Tommy Shaw, the vocalist (and I think writer) of this song, does an entire concert of Styx songs with a youth orchestra. It is fairly new and on UA-cam. Worth a watch for sure!
5:48 What you're looking at is 'The Grand Illusion', what else? Love this album cover. This is probably their best album. 'The Grand Illusion' is another song you definitely wanna hear. Great song.
Definitely! My ATF band, and my ATF album. Man in the Wilderness the song that i first knew i was in love with their music. Still my favorite song by them to date. Castle Walls is a close second. I've seen Styx a dozen times, and I only ever heard them play Man In Wilderness once.
I've listened to this song hundreds of times over the years, starting when it was first released. In particular, this song and album are my favorite from Styx. In all that time, I never noticed how strongly influenced this is by Supertramp. (The acoustic guitar and solo vocals.) As a recommendation, I would suggest reacting to Dreamer, Breakfast In America, and/or The Logical Song - all by Supertramp.
My favorite Styx album by far, wore it out when it came out. Man In The Wilderness is a great sleeper song that reminds of fall turning to winter. Such good memories of the 70's with my friends getting thru the teen years.
I remember sitting in a friends basement listening to this entire record when it was first released in the 70's...I have always put STYX in the same category as bands such as Queen , Kansas , ELO , and such because they displayed such unmatched musical itnegrity , and creativity in their approach . Love this !!
ds9 Yep. This music still sounds good after all these years. I saw Styx in concert in 1980, my best concert-experience ever. Terrific keyboard playing in this song, love that '70s synth sound. Enjoyed your reaction.
@@pamnicklas5536 Yeah, I remember it was Autumn, 1980 at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, MI (where they used to make Gibson guitars). The concert was magnificent, like a spiritual experience. At one point 2 guys played 1 guitar - the guy wearing it fretted notes with his left hand and another guy reached around and picked the notes withhh his right hand - playing fast passages like Van Halen! Incredible. I was 15.
Your use of the word uplifting really captured this song well. It's very comforting and empowering at the same time. This was always my favorite Styx song when it came out and I was a young man in high school. Really resonated with me. Definitely from the point of view of someone who has been around bestowing his wisdom to next next generation.
Great reaction, this long with the Youth Orchestra is also amazing. Tommy Shaw's voice and ability as well as the band has held up over the years. Chris
@Harper Madison thanks for the update. I have listened to just about everything he has created. I was just being lazy and didn't search through the list... I'll own that one... I do bust Daniels chop sometimes because he needs more playlist to make it easier to find related content and he has done that... this one is me being too quick to shoot off a response. And you are correct those are two of the better gems so he has experience about half of them... All the best. Stay safe!
When you get the chance to listen to the live version the way they close the song as opposed to fading out is really quite good I think you'd like it. Also, listen to Styx with CYO Contemporary Youth Orchestra first as an entire concert in 2006 and with Tommy Shaw as a "solo" in 2016. Fascinating experience with this incredible high school orchestra.
Great reaction Daniel. Cool shirt too. Yes is my second favorite band after Styx so it's cool to see how your musical journey is unfolding and how much you are loving the great music that so many of us grew up with. BTW, "Queen of Spades" which is the track between "Blue Collar Man" and "Renegade" on Side 2 of the Pieces of Eight album would mean that you completed the great trilogy from that album. QOS is one of their hardest rockers (sung by Dennis) after a subtle, beautiful and haunting beginning section.....then it absolutely takes off. Highly recommended! You might also want to check out some J.Y. lead vocals from The Grand Illusion album "Miss America", another great rocker with fantastic lyrics to dissect.
Styx is one group that made me love rock in my era. Also, I love Mannheim Steamroller because of the similar sound they have to Styx and ELO. The synth sound is just a happy sound to me. It brings back my teen years. Thanks for doing this song, Daniel.
A great motivational trilogy. Hold Your Head Up - Argent Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas Fooling Yourself - Styx. This was song one side one on their seventh album, which co-incidentally was released July 1977. Before this, only Dennis de Young and James Young were lead singers. Tommy Shaw would begin his singing with the band with writing this song and playing the acoustic guitar. Later he would become part of the supergroup Damn Yankees with Ted Nugent, Michael Cartellone and Jack Blades. That group's best song was a power ballad High Enough. Worthy of a recommended reaction.
