Styx only problem is that they were competing against bands like Pink Floyd. They were one of the best bands!!! I love them. Saw them 2 years ago and Tommy Shaw is still rocking!!! It was fantastic
@@Karen_in_Canada Styx had their own unique sound and style, and did very well. Pink Floyd was in a league of their own and created their own genre... they remain untouchable to this day for that era. I hope I'm not taking your point too literally, but with all due respect, bands in the upper echelons were not competitive forces.
@@Kate-hu5uz sadly in sales they were. You are right that Pink Floyd was unique. In fact both bands were unique. But in my life most of my friends at least had Dark Side. Many had Styx albums. But none just had Styx. I to this day think they are totally underrated band
Great rock band from the 70's-80's. They had so many great songs such as "Lady", "Lorelei", "Come Sail Away", "Renegade", "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)", "Babe", "The Best of Times", "Too Much Time On My Hands", "Mr. Roboto", "Show Me The Way", "Don't Let It End" etc.
"Crystal Ball" is a brilliant song from their following album, their first with guitarist Tommy Shaw; you'll see he brought serious chops to the band. "Fooling Yourself" and the title song from _The Grand Illusion_ album are fun Styx songs from the late 70s.
Dennis DeYoung sounded that good even on stage not just in a studio. I saw him play Pontius Pilate in JC Superstar sometime in the early 90s. Phenomenal voice.
I grew up in the 70's. Styx is my All time favorite band. Thanks so much for playing. My fave Styx song is Babe, cause it was me and my first boyfriend's song.
Styx is a great group, sadly they haven't been inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame yet. They have a bunch of great songs... "Crystal Ball", "Renegade", "Lady", "Grand Illusion", "Babe", "Castle Walls", and of course "Come Sail Away" - and many more.
That is shocking...Styx were such a benchmark group through the 70s with strings of charting singles and with such loyalty and respect. How could they not have been inducted?
One of my favorite Styx songs! Also the first concert I ever went to as a teenager. His voice sounded exactly like the albums. Just stunning! By the way, the lead singer is not part of the group that tours these days. They broke up a long time ago, sadly.
I just wish that Dennis Deyoung didn't do two part interviews and talk about how evil JY and Tommy are. How many bands don't have problems. I wish he would keep his integrity and talk about things he's doing know. He is one funny man when he just talks. Love him that way.
Wow, someone had the balls to react to the awesome song and band. That was satisfying. Please don't take what you read from the critics to heart. Their later stuff was just as good and actually sold better. The critics said the same thing about the direction Steve Perry took Journey and they sold like crazy. It is the fans that matter. You've earned a new sub. Please do "Queen Of Spades", "Crystal Ball", "Lady", and "Pieces Of Eight". Styx is a very deep dive, they had tons of bangers. Also know that they had 3 different singers that did leads but the main ones were Dennis DeYoung w/keys and Tommy Shaw w/lead guitar. Both great singers.
EQUINOX is an almost perfect album. It was my "dark days" refuge as a teen. Listening alone in the dark, headphones on, hoping for something better. The promise and the anguish together in almost every song. That was the beauty of Styx
I love how you worded your thoughts and memories. It mirrors my feelings exactly except for one difference. Exchange Styx 🦋 Equinox for Yes 🦚 Close to the Edge. 😊 Dark days for me too, 1975 senior year high school.
Styx is one of the top classic rock groups from the 70's & 80's. One of the top vocal bands along with Journey & Foreigner. Lots of hit songs and constant radio airplay.
Always loved this song. Similar in style to this by Styx, with a buildup, is" Crystal Ball." One of their guitarists, John Curulewski [sp] left shortly after this album was released. He was replaced by Tommy Shaw ❤️ who wrote "Crystal Ball" There are really so many great songs by them, I'm just gonna upvote the comments. 😁. Enjoyed your reaction!! ETA: Also, check out "Styx with The Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland"
Although I'm not a fan of most later Styx output, I think Crystal Ball is a close second to this one. Styx started losing me with Pieces of Eight, and by the time Kilroy came out I was completely over them. Babe, First Time, Don't Let it End, etc became formulaic hit singles. To me the last great album track Styx had was Snowblind off the Paradise Theater album.
