Kilroy Was Here

Styx | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: A&M
• ASIN: B000002GF6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (131 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,225 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Japanese-only SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) paper sleeve pressing of this album. SHM-CDs can be played on any audio player and delivers unbelievably high-quality sound. You won't believe it's the same CD! Universal. 2009. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A departure from the norm, but very well done, October 16, 2004

By 

D. Hunter "crusaderdrake" (Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kilroy Was Here (Audio CD)

First, understand that I wasn't around in the beginning, so I don't know Styx from their Wooden Nickel days. I was still in diapers, so sue me. I came in when Styx was reaching the height of poularity with Pieces of Eight, Paradise Theatre, Grand Illusion, Crystal Ball, et al. So when someone mentions the band Styx to me, that's what jumps to mind.

Now, I'm guessing the detractors of this album were around from the beginning, because I really don't see how Kilroy was that big a departure for Styx. Yes, it was experimental, but lighter? As if to say "Just Get Through This Night" is lighter than "Man in the Wilderness?" Or "Haven't We Been Here Before" is lighter than "Suite Madame Blue?" Please. This *is* Styx!

And while I like Styx' racier stuff (I'm the only one I know that loves "Half-Penny Two-Penny") most of the tracks on Kilroy are very well arranged and performed. I say most, because "Heavy Metal Poisoning" does suffer far too much from the "goofiness factor" another reviewer mentions. It reminds me too much of a cross between hard rock and showtunes, which is *not* a good thing. They definitely would have been better off keeping that track serious. And frankly, I think Styx' live version of "Don't Let It End" is far superior than the album version. As for the rest:

<li>Mr. Roboto: Synth heavy, not unpleasant, thought provoking lyrics

<li>Cold War: Catchy rhythym; almost rap-like

<li>High Time: Best adrenaline song on the album

<li>Just Get Through...: Quite possibly the best song on the album; very mellow and heartfelt. Tommy pours his soul out on this one.

<li>Double Life: My personal fave from this album; nothing complex about it, but best harmonies on the album. "Masquerade...you know we all live a masquerade..."

<li>Haven't We Been...: Starts slow and soft but builds quickly into a powerful ballad purely on the strength of Tommy. If you are a Tommy Shaw fan, do not miss this one.

<li> Don't Let It End (reprise): A reprise with homage paid to the bands that came before. A nice salute but nothing earth-shattering.

I agree with the other reviewers that new listeners to Styx should not start with this album; start with Grand Illusion and Paradise Theatre at the minimum, then make your way to Kilroy. Different, oft times eclectic, but whole-heartedly Styx.

-DDH

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I Was There...It Deserved To Be Trashed, March 16, 2001

By 

Chess and Music (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kilroy Was Here (Audio CD)

I had been listening to Styx for 6 years and had all of their releases when Kilroy came crashing through with Mr Roboto. I'm not putting anybody down for liking that song, but it and the majority of the rest had such a negative impact on the longtime fans. Mr Roboto in retrospect isn't *horrible*, it just isn't Styx if you know what I mean. Cold War is absolutely the worst Styx song of all time. I can't believe Tommy would write or allow such garbage. Don't Let It End is respectable. High Time is more garbage. Heavy Metal Poisoning and Double Life are the best 2 songs (written by JY of course). Just Get Through the Night is actually pretty decent. Haven't We Been Here Before might be acceptable if there weren't so many light songs already here. The real shame is they had the talent, proven guitar work and awesome drumming by John to avoid such a quick fall from grace.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Blast from 80's past, March 23, 2007

By 

Blair Carmichael "the_beeb" (St. Joseph, Missouri) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kilroy Was Here (Audio CD)

I was really happy to find this on CD. I had the album and enjoyed it regardless of what the "Critics" said.

Now if only the short film that was made could be released on Itunes or DVD.