You're really young, so I don't know if you've seen the original "Halloween" movie, but there's a part in the middle of the song "Castle Walls" by Styx that sounds exactly like the movie's theme, so since you've been doing Halloween themed songs, consider doing that one. It's also my favorite Styx song(and that's really saying something b/c they have SO MANY great songs). Check it out. 👻👽👾🤖💀👺👹👿
Every time I hear this it reminds me of my late brother. He was like this growing up as a child/young man. I have that album in my paws right now. I loved introducing my children to the music I listened/listen to and I watched their faces. This was before the internet to just look stuff up and they're grown now so it's cool to watch other people discover the greatness of this older music from many different artists
Would love to see some more Kansas reactions. The Wall, Miracles Out of Nowhere, Portrait (He Knew), On the Other Side, Angels Have Fallen, or, really, any other song(s) you’d care to do. You could actually do album reactions with them and I doubt anyone would be mad about that. ✌🏼
I was seven years old when this album came out and I went over to my cousin's house and he said "you have to listen to this record my sister just got." We put it on and from that day forward I was a huge Styx fan. This song, in particular, appealed to me and made me a lifelong Tommy Shaw fan and was a big influence on my keyboard playing.
Love this song!! It's my favorite Styx tune. I saw Styx twice in the earlier 80's and they really can play their music exactly as the record (only better cuz it's live)
When I was young; I use to think of this album as the soundtrack to a play, so this part of the track as part of the Overture. The song The Grand Illusion is the start of the play; as it bring us into the world we about to live through
Love how you said "uplifting". I've seen them live a dozen times - and everytime I can say they stuff is just so uplifting and joyful. It's like a religious experience really. Some of the most happiest vibes I've ever felt were at their shows.
Thank you again for another Styx reaction! I've enjoyed watching your reactions to many different bands but I'm always filled with glee to see your next Styx post. For other Styx suggestions. If you find the time Styx often plays a classical styled version of Fooling Yourself when performing live with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, it may be something worth checking out. Unfinshed Song was a very rare hidden track that appeared in few versions of an older album. It's musically and thematically similar to Come Sail Away except lyrically it's more of a sorrow filled existional crisis, and acts as a kind of unofficial prologue to Come Sail Away. Castle Walls, already been suggested by others but it's still needs to be heard. Prelude 12/Suite Madam Blue is an amazing song with strong political lyrics. Prelude 12 is the instrumental intro with a 12 string acoustic guitar that sets the mood for the song and is written and composed to be listened with Suite Madam Blue so make sure you listen to the version that has both if you can. Queen of Spades for a heavy prog-metal song. You Need Love, very classic Styx song from their second album not at all like anything you've listened to yet. Styx's style of music changes a bit for each album. Lady Styx's original big hit that shot them to super stardom. A rock ballad of a different style also from their second album.
Now you need to ROCK with their 3rd lead singer, James 'JY' Young. Try 'Miss America' off the Grand Illusion album, or for a real headbanger try 'Midnight Ride' from their 5th album, Equinox. 'Rock & Roll Feeling', from their 1974 album, Man of Miracles, is a fun rocker with a great bass riff! 🎸
I response to the statement that you "don't normally like synthesizers", I don't know if I should be discouraged or encouraged - because synthesizers, when used properly, can bring amazing color and texture to music, which is particularly true of Prog Rock from the 70's (which is a genre you seem to be embracing wholeheartedly). I am encouraged that in nearly every case where you've mentioned liking a synthesizer part, it's been an ANALOG synthesizer, which is an entirely different animal from the Digital synths that litter the landscape today. You've probably guessed where I'm going with this, but I'm going to go there anyway - and ask again for the LIVE version of "Tarkus" by ELP. It's the Analog synth in all its glory.
The lyric, "don't blow it" always puzzled me because I thought the song was a song of encouragement aimed at young people struggling with disillusionment. And, "don't blow it" sounded like too much pressure. Interesting to hear the root of its meaning.