@@howardbreauxii811 I think a lot of fans, including me, feel the same. I have only known one person who loved Kilroy and will defend that still to this day. To each their own though. Ditto on Snowblind... another good one.
Dennis De Young was a great singer and a innovative organ/keyboard artist. All members were top notch that's why they were so good. James young is a great lead player , tommy shaw great writer , guitar player and has a great voice too. Great live band. Glad you liked that great old tune. I was listening to it as a teenager in the 70s. I am 58 now and still love their stuff as much as ever.
Dennis DeYoung was one of the early pioneers on synthesizers. On this song he was using an ARP Pro Soloist. Although he is well known for his synthesizer and piano work he personally considers himself an accordion player that had to fill in on keys.
The beginning is a little sudden because on the album there is a lead-in track called prelude 12. It's best to listen to them together. An utter classic, for sure. :)
I was one of those who would stop by and listen while sitting in the driveway back in the late 60s. I'm in my 70s and still listen to their music loudly! Like Lynyrd Skynyrd says at the beginning to Sweet Home Alabama "Turn It Up "
Dennis DeYoung did NOT turn to “schmultz” later in his career. Listen to his 2020 and 2021 albums 26 East Vol. 1 & 2 He still rocks and sounds amazing at 74 years old. Yes he also writes ballads. But his musical diversity is what sets him apart from most other musicians.
“Lady” was there first hit and I probably would have suggested that as your gateway to Styx. But this was a brilliant choice for you. “Crystal Ball” is my personal favorite.
Whenever you see the word "suite" in regards to a musical piece, it means that it has many parts, just like a hotel suite is more than one room. If it was less complex, perhaps they might have just called it "Madame Blue". While on the subject, have you reacted to "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills & Nash? It is a must on your journey to discover classics.
The lineup that recorded that song: Dennis Deyoung-keys and vocals James Young-lead guitar and bg vocals John Curelewski- guitar and bg vocals Chuck Panozzo- bass John Panozzo- drums
The Styx are absolutely amazing. Have listened millions of times since early 70's..was part of my household. All rock n roll was just as much a part of our family.
One of my favorite groups of all time. Great song, also Grand Illusion, Fooling Yourself, Crystal Ball, Miss America, Pieces of Eight, Castle Walls, other great songs from Styx.
I saw Styx in concert just a month or so ago and they still rock. Shame that Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw had such a falling out so many years ago that is still unresolved. There wasn't a bad song in any of their works.
In the Dan Rather interview with Styx, it seems most of the animosity on the Styx side weirdly seems to come from JY. I don't get it, but Shaw seemed to be more past it. It is interesting b/c Dennis tours with two long blonde haired guitarists. They do the Styx show better than Styx anymore.
@@wessparkmon2395 for some reason though Dennis DeYoung turned into an old lady and started singing like a lounge singer sometime in the 80s and it just doesn't come off as well as his beautiful vocals from the 1970s
@@rickrack4812 It's called exploring musical genres, and Dennis DeYoung has done a LOT more than just rock and "old lady lounge singer". You strike me as a person who prefers his favorite musicians to produce the same old same old forever - kind of the music equivalent of sitting in an office cubicle doing your work until you retire. The best musicians evolve and explore vs getting stale.
@@Kayjee17 it is not What he sings.... it is HOW he singd. Over-enunciation IS ANNOYING BEHAVIOR. And not true on static.. Fav. Band has evolved from 1997 to current, and Sharon is still my fav. Female symphonic metal. Or other genre she performs in, on her own. So, YOU are the PRESUMPTIVE fool... THAT is how you strike me... projection much?
The reason the band had problems was because Dennis wanted to take the band on a turn to all ballads. If you want to see someone who can really rock take a listen to the Damn Yankees. Tommy Shaw could never be called stale. Dennis wanted to be.
I have two favorite bands. Styx is one and next is Def Leppard. Great reaction! New subscriber here. Renegade and Crystal Ball are great songs from Styx. Really, all of their classics are awesome!
