 A Salty Dog (Procol Harum)
08 One Way Out (Allman Brothers) * 09 Summer In The City (Lovin’ Spoonful) * 10 Talkin’ About The Good Times (The Pretty Things) * 11 Find The Cost Of Freedom (CSNY) * 12 Wishing Well (Free) * 13 Manic Depression (Jimi Hendrix) * 14 Blue Collar Man (Styx)
RATING: 40/100
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Styx Background
Well, what needs to be said about these guys? Those familiar with Styx will need no introduction to their past deeds. It’s their current deeds which need questioning however.
This album is a great treat for those who remember the band in their halcyon days. The twin string attack of Shaw and Young is resurrected. Plus there’s the addition of Ricky Phillips (The Babys, Bad English) who embellishes the bottom end. Canadian Larry Gowan proves more than a worthwhile replacement for Dennis DeYoung.
But what’s with ‘Big Bang Theory’? What is the theory beyond a set of covers from Styx? What record label would allow this to happen? Do you think A&M, Atlantic or Sony would allow such a release to occur? Probably not, so it falls to the hands of Italian label Frontiers to set a precedent.
The Songs
Personally I think it wasn’t the wisest move. Styx fans have hardly gotten over some of their recent releases where they have felt short-changed. This was due to the track-listing, and the rehashing of the same material released yet again.
Then we got 2003’s ‘Cyclorama’ album, which was a flop at the box office and now we have this set.
Just check out the track listing below and you will see that a good cross-selection of 60’s and 70’s favourites are faithfully reproduced here. Apart from the band members and their management, does anybody really care?
I mean, we could do down to any Karaoke bar and hear people resurrecting some of these tunes. Given half the chance, someone could also ‘Idolise’ it for TV if they really wanted to.
In Summary
By all accounts, the bands recent live gigs have been going down well. A mix of well loved favourites plus a selection of tracks from ‘BBT’. At the end of the day, only true Styx fans will get any mileage out of this tribute event.
I only hope to be able to give them credit where credit is due, and a chance for them to redeem themselves after the ‘Cyclorama’ disaster. But I guess I’ll be waiting a few more years yet. What we really want is a set of new tunes to get our teeth into. This effort is about as palatable as warm beer.
Styx on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