The best thing about being young, is you feel like the world is your oyster and nothing can stand in your way, you are a world beater, you have the r..e..s..t of your life to achieve that and get that done. The worst thing about old age is that the opposite is often true! My advice, satisfy all your dreams, before you get tied down or have surrounded you with all the responsibilities of life, so you have NO regrets when you are old. Then again you do have some very hard decisions to make as you go threw life, someone may not want to wait for ever and you may decide what you have is better than what you have had, nature's ticking clock also makes decision for you. Just make sure you still have and allow yourself some fun and not all seriousness along the way, I think I would say
In other words, listen to Pink Floyd's "Time," and pay very close attention to the lyrics. Then listen to it continuously for the rest of your life and notice how much more important the lyrics get.
You have my complete attention! Giving such love to my 3rd favorite band! If you care, Rush, and Steely Dan are one and two. Styx was best from 1973 thru 1979. I saw them live five times during those years! Never disappointed!
Daniel, you should do more from this album The Grand Illusion(1977) arguably their best. The title cut, Castle Walls, Man In The Wilderness and Miss America are all great songs. Got to do more KANSAS too, maybe Child Of Innocence, Miracles Out Of Nowhere, Incomudro- Hymn To The Atman, Mysteries and Mayhem/The Pinnacle or What's On My Mind to only name a few, but everything from their first 6 albums worth hearing.
Styx helped me thru my teenage years. along with other songs of the Era. A teen in the 70s seen it all from early rock years especially 70s and 80s for me. Try Grand Illusion by them.
What is being said right before the instrumental break and Dennis DeYoung keyboard solo is come on doctor let’s see what you got. Doctor was DeYoungs nickname. I think this was said by recording engineer over the studio talkback mic.
Yet another decent group that just wont last the test of time. B . . . enjoyed listening, back when, but won't run to replay, the moment I end this comment, Love your show. Well; actually, it's your mind and good parents . . . Give them 🤗🤗 please ~
With all due respect, they started recording their debut album almost a half a century ago. I would cut them some slack and say they've withstood the test of time. And in 2019, STILL selling out venues nationwide. ☺
@@georgewodicka4839 Point taken. And I'd be at one of their concerts, in a Flash, if near me! lol But commerce generally proves the point; how much is someone willing to pay for a First Press NM Vinyl LP copy of a Styx album, compared to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd , Elvis or Sinatra; Apples and Oranges. Just sayin. But neither of us will be here in another 50, so it's but a fun quibble. Rock on! 😁😎😍
Now listen to these two versions. Both are Tommy Shaw and other members of Styx (some original, some not), performing this same song with the Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra. Tommy is doing some incredible work getting young people interested in music, and these two videos showcase some amazing, young, talented musicians: ua-cam.com/video/brDDzKOcvPA/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/xpYHgbjOIq0/v-deo.html
I concur with "Prelude/Angry Young Man" from the Turnstiles album. Several great live versions. My favorite is from the Russian shows. Billy Joel, that is.
Message the youth of today could use now. Alas, all of us. Still a great tune. Look for Tommy Shaw's live version with the Cleveland Youth Orchestra. It's so awesome.
I think that this song is very applicable today’s youth. The future is bright. We live in a time when there is less poverty and and racism and there is still a lot of work on that front to do but we should work for equality with joy and not cynicism.
You should take a listen to Styx's newer music from their 2017 Lp/CD, *The Mission.* I think you would like it. A few tracks on this album are: *"Red Storm"* *"Radio Silence"* *"Trouble At The Big Show"* *"The Greater Good"* *The Mission* is a concept Lp, dealing in SyFy. Tommy, the singer/songwriter for this song has always been my favorite lyricists. He's forever a realist, but usually tries to show a positive outlook in his lyrics. Take a listen to JY's *"Miss America"* from *The Grand Illusion* Lp that *"Fooling Yourself"* here is from. No one has yet to react to "MA". It's a cynical take on the 'Miss America' pageants. And by the way, Styx has got a new album to come out, probably in 2021. It would have been released this year, but they are waiting for this corona situation to end, so they can tour in support of the it. The only song I know of so far that will be on it, is called *"Sound The Alarm"* ...
Daniel, I've come back to this video many times, and can say confidently that this song does not apply to you. But it did for me earlier in my life, and it did help me. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. Often music is the elixir, and we don't know it until we hear it. So enjoyable re-watching your entire catalog. You've made a difference.