As a rock radio DJ, I don’t recall Styx ever becoming “pop”. Everyone has their own opinion, and each market, back in the day, was so different. Dallas radio was epic, and didn’t sound like any other city. ☮️❤️
So glad you reacted to this.You've gotten to the meat and potatoes of rock and roll. STyX is in the top 3 American rock and roll bands of all time in my opinion. So underappreciated and disliked by rock and roll critics. There will never ever be another band like STyX !
It was my hope you would enjoy this song. IMHO it is the finest piece of music this band ever made so in a way it's almost bad to start with this as your first listen because I'm not sure anything else you hear from them will be as good. I will use future requests for a few others from them that are close. Another personal favorite of mine is called Crystal Ball. The vocalist here, Dennis DeYoung, has such a great sounding voice. To me it sounds menacing in a darker song like this. My disappointment is that as this band went on Mr. DeYoung started being relegated (or maybe chose to be relegated!) to gushy love songs. To me he was always best in these heavier rock songs where his voice was a yin to the heavy music's yang. Early Styx was progressive and had a very distinct keyboard sound to go along with the heavy guitar. Though this is their finest moment (again, IMHO) their career really didn't take off until subsequent albums where they became a slave to chasing the hit single dragon. Thank you for the fine analysis.
This song was on their Equinox album released in 1975. The following year was America's bicentennial anniversary (1776-1976), so the song asks, "Where are you going, America? You know, you're not so young anymore. We do love you, but let's start anew and go in a direction different from and better than the one we're in." Poignant stuff, indeed. There are many Styx songs I love, but this might well be their best one. Thanks for reviewing it!
From 1977 to 1981, Styx released four consecutive albums that have been certified Multi-Platinum, for at least 2 million units sold apiece: The Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), Cornerstone (1979) and Paradise Theatre (1981). They were the first to do it. That makes me think that the ease of listening mixed with the technical combinations they were producing were of high quality. Definitely a lot of breadth in styles.
Hearing this song by Styx made me cry for what we had and what we have lost since. BTW I'm 66 and remember when this group just started (they are from Chicago)
Again I'm a new listener and I'm really liking your reaction so far for us baby boomers we love to watch the young people or at least I like to watch the young people enjoy the songs that we grew up with keep up the good work just one point when you press pause take us back three or four seconds and then take it off pause so we can get back into the groove cheers
Dennis DeYoung has one of the most iconic rock voices. I’ve seen them live so many times and they are even better live. I saw them do a whole stage production of their Kilroy was Here album at Berkeley Community Theater (second row) and it was unbelievable! Please do more Styx, you won’t be disappointed.
I saw Styx live on this very day (Jul 21) many moons ago in 1981. It was my first concert. My older brother took me to that show for my 13th birthday. 😊
My big disappointment with Mr. DeYoung is that on later Styx albums he passed the material like this song to Tommy Shaw and insisted on singing the love ballads and show tune-ish tracks. I'm not sure DeYoung realized just how good his voice was on the more rock oriented songs.
Wow, haven't heard this in a long time! Brings back many high school memories. Used this song in particular as psych-up music for swim races. Later learned to play on acoustic guitar. So good! Astounding production quality for the era.
First time on your channel, what an excellent background to watch you listen to this song, I was 10 in 1976 and on vacation in Arizona for the 4th of July, fireworks against that desert sky is something I will never forget. Great reaction, not many have done this song by Styx, personally my fav by them
LOL, that is near my story too, only I was 11 and in DC for the big night. I didn't get to hear this song though for 2-3 more years, so it brings back different memories. I did get to see a version of the band 10 years ago at a county fair, lots of memories from those late 70s from Styx
In the "Caught in the Act" live album Dennis holds the last "Heaven's door" 47 seconds. Welcome to the STYX rabbit hole. You're in fo a hell of a ride 😎 They're currently on tour with REO Speedwagon and Loverboy 🎸🎸🎸
Styx was my first concert post pandemic and they blew the doors of the place tom Shaws vocals hadn't lost anything and there were 18 songs that were hits.
