 STYX
One with Everything DVD
Eagle Vision 2007
www.styxworld.com
Live Styx pics
What’s the 4-1-1?
Yeah, we all know it’s been down before; rock bands teaming
up orchestras. This time its 70s & 80s arena rock legends Styx pairing
up with the Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra (+60 voice chorus).
Genre
Melodic rock / classic rock / arena rock
The Good
First off, if you don’t have 5.1 sound, you’re going to miss
out on the true musical masterpiece that this performance really is. The
5.1 mix truly puts you in the middle of the show, as if you were there live. “Blue
Collar Man (Long Nights)” was never really a favorite Styx song of
mine, but this opening song gets you pumped for the show that follows. “Lorelei” is
delivered with more texture and harmony with the backing orchestra/chorus,
even though the lyrics don’t really apply today. Even though Styx are
known for their weepy, sometimes sappy power ballads; they stick to the high-energy
rockers for the majority of the show.
The group breathes new life into more
hits like “Miss America,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Foolin’ Yourself
(Angry Young Man),” and “Renegade.” They also bring a new
dimension to some of the material from their highly received covers album
Big Bang Theory (“I am the Walrus” & “It Don’t
Make Sense (You Can’t Make Peace”). Plus, they throw in a couple
of rarities for fun. Styx even adds power and intensity to one of their live
show staples, the Styx Medley. If there’s a song that you know and
love from the band that’s not covered in the live set in full, you’re
sure to find it in the medley. Every song performance is damn near perfect,
as if they had been doing it for years. Oh yeah, they’ve been doing
it for more than 35 years.
The Bad
The Youth Orchestra is made up of 13-19 year olds…how many do you
think knew who Styx was? Would have liked to have heard orchestral versions
of “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Mr. Roboto.” There’s
a CD version of this show that eliminates a couple of key songs, plus it
has some mixing issues. You’re far better off with the DVD version.
The Verdict
If you haven’t seen Styx live in recent years, then you’re missing
one hell of a show. If there’s any way that Styx could improve their
high-energy, fan pleasing, melody and riffs-a-plenty show; it’s by
adding a full orchestra and chorus. One with Everything is a must have DVD
for every rock fan young and old.
Did You Know?
Styx formed in Chicago in 1961. They didn’t release their first album
until 1972.
Rating:  out
of 5
--George Dionne
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