Other songs you need to react to by Styx are as follows: Babe, Lady, suite Madame blue, Grand Illusion, too much time on my hands, Lorelei, Light up, The best of times, Rockin the paradise,
STYX, "FOOLING YOURSELF". THERE IS A REALLY COOL LIVE VERSION WITH SINGER TOMMY SHAW, AND YOUTH CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA I BELIEVE IN CHICAGO... DANIEL A WONDERFUL TUNE...LIGHT UP OFF OF EQUINOX ALBUM...
I will agree this is one of their bigger tunes but it wasn't necessarily a favorite for me. It just feels to middle of the road for my particular tastes in music...for me the music comes first, lyrics are just another instrument within the music. I agree with your assessment of these lyrics, pretty straightforward. There is another track from this release which is my favorite tune by Styx and has a very specific meaning to it...on the list I gave you, Miss America. SO much fun to play on my drums!! Great reaction, thanks!
Good Choice - Grand Illusion great album - Paradise Theatre is also one of my favorite Styx Albums - Kilroy Was Here - it was ok. If you haven't done STYX Blue Collar Man - that has a great rock organ sound. . Time to stretch out a little bit. Check out "The Go Go's - Our Lips Are Sealed" - It's early early 90's pop but still a fun song.
The album cover was based on the painting "The Blank Check" by the surrealist Rene Magritte. You may have seen some of his work -he's very popular, lots of posters, etc. Offbeat sense of humor.
Tommy Shaw, the vocalist (and I think writer) of this song, does an entire concert of Styx songs with a youth orchestra. It is fairly new and on UA-cam. Worth a watch for sure!
I second this. Plus he did it again THIS year while in isolation with all the instrumentalists on their own separate recordings.
When I was a teenager when this album came out, I would look at the album cover as the songs played. The Grand Illusion indeed...
Likewise... I remember wearing this vinyl out... Grand Illusion, Miss America... kkiller trackks...
5:48 What you're looking at is 'The Grand Illusion', what else? Love this album cover. This is probably their best album. 'The Grand Illusion' is another song you definitely wanna hear. Great song.
You would love Castle Walls from this same album.
Without a doubt
Definitely! My ATF band, and my ATF album. Man in the Wilderness the song that i first knew i was in love with their music. Still my favorite song by them to date. Castle Walls is a close second. I've seen Styx a dozen times, and I only ever heard them play Man In Wilderness once.
I've listened to this song hundreds of times over the years, starting when it was first released. In particular, this song and album are my favorite from Styx. In all that time, I never noticed how strongly influenced this is by Supertramp. (The acoustic guitar and solo vocals.) As a recommendation, I would suggest reacting to Dreamer, Breakfast In America, and/or The Logical Song - all by Supertramp.
They were contemporaries of Supertramp so I'm not sure that it was necessarily influenced by Supertramp as much as it was just similar musically.
I took at look at all the Styx songs you've reacted to.
I think you'll greatly enjoy 'Lady' and 'Lorelei'
And Mr. Roboto.
@@martinlepper4522 HAH! Sure : )
I second “Lady”. A beautiful song!
@@martinlepper4522 That’s a big Mr. RoNOTo.
My favorite Styx album by far, wore it out when it came out. Man In The Wilderness is a great sleeper song that reminds of fall turning to winter. Such good memories of the 70's with my friends getting thru the teen years.
Lead singer, Tommy Shaw, sings another version of this with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra and it's fab!
Styx was a great and to see live. Suite Madame Blue is probably my favorite by them. Seen them in 76
I remember sitting in a friends basement listening to this entire record when it was first released in the 70's...I have always put STYX in the same category as bands such as Queen , Kansas , ELO , and such because they displayed such unmatched musical itnegrity , and creativity in their approach . Love this !!
I've always loved that Styx lyrics are mostly positive. The music is consistently interesting, and the band is even better in concert! ❤️
Anytime I see Styx being reacted to, I automatically watch or save.
One of my very, very favorite and influential bands while growing up. 🎵❤️
ds9
Yep. This music still sounds good after all these years. I saw Styx in concert in 1980, my best concert-experience ever.
Terrific keyboard playing in this song, love that '70s synth sound.
Enjoyed your reaction.
Kirkland Raab I'm envious!! You must have seen the Cornerstone tour.