Great Choice Styx is my 2nd favorite band (Led Zeppelin #1). I graduated from HS in 1976 (so, so long ago). The 200th anniversary of the USA was that year and it had a vibe. I finally got to see/hear them live on my 39th bday (July) at Chastain Park in Atlanta. It's open air and the night was perfect to be outside and hear them. He was singing here and he was a founding member. I wish that he was with them still.
I also graduated HS in '76, & I don't remember the Bicentennial being over commercialized. I just know it was a good time to be alive, and the music was amazing, by Styx & so many others. This is one of their very best albums.
That's a very early Moog synth. A small, 27 key monophonic synth with lots of knobs and patch cables to put different tone and noise generators with different ocillators and effects to construct sounds. No memory, no presets. People would carry diagram books with settings written down to recall sounds created in the studio. Korg and Yamaha jumped in the fray in the early 80's with the first fully digital synths, the Poly6(Korg) and the DX7(Yamaha). You could actually save patches for instant recall in live settings.
When this group was recording they used something called half speed mastering (the tape and the vinal cutter were run at half speed ,) this made the vinal sound amazing.
On the "Caught in the Act" live album Dennis holds the last "Moooooooooor" 47 seconds.😲 I've had the pleasure of seeing them live three times. Twice with the original line-up. (Including John(RIP)) They are currently touring with REO Speedwagon and Loverboy.😎😎😎
You have just scratched the surface on this remarkable band. The song Born for Adventure on this album is so awesome. Their early albums are thought-provoking, sometimes haunting, and often heavy (thinking of the song Man of Miracles). For me, their Serpent is Rising album is one of the greatest hidden gems in rock history. It’s heavy prog which few bands ever explore. Their new albums are nothing to sneeze at either. Cyclorama has some unbelievably good songs on it. Their Mission to Mars has some killer guitar on it.
Dennis DeYoung was on the keyboards and he was a fantastic part of that group then he left / replaced by our boy from Toronto Lawrence Gowan as a Canadian and quite proud to be part of that sticks band because that's one of the best bands that ever came out of USA we love you boys keep up the good work
Dude, what you are hearing is real rock music done to perfection with no pro tools etc..This was the 70's man. Ive seen this favorite band of mine at least 15 times over the years,enjoy young man
Funny you mention Getty Lee. I was introduced to Rush by the same high school friend who introduced me to Styx. Heard them both for the first time on the same day. I've been a fan of both ever since. Styx has some great albums. "The Grand Illusion" is one of my favorites, and it's one of those albums that you have to just sit and listen all the way through in one sitting.
In Greek mythology the Goddess and River Styx (you pronounced it correctly) is is the boundary between earth and the underworld. Dennis DeYoung is the lead singer although guitarists Tommy Shaw and James Young sing lead on several songs. Dennis left the band and tours with his own band singing many of Styx’s hits. I’m seeing him in September assuming it isn’t postponed again. I was supposed to see it April 2020 but something happened 🦠. Dennis is 75 now and can still put on a great show.
I just saw Styx a couple of weeks ago with my sons and 3 year old grandson. I really miss Dennis DeYoung. My favorite version of this is Caught in the Act. Dennis had one of the best voices in rock. He did want to have big stage productions which other members didn't. They just wanted to get up and play. He did your with the Broadway company in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar and was fantastic as Pontius Pilate.To say they have a lot of hits is an understatement. He's one of those singers that sounds as good if not better live. He's not at an Adam Lambert level but he's still a great singer.
Best song Styx ever did. Styx is named after the river Styx which in Greek mythology is the gateway between Earth and Hell. It's pronounced "Sticks". They released a lot of crap later on after they got real popular but some of their early music was great.
