Ron Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 So I should probably put this down in the Styx section of the forums, but there was enough interesting comments that makes me want to give it a more prominent spot: http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-dvd-review-styx-the-grand1/ Specifically, some quotes from the article: I’m sorry for the bitch-fest about De Young, he certainly never was my favorite member of the band. But like it or not, he was responsible for so many of the classic songs on these records that it is hard not to miss him. and But if these guys could ever just put the 30-year-old feuds behind them, then I think they would be shocked at the response they would find from their fans. My only real complaint about the article is that the writer feels that Gowan sounds a good bit like Dennis, which I completely disagree with. For starters, Gowan wasn't hired to replace Dennis as such; they were going for something a little different. And second, he sounds nothing like Dennis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomchild Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 My only real complaint about the article is that the writer feels that Gowan sounds a good bit like Dennis, which I completely disagree with. For starters, Gowan wasn't hired to replace Dennis as such; they were going for something a little different. And second, he sounds nothing like Dennis. I have heard this type of comment before and always have a WTF reaction to it. I really wish someone would ask the person how exactly do they make this observation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubulator2k Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 I agree with you guys... Gowan... sounds like Dennis... Thats like saying Slim Whitman sounds like Luciano Pavarotti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Roboto571985 Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 I'm still debating whether I want to get this or not. I already have both Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight by the line up I like best. So why would I need to get a DVD of the crapfest trying to call themselves Styx? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasedontlie Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 Yes - Gowan is not Dennis, and the Styx of today is not the same of the Styx of the 70s. Gowan has talent, and he has lots of energy - a better performer than I'll ever be. He isn't the virtuoso that Dennis is - but then again, not many are at the level that Dennis is. (in my personal opinion) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B. Miller Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 Yeah, i think Gowan has a great stage presence and is an extremely talented pianist, but sounds nothing like Dennis, which i think is better than them trying to get someone to sound like Dennis, because it would never happen anyway. I dont like how they only have the CD with the DVD version....i would love to get the Blu-Ray and CD, even though i will probably skip over them on my ipod, in search for Caught in the Act or Return to Paradise anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B. Miller Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 Oh, and if you are planning on buying any of the sets, Amazon has a cheaper price than the Styx website, which amazes me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomchild Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 Yes - Gowan is not Dennis, and the Styx of today is not the same of the Styx of the 70s. Gowan has talent, and he has lots of energy - a better performer than I'll ever be. He isn't the virtuoso that Dennis is - but then again, not many are at the level that Dennis is. (in my personal opinion) This is why I do not care for Styx anymore. It isn't the same. The three part harmonies that made them unique is gone. As well as other things. No offense to Gowan but, i just don't care for his performances of Dennis' material. I never thought I see the day that I would be saying something like this or not buying a album or video by Styx. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomchild Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 (edited) Oh, and if you are planning on buying any of the sets, Amazon has a cheaper price than the Styx website, which amazes me. It shouldn't. Styx is all about making money now. Why do you think they haven't recorded an album of new material? Read between the lines of what has been said by the band when talking about a new album. There's not enough money in it to motivate them to do it. Interestingly though they keep making comments that they are writing "new music" all the time. Edited January 30, 2012 by Boomchild Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted February 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 Interestingly though they keep making comments that they are writing "new music" all the time. It's a marketing thing. Fans want to hear that they are still writing and just might have written that hit to put them back on the airwaves and large sales figures. The reality is, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. So you say you are working on new things, yet sell what is tried and true to make your money. The new stuff won't make you money. Here's an anology: People say they want healthier choices when they go to McDonald's and other fast food restaurants. But what happens when they actually offer these healthy choices for sale? No one buys them, because they came to McDonald's to buy a Big Mac. McDonald's has introduced many different kinds of salads over the past 25 years in an effort to increase sales, very few are being bought. I'm sure once you calculate in all of the research time and money, they are actually losing money selling salads; but it would be a public relations nightmare if headlines were to blast "McDonald's getting rid of healthy food from menu". New music by classic artists just doesn't make enough money to be profitable. One Hundred Years From Now didn't do that well here in the US. Sure I would expect that everyone that is reading this has bought it, but if you were to look at a percentage of the audience of a Dennis DeYoung concert, the number would be alarmingly small. Why go through all of that hard work, effort, and expense if no one is going to buy it? Especially if just singing "Come Sail Away" brings in more than enough money to pay the mortgage. Would I like to hear more new material? You bet. But I know not to hold my breath waiting for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.