@@pamnicklas5536 Yeah, I remember it was Autumn, 1980 at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, MI (where they used to make Gibson guitars).
The concert was magnificent, like a spiritual experience. At one point 2 guys played 1 guitar - the guy wearing it fretted notes with his left hand and another guy reached around and picked the notes withhh his right hand
- playing fast passages like Van Halen! Incredible. I was 15.
I was 14 when I discovered this album. Lotta truth in the lyrics!
My favorite song from a top 5 band of mine. All-time classic, at least to me. Thank you, Daniel!
Your use of the word uplifting really captured this song well. It's very comforting and empowering at the same time. This was always my favorite Styx song when it came out and I was a young man in high school. Really resonated with me. Definitely from the point of view of someone who has been around bestowing his wisdom to next next generation.
My favorite song by Styx!! It resonated with me as a teenager. It was kind of an anthem for me to get my head out of my rear and do what i needed to.
Great reaction, this long with the Youth Orchestra is also amazing. Tommy Shaw's voice and ability as well as the band has held up over the years. Chris
Thanks for the great reaction ! I've always loved this band for their incredible musicianship.
✌❤🌻😷🎶
Pieces of eight album has some gems...
@Harper Madison thanks for the update. I have listened to just about everything he has created. I was just being lazy and didn't search through the list... I'll own that one... I do bust Daniels chop sometimes because he needs more playlist to make it easier to find related content and he has done that... this one is me being too quick to shoot off a response. And you are correct those are two of the better gems so he has experience about half of them... All the best. Stay safe!
Uplifting happy Prog with good lyrics. A very underrated band with excellent musicianship. Love the synths!
When you get the chance to listen to the live version the way they close the song as opposed to fading out is really quite good I think you'd like it. Also, listen to Styx with CYO Contemporary Youth Orchestra first as an entire concert in 2006 and with Tommy Shaw as a "solo" in 2016. Fascinating experience with this incredible high school orchestra.
Late 70s High School music. Some of the finest stuff ever. Styx was a major part of that era. I try not to fool myself anymore.
Great reaction Daniel. Cool shirt too. Yes is my second favorite band after Styx so it's cool to see how your musical journey is unfolding and how much you are loving the great music that so many of us grew up with. BTW, "Queen of Spades" which is the track between "Blue Collar Man" and "Renegade" on Side 2 of the Pieces of Eight album would mean that you completed the great trilogy from that album. QOS is one of their hardest rockers (sung by Dennis) after a subtle, beautiful and haunting beginning section.....then it absolutely takes off. Highly recommended! You might also want to check out some J.Y. lead vocals from The Grand Illusion album "Miss America", another great rocker with fantastic lyrics to dissect.
Styx is one group that made me love rock in my era. Also, I love Mannheim Steamroller because of the similar sound they have to Styx and ELO. The synth sound is just a happy sound to me. It brings back my teen years. Thanks for doing this song, Daniel.
Styx was the soundtrack of my youth. These songs bring back so many memories of high school and college. Thanks for doing this reaction!
A great motivational trilogy.
Hold Your Head Up - Argent
Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas
Fooling Yourself - Styx.
This was song one side one on their seventh album, which co-incidentally was released July 1977. Before this, only Dennis de Young and James Young were lead singers. Tommy Shaw would begin his singing with the band with writing this song and playing the acoustic guitar.
Later he would become part of the supergroup Damn Yankees with Ted Nugent, Michael Cartellone and Jack Blades. That group's best song was a power ballad High Enough. Worthy of a recommended reaction.
You're really young, so I don't know if you've seen the original "Halloween" movie, but there's a part in the middle of the song "Castle Walls" by Styx that sounds exactly like the movie's theme, so since you've been doing Halloween themed songs, consider doing that one. It's also my favorite Styx song(and that's really saying something b/c they have SO MANY great songs). Check it out. 👻👽👾🤖💀👺👹👿
Dennis did castle walls when I saw him solo in 2008. I didn't expect any deep cuts, so I was ecstatic
I still play this on my 12 String. Great song.
Ahhh,pleasant memories! This was the first album I ever bought with my own money. To be 11 again would be so nice 👌
Every time I hear this it reminds me of my late brother. He was like this growing up as a child/young man.
I have that album in my paws right now.