My favorite Styx song from my favorite album of all time Equinox. Thanks so much for playing this and the spot on commentary. Had you known I guarantee you would have played the prelude first ( Prelude 12) that leads perfectly into Suite Madame Blue. Side Two of Equinox is unreal and needs to be played LOUD. Love the entire Side 2 of this album. Styx is a very unique band in that they had 3 lead singers. This is song is sung by Dennis Deyoung. He was the main lead singer of Styx (currently not with them anymore). After this album was released John Curulewski left the band and was replaced by Tommy Shaw. Dennis and Tommy were the main singers thereafter. James (JY) Young was their third singer and would usually sing lead on one or two songs per album. Tommy and James now front the current rendition of Styx. The last two albums they (Styx) have released ( The Mission ( 2017) & Crash Of The Crown (2021)) are absolutely fantastic. From 1975 - 1983 the Styx lineup of Dennis Deyoung, Tommy Shaw, James Young & brothers John & Chuck Panozzo Styx was as good and as popular as any band in America. Other songs I would recommend for your channel and not necessarily the hits are Dennis Deyoung led: Castle Walls, Come Sail Away, Queen Of Spades, The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight, AD1928/Rockin The Paradise, and his final major hit with Styx Show Me the Way. As with this song ( Suite Madame Blue) showing the loss of American innocence the video for the song Show Me the Way shows the complete loss of innocence of a young kid. Dennis's songs can do this as well or better then any composer/singer /musician that's ever walked the planet. Show Me the Way is one of the best videos & songs you will ever hear or see. Tommy Shaw led Styx songs that I'm sure you would like include: Man In the Wilderness, Renegade, Blue Collar Man, Crystal Ball, Hold Back the Darkness, Save Us From Ourselves, Locomotive, Fooling Yourself, & Love In the Midnight. JY songs I'd recommend are: Miss America, Young Man, Midnight Ride, Half Penny/Two Penny & These Are The Times. Thank you so much for playing Suite Madame Blue.
I love your reactions because you feel the value of the lyrics along with the incredible instrumentals, no matter the genre of the band. Everyone has their favorites of course, but you never "grade" them and always find positivity and respect in each which is well deserved due to their dedication to giving us beautiful music over the years.
Got to see them twice in concert, the Grand Illusion concert in the late seventies and the Paradise Theater concert in the 80s they were great both times
James Young's guitars and the Panazzo Brothers rhythym section put the signature on this band from the get go. Tommy Shaw just pushed them over the top into the stratosphere imo.
These guys used to play my High School. Then this album came out and that was that! What we already knew, the rest of the world found out and they never did high school cafeterias again!!! LOL
Rush, Styx, and Queen were my holy triumvirate in high school! Think about the fact that Bohemian Rhapsody was released in late 1975 and Rush put out "Fly by Night" with the 8-minute epic "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" around the same time! "Suite Madam Blue" fit in well, with a more complex musical structure and lyrics with deeper meaning. I'm not saying that was the only time musicians were doing that, but it was a special time in music for me ;-) Please add "Pieces of Eight" to your request list - even in my 50's, I'm still playing that to remind myself what's important to spend my energy on!
I bought the album as soon as it came out . Then I went straight to my cousins smoked some Colombian gold and we listened to the album over and over. I ended up seeing Styx on their paradise theater tour in Montreal.
The prelude to this song makes it even better!!!
Arguably their best song, artistically. This whole album is a masterpiece.
Styx only problem is that they were competing against bands like Pink Floyd. They were one of the best bands!!! I love them. Saw them 2 years ago and Tommy Shaw is still rocking!!! It was fantastic
@@Karen_in_Canada
Styx had their own unique sound and style, and did very well. Pink Floyd was in a league of their own and created their own genre... they remain untouchable to this day for that era. I hope I'm not taking your point too literally, but with all due respect, bands in the upper echelons were not competitive forces.
@@Kate-hu5uz sadly in sales they were. You are right that Pink Floyd was unique. In fact both bands were unique. But in my life most of my friends at least had Dark Side. Many had Styx albums. But none just had Styx. I to this day think they are totally underrated band
Equinox is such a great album. the sound quality is impeccable. it definitely stands above its contemporaries for 1975.
No autotune - yet the harmonies are impeccable.
