Customer Reviews

One With Everything: Styx and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Following in the footsteps of the Moodys, Metallica, Procol Harum and several others--Styx finally has recorded its rather sumptuous/symphonic music with a symphony orchestra that reflects a Difference. And of course that Difference makes this cd Unique. The band has released its latest cd with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra located in Cleveland, Ohio, an orchestra and chorus of young musicians who number over 100. Does the band/symphony orchestra MELD work as well as other rock artists who have played with the likes of the London Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony and other orchs that already have an amazing reputation apart from these rock collaborations--and appear to be slumming for dollars--but for all the right reasons?

The difference here is Energy and Hyper interaction. Styx has never, in its latest Chapter Two career, sounded so young, and so vibrant. It is almost as if the infusion of support players ranging in ages from 13-19 has literally performed a nip and tuck on the band members. One cannot downplay the love, affection, rehearsal, teaching, arrangements and commitment that have gone into this project from the get go. You cannot put a historic rock band with an amateur large student orchestra without intensive rehearsal/interaction, classroom sessions, and of course a conductor/arranger who understands that the needs of the students might supercede the needs of the rock band-but of course needs the profile of that band to make it all work. Liza Grossman,conductor,organizer of the CYO, and co arranger for this recording, in conjunction with Styx, pulls this miracle off with aplomb. A wonderful advert for musical education,Student teaching, patience, and Collaboration between aspiring amateurs and established professionals. Buy this album merely to hear how the support of our musically- attuned youth can mesh with the uncanny abilities of one of the more historic bands of its time. But also buy it for the long overdue collaboration of two musical sensibilities--each informed by energy, love, youth and professional longevity. You will not be disappointed.

I'll start with a track by track review, and then my overall thoughts:

1) "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)": A great performance of the Styx classic and one of the best tracks on the album. The extended intro by the orchestra is fantastic and when Gowan's keyboard cuts in, the rockin' begins! The only downside to the track is that some of the backing vocals sometimes get lost in the mix, but it's rare and doesn't spoil much.

2) "One With Everything": Another great performance, and my favorite recordings of the song (not to mention being the only `official' live version). The orchestra and chorus shine in this track, making it more powerful than ever before (and I had seen/heard this performed by the band in person on several occasions).

3) "It Don't Make Sense (You Can't Make Peace)": While this performance outdoes the studio version from Big Bang Theory, it still doesn't have the Styx feeling to it. If JY wanted to include one of his tracks from BBT, I would have preferred `Manic Depression' or `Locomotive Breath.'

4) "I am the Walrus": The orchestral arrangement is not the strongest here, but it does differ enough from the recording found on Big Bang Theory. The version found on BBT is more powerful and enjoyable in the end.

5) "Just Be" [studio version]: An awesome new track from the band with trippy sounds and lyrics. Actually brings Pink Floyd to mind every time I hear it, with those Gilmour-like guitar solos and mellow tone.

6) "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)": The orchestra does another great intro for this track and Styx delivers a great rendition. Though, aside from the intro, it doesn't seem to feel much different than other non-Dennis DeYoung recordings of the song.

7) "A Criminal Mind": Sounds almost exactly like the recording put out circa 2000 by Styx. No surprises here.

8) "Everything All the Time": The second of two new tracks written and recorded by the band. Unlike `Just Be,' this track is recorded live. Sadly, the lyrics and tone sound interesting, but the mix is a total mess. It's hard to understand what the band in singing and instruments just seem to be all over the place at times. I don't blame this on the performance, but rather the mixing of the track for the album. I look forward to hearing a studio version of the track to have a true feel for what this song is all about and a true basis to compare this live version to.

9) "Too Much Time on My Hands": A Styx staple track performed flawlessly. It sounds very similar to past live releases of the track by the DDY-less Styx.

10) "Crystal Ball": Another awesome performance by the band and orchestra/chorus. This version is second only to the `Return to Paradise' version of the track.