I loved introducing my children to the music I listened/listen to and I watched their faces.
This was before the internet to just look stuff up and they're grown now so it's cool
to watch other people discover the greatness of this older music from many different artists
Would love to see some more Kansas reactions. The Wall, Miracles Out of Nowhere, Portrait (He Knew), On the Other Side, Angels Have Fallen, or, really, any other song(s) you’d care to do. You could actually do album reactions with them and I doubt anyone would be mad about that. ✌🏼
My favourite Styx song is Crystal Ball.
He’s reacted to it.
Me too...then comes ...Blue Collar Man...
Me too!
mine as well
And it's amazing how he can play the keyboard behind his back!!
This is one of my favorite 2 or 3 Styx songs. So meaningful to me as a teenager at the time!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Those two runs of notes on the keyboard in the background starting at @ 2:57 sends shivers up my spine to this day.
In my opinion, this is their best album but others are right up there! Great band!!!
1977. Dennis DeYoung on those synthesizers and other keyboards make this song, along with his backing vocals. Written by Tommy Shaw on lead vocals.
I was seven years old when this album came out and I went over to my cousin's house and he said "you have to listen to this record my sister just got." We put it on and from that day forward I was a huge Styx fan. This song, in particular, appealed to me and made me a lifelong Tommy Shaw fan and was a big influence on my keyboard playing.
Love this song!! It's my favorite Styx tune. I saw Styx twice in the earlier 80's and they really can play their music exactly as the record (only better cuz it's live)
When I was young; I use to think of this album as the soundtrack to a play, so this part of the track as part of the Overture. The song The Grand Illusion is the start of the play; as it bring us into the world we about to live through
Love how you said "uplifting". I've seen them live a dozen times - and everytime I can say they stuff is just so uplifting and joyful. It's like a religious experience really. Some of the most happiest vibes I've ever felt were at their shows.
Daniel you might want to try Show Me The Way. As a fellow Christian you might like it.
I saw them twice, and years ago when Dennis DeYoung was the keyboardist and co-lead singer with Tommy Shaw. That's when they sounded the best.
Great reaction. Uplifting song. Thanks.
Thank you again for another Styx reaction! I've enjoyed watching your reactions to many different bands but I'm always filled with glee to see your next Styx post.
For other Styx suggestions.
If you find the time Styx often plays a classical styled version of Fooling Yourself when performing live with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, it may be something worth checking out.
Unfinshed Song was a very rare hidden track that appeared in few versions of an older album. It's musically and thematically similar to Come Sail Away except lyrically it's more of a sorrow filled existional crisis, and acts as a kind of unofficial prologue to Come Sail Away.
Castle Walls, already been suggested by others but it's still needs to be heard.
Prelude 12/Suite Madam Blue is an amazing song with strong political lyrics. Prelude 12 is the instrumental intro with a 12 string acoustic guitar that sets the mood for the song and is written and composed to be listened with Suite Madam Blue so make sure you listen to the version that has both if you can.
Queen of Spades for a heavy prog-metal song.
You Need Love, very classic Styx song from their second album not at all like anything you've listened to yet. Styx's style of music changes a bit for each album.
Lady Styx's original big hit that shot them to super stardom. A rock ballad of a different style also from their second album.
After the first chorus and before the keyboard solo, he says "come on doctor" which doctor was keyboardist Deyoung's nickname.
Dennis De Young imo is one of the best synthesizer/keyboard players out there.
"Castle Walls" is a great song.
I know this was a year ago, but I recently listened to all your Styx Reactions. Great! I didn’t see “ TOO MUCH TIME ON MY HANDS. Really killer.
Haven’t heard this one in a long time glad I caught it love you
This is one of my favorite songs STILL. Really like your commentary
Some of Styx songs have a classical sound. Great 70's-80's group and a great reaction from you Daniel.