I miss the seventy best time to be a teenager, saw them in Portland Oregon 1977
Great rock band from the 70's-80's. They had so many great songs such as "Lady", "Lorelei", "Come Sail Away", "Renegade", "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)", "Babe", "The Best of Times", "Too Much Time On My Hands", "Mr. Roboto", "Show Me The Way", "Don't Let It End" etc.
Don't forget Castle Walls and Miss America.
And Queen of Spades
Yeeesh, not Mr Roboto,
Jesus H. Fuck !
@@chialeux514that song is great shut up and like it
"Crystal Ball" is a brilliant song from their following album, their first with guitarist Tommy Shaw; you'll see he brought serious chops to the band. "Fooling Yourself" and the title song from _The Grand Illusion_ album are fun Styx songs from the late 70s.
Dennis DeYoung sounded that good even on stage not just in a studio. I saw him play Pontius Pilate in JC Superstar sometime in the early 90s. Phenomenal voice.
He still sounds amazing!! I’ve seen him numerous times over the last ten years :)
I grew up in the 70's. Styx is my All time favorite band. Thanks so much for playing. My fave Styx song is Babe, cause it was me and my first boyfriend's song.
This song is so powerful, and it may be more topical now than ever before.
Styx is a great group, sadly they haven't been inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame yet. They have a bunch of great songs... "Crystal Ball", "Renegade", "Lady", "Grand Illusion", "Babe", "Castle Walls", and of course "Come Sail Away" - and many more.
Yes, all of them.
They should already be there just like Grand Funk Railroad.
@@brianneville8798 That is criminal
That is shocking...Styx were such a benchmark group through the 70s with strings of charting singles and with such loyalty and respect. How could they not have been inducted?
Let’s not get carried away. I liked Styx, but they weren’t HOF amazing.
Miss America and Grand Illusion are two great ones.
One of my favorite Styx songs! Also the first concert I ever went to as a teenager. His voice sounded exactly like the albums. Just stunning! By the way, the lead singer is not part of the group that tours these days. They broke up a long time ago, sadly.
I'll always prefer Dennis DeYoung over Tommy Shaw.
I just wish that Dennis Deyoung didn't do two part interviews and talk about how evil JY and Tommy are. How many bands don't have problems. I wish he would keep his integrity and talk about things he's doing know. He is one funny man when he just talks. Love him that way.
The Grand Illusion was their first big album. It was huge the year it came out. You can't go wrong starting out with any song from that one.
Wow, someone had the balls to react to the awesome song and band. That was satisfying. Please don't take what you read from the critics to heart. Their later stuff was just as good and actually sold better. The critics said the same thing about the direction Steve Perry took Journey and they sold like crazy. It is the fans that matter. You've earned a new sub. Please do "Queen Of Spades", "Crystal Ball", "Lady", and "Pieces Of Eight". Styx is a very deep dive, they had tons of bangers. Also know that they had 3 different singers that did leads but the main ones were Dennis DeYoung w/keys and Tommy Shaw w/lead guitar. Both great singers.
Queen of Spades!
It’s fun knowing what’s coming….and knowing that you DONT know what’s coming, and then seeing you react!
EQUINOX is an almost perfect album. It was my "dark days" refuge as a teen. Listening alone in the dark, headphones on, hoping for something better. The promise and the anguish together in almost every song. That was the beauty of Styx
My favorite album by them
Couldnt agree more. It's my all time favorite album. It is PERFECT.
I love how you worded your thoughts and memories. It mirrors my feelings exactly except for one difference. Exchange Styx 🦋 Equinox for Yes 🦚 Close to the Edge. 😊 Dark days for me too, 1975 senior year high school.
One word...masterpiece. 😎
Styx is one of the top classic rock groups from the 70's & 80's. One of the top vocal bands along with Journey & Foreigner. Lots of hit songs and constant radio airplay.
Always loved this song. Similar in style to this by Styx, with a buildup, is" Crystal Ball." One of their guitarists, John Curulewski [sp] left shortly after this album was released. He was replaced by Tommy Shaw ❤️ who wrote "Crystal Ball" There are really so many great songs by them, I'm just gonna upvote the comments. 😁. Enjoyed your reaction!! ETA: Also, check out "Styx with The Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland"
Although I'm not a fan of most later Styx output, I think Crystal Ball is a close second to this one. Styx started losing me with Pieces of Eight, and by the time Kilroy came out I was completely over them. Babe, First Time, Don't Let it End, etc became formulaic hit singles. To me the last great album track Styx had was Snowblind off the Paradise Theater album.