11) "Miss America": The definitive live version of this track has finally arrived! The intro (as presented in the studio recording) is performed by the orchestra to great effect. As usual, JY is on fire when performing this song and comes across ten times more powerful when the chorus starts singing back up!

12) "Boat on the River": One of my least favorite Styx songs, but one can see why the choose to perform it with an orchestra. Overall, I would have to say it is one of the best (if not THE best) live version of the song.

13) "Renegade": One of the greatest Styx songs ever. As usual, it does have that `fun' feeling to it, with band intros and all (though it does seem to take forever for both Styx and the orchestra/chorus to be introduced - even though it is kind of needed). The arrangement by both groups seems a tad off and I didn't really care for the guitar during the song's opening lyrics (it takes away from the effectiveness of the words/drum beats and the `eruption' into the rocker that `Renegade' truly is). Nevertheless, it is a unique recording and something we haven't quite heard yet on a live album.

Overall, this is a good live effort by Styx (and the CYO), but I felt a little disappointed after my first listen through the whole thing. Most of this seems to be due to a very bass-heavy (bass guitar and drums) mix found throughout the entire album. Though, most of the tracks are starting to grow on me as they are presented here. It is a shame that the band didn't decide to include the medley on the CD or have the ability to include any DDY material as performed by Gowan (he rocks on "Grand Illusion").

It's an interesting CD and I recommend picking it up if you're familiar with the band and/or dig the current Styx lineup. If you're just stating to venture into the Styx library, and want a solid live album (despite the actual lineup), I would suggest not starting here ("Return to Paradise" would be the place to begin). Overall: 7.5 out of 10.

While I find the proliferation of live albums by Styx in recent years a bit tiresome, One With Everything is better than most said albums. The fusion of veteran rockers with enthusiastic teenaged orchestra members is a fresh and interesting approach to the rock band/symphony trend. Just Be was pleasant. Everything All The Time is a terrific rocker - the kind that makes one want to turn his car stereo up really loud. There's enough other new live material to make it a worthwhile addition to any Styx fan's collection. That said, I also find myself wishing they would get away from the live and cover albums and produce a good run of original music.

There Are people Who Rate This Higher Than The Classic Styx Albums. This Isn't Styx. It Sounds Nothing Like Styx.

The best recording Stix has come up with yet. Having a full orchestra background is simply thrilling for their music. A must have is the blu ray live concert of this album, one of the best concerts I've seen.

This is a highlight of this great band's tours -- a classic

The Cleveland Youth Orchestra and Chorus underscores an excellent performance by STYX

Considering the volatile personalities and egos in Styx, their interaction with the kids is to be applauded. But the real STARS are the kids and their director, and this CD should be approached with that mindset. STYX was a great band when DeYoung was there, this CD is a good reflection of those days, even with the music they have added since he went off to Whacko-land with his screwed up ego.

Another solid live release. Where's the studio release though? I found myself replaying the same new songs over and over again and skipped over the classic songs. Everything All The Time is great. Just Be was good and their live cover of Don't Make Sense were the three songs that really made this for me. Get back to the studio though because I'm done buying the live versions of the same old songs.

this cd was awesome, I like Styx but did not realize how good they are live, I have the old Styx double cd live, this is soo much better. if you like styx, old or new, this is a must have cd!

I had been looking forward to the release of this CD, but had to wait until Christmas. Needless to say, I tore open the wrapper and popped it into the CD player immediately after getting it. I confess skipping right to the two new songs--Just Be and Everything, All the Time--since, like any Styx fan, I have been eagerly anticipating the release of new music. I was very impressed, and was instantly hooked on Everything, All the Time--which is more of a rocker than Just Be, which is an excellent mellow song.
After listening to the new songs a couple of times, I let the CD run through. My initial reaction was that I was envious of the kids who played along with the band. I then moved from that to just being impressed with how well they played and had to smile at their enthusiasm and evident joy-reminded me of how the guys in the band seem when they are play their shows.
Mixing the band and an orchestra was not only a cool idea, but it had excellent results. Of course, I am still looking forward to the original material CD, but this one will get me through for a little while.
I highly recommend this CD.