Styx - Big Bang Theory
	Released: 2005 Label: Universal Music Cat. No.: Total Time: 55:05
	Reviewed by: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck, June 2005 How many bands can get away with recording 13 rock classics and be successful? I think you can probably count them on one hand. Styx is one band that has the experience and talent to pull it off in compelling fashion. They do exactly that with their new release Big Bang Theory. Rush did it last year, so I guess it was their turn. What could be a better way to start the proceedings than with a live version of the classic Beatles tune “I Am The Walrus.” They are simply superb, replicating the tune with incredible energy vocally and instrumentally. The chops of JY and Tommy Shaw are innovative to give it a modern, fresh tone. “I Can See For Miles” is wonderful as well; they do The Who proud. The Blind Faith gem “Can’t Find My Way Home” will find a place in your old rock ‘n’ roll heart as Tommy Shaw’s high vocal style emulates Steve Winwood’s quite well. My favorite is the rockin’ “Locomotive Breath.” JY was the perfect choice to sing this instantly recognizable rocker from prog-rock heavyweights Jethro Tull. JY always had the more hard-edged voice in the band so this was an obvious choice. “I Don't Need No Doctor” is a real kick in the pants, Steve Marriott has to be smiling upon them for this rendition. The force is with them on this tune; they dig down deep and take a page out of the book that fits the tried and tested mold of the “Hot ‘n Nasty” spirit that the great Humble Pie built their reputation on. The songs that do not work so well are “Summer In The City” and “Salty Dog.” The vocals are off kilter but the musicianship remains solid as usual. There is new version of “Blue Collar Man” for the faithful to enjoy. It is a few notches down on the velocity scale but definitely a real keeper. Some fans may be disappointed if they were looking for more of the music that Cyclorama delivered. After all these years, it's due time the boys had some fun and paid tribute to their influences. After all, they would not be were they are today without them. I really enjoyed the album and I think most of the tracks are excellent. Styx remains energized throughout this session and their distinct sound has their stamp on every track. This CD is for all the rock and roll fans that loved 60s and 70s rock and for those that need to discover it. Rating: 4/5 More about Big Bang Theory: Track Listing: I Am The Walrus (4:41) / I Can See For Miles (4:29) / Can't Find My Way Home (3:25) / It Don't Make Sense (You Can't Make Peace) (4:10) / I Don't Need No Doctor (4:10) / One Way Out (4:42) / Salty Dog (4:02) / Summer In The City (4:42) / Manic Depression (4:00) / Talkin' About The Good Times (3:57) / Locomotive Breath (3:33) / Find The Cost Of Freedom (1:04) / Wishing Well (3:39) / Blue Collar Man @2120 (6:30) Musicians: Tommy Shaw - guitars and vocals James Young - guitars and vocals Todd Sucherman - drums, percussion and background vocals Lawrence Gowan - keyboards and vocals Ricky Phillips - bass and background vocals Chuck Panozzo - bass on “Locomotive Breath” Contact: Website: www.stxworld.com Note: will open new browser window Discography Styx (1972) Styx II (1973) The Serpent Is Rising (1974) Man of Miracles (1974) Equinox (1976) Crystal Ball (1976) The Grand Illusion (1977) Pieces of Eight (1978) Best of Styx (1979) Cornerstone (1980) Paradise Theatre (1981) Kilroy Was Here (1983) Caught in the Act - Live (1984) Classics, Vol 15 (1987) Edge of the Century (1990) Greatest Hits (1995) Greatest Hits II (1996) Return to Paradise (1997) Brave New World (1999) Arch Allies - Live At Riverport (2000) Styxworld Live 2001 (2001) Cyclorama (2003) Big Bang Theory (2005)
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