Now you need to ROCK with their 3rd lead singer, James 'JY' Young. Try 'Miss America' off the Grand Illusion album, or for a real headbanger try 'Midnight Ride' from their 5th album, Equinox. 'Rock & Roll Feeling', from their 1974 album, Man of Miracles, is a fun rocker with a great bass riff! 🎸
I response to the statement that you "don't normally like synthesizers", I don't know if I should be discouraged or encouraged - because synthesizers, when used properly, can bring amazing color and texture to music, which is particularly true of Prog Rock from the 70's (which is a genre you seem to be embracing wholeheartedly). I am encouraged that in nearly every case where you've mentioned liking a synthesizer part, it's been an ANALOG synthesizer, which is an entirely different animal from the Digital synths that litter the landscape today. You've probably guessed where I'm going with this, but I'm going to go there anyway - and ask again for the LIVE version of "Tarkus" by ELP. It's the Analog synth in all its glory.
The lyric, "don't blow it" always puzzled me because I thought the song was a song of encouragement aimed at young people struggling with disillusionment. And, "don't blow it" sounded like too much pressure. Interesting to hear the root of its meaning.
Well, best to not deceive people of the possibility and severity of failure.
They were damn good live. Always on point. Professionals.
Doing a great job with your reactions. thank you, and keep it up!
Man you are Rocking today !!! Styx is a Great Band, I have seen them live in concert, and the killed it !! Great Band, Great song !!
The best thing about being young, is you feel like the world is your oyster and nothing can stand in your way, you are a world beater, you have the r..e..s..t of your life to achieve that and get that done. The worst thing about old age is that the opposite is often true! My advice, satisfy all your dreams, before you get tied down or have surrounded you with all the responsibilities of life, so you have NO regrets when you are old. Then again you do have some very hard decisions to make as you go threw life, someone may not want to wait for ever and you may decide what you have is better than what you have had, nature's ticking clock also makes decision for you. Just make sure you still have and allow yourself some fun and not all seriousness along the way, I think I would say
In other words, listen to Pink Floyd's "Time," and pay very close attention to the lyrics. Then listen to it continuously for the rest of your life and notice how much more important the lyrics get.
This band and Triumph always had inspiring songs
Love Styx and I haven't listened to them in ages
You have my complete attention! Giving such love to my 3rd favorite band! If you care, Rush, and Steely Dan are one and two. Styx was best from 1973 thru 1979. I saw them live five times during those years! Never disappointed!
Daniel, you should do more from this album The Grand Illusion(1977) arguably their best. The title cut, Castle Walls, Man In The Wilderness and Miss America are all great songs. Got to do more KANSAS too, maybe Child Of Innocence, Miracles Out Of Nowhere, Incomudro- Hymn To The Atman, Mysteries and Mayhem/The Pinnacle or What's On My Mind to only name a few, but everything from their first 6 albums worth hearing.
The album cover: THE GRAND ILLUSION.
SEEING THE FOREST FOR THE TREES.
Styx helped me thru my teenage years. along with other songs of the Era. A teen in the 70s seen it all from early rock years especially 70s and 80s for me.
Try
Grand Illusion by them.
Styx...great music, singing and lyrics. Oh yeah, cool band name too!
Tommy Shaw who wrote this song said it was basically about bandmate Dennis DeYoung.
What is being said right before the instrumental break and Dennis DeYoung keyboard solo is come on doctor let’s see what you got. Doctor was DeYoungs nickname. I think this was said by recording engineer over the studio talkback mic.
My late Uncle Hank was a big fan of Styx.He was born in 1926 😊
Oh yes, I love Styx. So many good ones. You have to do "The Logical Song" by Supertramp. Classic!
Yet another decent group that just wont last the test of time.
B . . . enjoyed listening, back when, but won't run to replay, the moment I end this comment,
Love your show. Well; actually, it's your mind and good parents . . .
Give them 🤗🤗 please ~
With all due respect, they started recording their debut album almost a half a century ago. I would cut them some slack and say they've withstood the test of time. And in 2019, STILL selling out venues nationwide. ☺
@@georgewodicka4839 Point taken. And I'd be at one of their concerts, in a Flash, if near me! lol
But commerce generally proves the point; how much is someone willing to pay for a First Press NM Vinyl LP copy of a Styx album, compared to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd , Elvis or Sinatra; Apples and Oranges.
Just sayin. But neither of us will be here in another 50, so it's but a fun quibble.
