Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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28 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A departure from the norm, but very well done, October 16, 2004
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
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13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Comedic Genius, September 25, 2005
If you have every seen the "Behind The Music" episode on Styx you know that "Mr. Roboto" was the album that killed the band. The other members wanted to play hard rock but Dennis DeYoung wanted to put on make-up and write Las Vegas-style floor shows. Things came to a head when the group began their Mr. Roboto tour by sharing the bill with a couple of straighforward Southern Rock bands. The audience showed up, waiting to hear driving, no-nonsense rock music. Instead, they got the members of Styx on a stage that was designed to look like THE FUTURE, dancing with mask-wearing "robots," and saying scripted lines like "No Mr. Roboto, you can't take rock-and-roll away from the kids of America!" The audience booed and threw beer cans. That was the moment when the members of the group decided to go their separate ways. It is one of the funniest moments in rock history.
Dennis DeYoung is either the most self-diluted musician in rock or he is an absolute comedic genius. Either way, we all owe him a debt of gratidute for creating the greatest bad album of all times.
By the way, I suspect that every favorable review posted on Amazon.com was actually written by Dennis DeYoung himself. I assume he has nothing better to do now that Styx has re-formed and is performing without him.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Blast from 80's past, March 23, 2007
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.
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