@@howardbreauxii811 I think a lot of fans, including me, feel the same. I have only known one person who loved Kilroy and will defend that still to this day. To each their own though. Ditto on Snowblind... another good one.
My favorite Styx song hands down
For me , a defining song of the 70s . more by them - crystal ball(so good) , snowblind , lady , renegade , many more . thank you for doing this !
Snowblind is a favorite of mine.
Stone cold classic
I think SMB is a masterpiece. 😎
Dennis De Young was a great singer and a innovative organ/keyboard artist. All members were top notch that's why they were so good. James young is a great lead player , tommy shaw great writer , guitar player and has a great voice too. Great live band. Glad you liked that great old tune. I was listening to it as a teenager in the 70s. I am 58 now and still love their stuff as much as ever.
Dennis DeYoung was one of the early pioneers on synthesizers. On this song he was using an ARP Pro Soloist.
Although he is well known for his synthesizer and piano work he personally considers himself an accordion player that had to fill in on keys.
Suite Madam Blue is THE very best song that Styx has ever done in my opinion.
What a beauty!
Good choice I agree and castle walls is pretty good especially when it follows man in the wilderness
@@raymann7998....Castle Walls is my #2 favorite Styx song! 👍
Yes
Castle Walls is my favorite tune from Styx.
The beginning is a little sudden because on the album there is a lead-in track called prelude 12. It's best to listen to them together. An utter classic, for sure. :)
favorite band of my youth I'm 61 and I still drive around blasting this song and grand illusion
The drums are so incredible here. Suite Madame Blue is just an epic masterpiece. Love it!
One of the very best Rock bands ever and by far the most underrated. I love this band.
They started out as a literal Garage Band in Chicago and they would open the door and play and people would come by
I was one of those who would stop by and listen while sitting in the driveway back in the late 60s. I'm in my 70s and still listen to their music loudly! Like Lynyrd Skynyrd says at the beginning to Sweet Home Alabama "Turn It Up "
Dennis DeYoung did NOT turn to “schmultz” later in his career.
Listen to his 2020 and 2021 albums 26 East Vol. 1 & 2 He still rocks and sounds amazing at 74 years old.
Yes he also writes ballads. But his musical diversity is what sets him apart from most other musicians.
I always thought he was the best singer of the bunch.
SALVOG; "So relaxing you can almost mediate to it" STYX "Hold my beer"
“Lady” was there first hit and I probably would have suggested that as your gateway to Styx. But this was a brilliant choice for you. “Crystal Ball” is my personal favorite.
They had to release Lady twice because the first time it didn't hit and the second time it put them on the map.
Whenever you see the word "suite" in regards to a musical piece, it means that it has many parts, just like a hotel suite is more than one room. If it was less complex, perhaps they might have just called it "Madame Blue". While on the subject, have you reacted to "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills & Nash? It is a must on your journey to discover classics.
Hold on to your hat, you are about to embark on quite a ride with Styx.
Beyond criminal that they are not in the Rock HOF.
The lineup that recorded that song:
Dennis Deyoung-keys and vocals
James Young-lead guitar and bg vocals
John Curelewski- guitar and bg vocals
Chuck Panozzo- bass
John Panozzo- drums
I KNEW you were gonna love this and weren't expecting that drop - great introduction selection Howard! MORE STYX
The Styx are absolutely amazing. Have listened millions of times since early 70's..was part of my household. All rock n roll was just as much a part of our family.
Styx has amazing transitions that, like you said, could be a separate song. They're still killing it! 😊🎸🎶🎹
Dennis Deyoung's voice makes this tune a classic but don't get me wrong the music makes it great as well
Dennis DeYoung was the voice of Styx.
