Home Read Classic Album Review: Styx | StyxWorld Live 2001

Classic Album Review: Styx | StyxWorld Live 2001

This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):

 


Let’s face it: If most of the bands at classic rock festivals came to your town on their own, they’d play in a bar. But put ’em together on a package tour and they can draw enough fans to make it an event — and sustain the illusion they’re still superstars.

Artsy ’70s pop-rockers Styx not only seem to get this notion, they’ve taken it to a new level on this 13-song live CD by playing tunes from members’ extracurricular projects. Among them: Canadian veteran Lawrence Gowan — now Styx’s keyboardist and co-lead vocalist — croons his hit A Criminal Mind. while guitarist Tommy Shaw dusts off High Enough, a chestnut from his outfit Damn Yankees. Here and there, the band sneak in a few of their own hits like Rockin’ the Paradise, Snowblind, Miss America and Eric Cartman’s beloved Come Sail Away (but sadly — and strangely, given the human-jukebox vibe — no Mr. Roboto). Sure, the old dogs can still rock. But the musical-revue approach ultimately makes it seems if Styx have become a tribute band to themselves.

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