Rock on! 😁😎😍
Ok, I guess
Now listen to these two versions. Both are Tommy Shaw and other members of Styx (some original, some not), performing this same song with the Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra. Tommy is doing some incredible work getting young people interested in music, and these two videos showcase some amazing, young, talented musicians:
ua-cam.com/video/brDDzKOcvPA/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/xpYHgbjOIq0/v-deo.html
I concur with "Prelude/Angry Young Man" from the Turnstiles album. Several great live versions. My favorite is from the Russian shows. Billy Joel, that is.
Message the youth of today could use now. Alas, all of us. Still a great tune. Look for Tommy Shaw's live version with the Cleveland Youth Orchestra. It's so awesome.
A Styx song is never really over.
Lol
I think that this song is very applicable today’s youth. The future is bright. We live in a time when there is less poverty and and racism and there is still a lot of work on that front to do but we should work for equality with joy and not cynicism.
They are a great band, thanks 😊
You should take a listen to Styx's newer music from their 2017 Lp/CD, *The Mission.* I think you would like it.
A few tracks on this album are:
*"Red Storm"*
*"Radio Silence"*
*"Trouble At The Big Show"*
*"The Greater Good"*
*The Mission* is a concept Lp, dealing in SyFy.
Tommy, the singer/songwriter for this song has always been my favorite lyricists. He's forever a realist, but usually tries to show a positive outlook in his lyrics.
Take a listen to JY's
*"Miss America"* from *The Grand Illusion* Lp that *"Fooling Yourself"* here is from. No one has yet to react to "MA". It's a cynical take on the
'Miss America' pageants.
And by the way, Styx has got a new album to come out, probably in 2021. It would have been released this year, but they are waiting for this corona situation to end, so they can tour in support of the it.
The only song I know of so far that will be on it, is called
*"Sound The Alarm"* ...
Like many other Proggers, I had the two Styx albums that mattered most to us, Pieces and Illusion. The were sort of a bridge between Prog and Pop.
Love Styx. My favorite is “Lady” and “castle walls”
Oh yeah, and Miss America!
Daniel, I've come back to this video many times, and can say confidently that this song does not apply to you. But it did for me earlier in my life, and it did help me. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. Often music is the elixir, and we don't know it until we hear it. So enjoyable re-watching your entire catalog. You've made a difference.
Other songs you need to react to by Styx are as follows: Babe, Lady, suite Madame blue, Grand Illusion, too much time on my hands, Lorelei, Light up, The best of times, Rockin the paradise,
STYX, "FOOLING YOURSELF". THERE IS A REALLY COOL LIVE VERSION WITH SINGER TOMMY SHAW, AND YOUTH CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA I BELIEVE IN CHICAGO... DANIEL A WONDERFUL TUNE...LIGHT UP OFF OF EQUINOX ALBUM...
My favorite Ty. Album!
I will agree this is one of their bigger tunes but it wasn't necessarily a favorite for me. It just feels to middle of the road for my particular tastes in music...for me the music comes first, lyrics are just another instrument within the music. I agree with your assessment of these lyrics, pretty straightforward. There is another track from this release which is my favorite tune by Styx and has a very specific meaning to it...on the list I gave you, Miss America. SO much fun to play on my drums!! Great reaction, thanks!
Tommy Shaw is a great singer.
The song,"Grand Illusion"
The album cover's artwork it's based on Rene Magritte's paintings...
Good Choice - Grand Illusion great album - Paradise Theatre is also one of my favorite Styx Albums - Kilroy Was Here - it was ok. If you haven't done STYX Blue Collar Man - that has a great rock organ sound. . Time to stretch out a little bit. Check out "The Go Go's - Our Lips Are Sealed" - It's early early 90's pop but still a fun song.
The album cover was based on the painting "The Blank Check" by the surrealist Rene Magritte. You may have seen some of his work -he's very popular, lots of posters, etc. Offbeat sense of humor.
Tommy shaw has an amazing voice so does dennis de young. Amazing band is styx. So underrated
You said normally I don’t like synthesizers I can’t believe you would say that I still love you
It feels like the instrumental could be for Super Mario.
BTW, love the YES shirt!!!
For pleasure and fun and review. Try the l ad singer Tommy Shaw with the CYO orchestra doing this song today. It’s great
Good message.
GRAND ILLUSION!!! DO IT
1977 popular music: Boston, journey, Kansas, Styx. If you're going West to East reverse that.
What are you looking at?
"THE GRAND ILLUSION"!!!