At Home in Hespeler

I’ve never quite got why Styx has been a much maligned act through the years. Oh sure they can be a little slick, almost perfect sounding, but really, that’s worse than Neil Young’s guitar being out of tune? According to a number of critics, yes. For some strange reason, Styx always got the too smooth, too good label. Much of the blame must fall of Dennis DeYoung, who has one of those voices that never misses a note and sounds effortless.

With his new album/DVD Dennis Dennis DeYoung And The Music Of Styx Live In Los Angeles (2CD/DVD), DeYoung runs his seven piece band through 17 Styx songs badly in need of re-examination. DeYoung’s voice is, at 67-years old, still almost flawless, still rings out like a bell. Evidence suggests there has been no age related deterioration of DeYoung’s talents.

The songs stand up very well, and the quality of songwriting stands out throughout the CD. It was fun to rediscover songs like Crystal Ball and Suite Madame Blue which are excellent, as is much of the music. Hearing Mr. Roboto after all these years, on the other hand, feels like watching Billy Squire playing Rock Me Tonight, full dance included.

But Mr. Roboto is the exception, and a re-hear of Lady, Too Much Time on My Hands, Rockin’ the Paradise, Foolin’ Yourself and Come Sail Away is well worth the listen. Blue Collar Man particularly stands out.

The CD of Dennis DeYoung And The Music Of Styx Live In Los Angeles (2CD/DVD) really is a good solid collection, and worth the listen.

Due in stores October 17th in Europe and October 21st in North America, and is available on 2CD/DVD, Blu-Ray and digital. As well, the television special, An Evening With Dennis DeYoung And The Music Of STYX concert special airs on AXS-TV, on October 21st, 2014.

Track listing:
Audio:
CD1

1. The Message (intro)
2. The Grand Illusion
3. Lady
4. Lorelei
5. Blue Collar Man
6. Show Me The Way
7. Mr. Roboto
8. Crystal Ball
9. Don’t Let It End
10. Too Much Time On My Hands

CD2

1. Rockin’ The Paradise
2. Desert Moon
3. Babe
4. Foolin’ Yourself
5. Suite Madame Blue
6. The Best Of Times
7. Renegade
8. Come Sail Away.

Video

1. The Grand Illusion
2. Lady
3. Lorelei
4. Blue Collar Man
5. Show Me The Way
6. Mr. Roboto
7. Crystal Ball
8. Don’t Let It End
9. Too Much Time On My Hands
10. Desert Moon
11. Babe; Foolin’ Yourself
12. Suite Madame Blue
13. The Best Of Times
14. Renegade
15. Come Sail Away.

Record Release, Review Denis DeYoung, Styx