BTW, yes, you pronounced it right. Styx was the river in Greek mythology that separates the world of the living from the Underworld.
One of my favorite groups of all time. Great song, also Grand Illusion, Fooling Yourself, Crystal Ball, Miss America, Pieces of Eight, Castle Walls, other great songs from Styx.
I saw Styx in concert just a month or so ago and they still rock. Shame that Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw had such a falling out so many years ago that is still unresolved. There wasn't a bad song in any of their works.
In the Dan Rather interview with Styx, it seems most of the animosity on the Styx side weirdly seems to come from JY. I don't get it, but Shaw seemed to be more past it. It is interesting b/c Dennis tours with two long blonde haired guitarists. They do the Styx show better than Styx anymore.
@@wessparkmon2395 for some reason though Dennis DeYoung turned into an old lady and started singing like a lounge singer sometime in the 80s and it just doesn't come off as well as his beautiful vocals from the 1970s
@@rickrack4812 It's called exploring musical genres, and Dennis DeYoung has done a LOT more than just rock and "old lady lounge singer". You strike me as a person who prefers his favorite musicians to produce the same old same old forever - kind of the music equivalent of sitting in an office cubicle doing your work until you retire. The best musicians evolve and explore vs getting stale.
@@Kayjee17 it is not What he sings.... it is HOW he singd. Over-enunciation IS ANNOYING BEHAVIOR.
And not true on static.. Fav. Band has evolved from 1997 to current, and Sharon is still my fav. Female symphonic metal. Or other genre she performs in, on her own.
So, YOU are the PRESUMPTIVE fool... THAT is how you strike me... projection much?
The reason the band had problems was because Dennis wanted to take the band on a turn to all ballads. If you want to see someone who can really rock take a listen to the Damn Yankees. Tommy Shaw could never be called stale. Dennis wanted to be.
I have two favorite bands. Styx is one and next is Def Leppard. Great reaction! New subscriber here. Renegade and Crystal Ball are great songs from Styx. Really, all of their classics are awesome!
As a rock radio DJ, I don’t recall Styx ever becoming “pop”. Everyone has their own opinion, and each market, back in the day, was so different. Dallas radio was epic, and didn’t sound like any other city. ☮️❤️
So glad you reacted to this.You've gotten to the meat and potatoes of rock and roll. STyX is in the top 3 American rock and roll bands of all time in my opinion. So underappreciated and disliked by rock and roll critics. There will never ever be another band like STyX !
love styx
It was my hope you would enjoy this song. IMHO it is the finest piece of music this band ever made so in a way it's almost bad to start with this as your first listen because I'm not sure anything else you hear from them will be as good. I will use future requests for a few others from them that are close. Another personal favorite of mine is called Crystal Ball. The vocalist here, Dennis DeYoung, has such a great sounding voice. To me it sounds menacing in a darker song like this. My disappointment is that as this band went on Mr. DeYoung started being relegated (or maybe chose to be relegated!) to gushy love songs. To me he was always best in these heavier rock songs where his voice was a yin to the heavy music's yang. Early Styx was progressive and had a very distinct keyboard sound to go along with the heavy guitar. Though this is their finest moment (again, IMHO) their career really didn't take off until subsequent albums where they became a slave to chasing the hit single dragon. Thank you for the fine analysis.
Styx is one of a small number of bands celebrating 50 years together this year.
Recently saw them live - FANTASTIC show! They still got it!
Also you mention it could have been a two part song. That's the reason it's called "Suite" Madame Blue, just FYI. It was written to be in sections.
Saw them live in 78 and they played this.One of my favorite concerts.I was 15.
I was 14 and they made me a lifetime can Dennis is the Man!
Lol welcome to Styx world. Seen them 27 times in concert. Never fail to impress.
That double drumbeat at 8:55 and the eerie guitar growl at 9:20 ices this. I play the soft opening of this song on my flute.
This song was on their Equinox album released in 1975. The following year was America's bicentennial anniversary (1776-1976), so the song asks, "Where are you going, America? You know, you're not so young anymore. We do love you, but let's start anew and go in a direction different from and better than the one we're in." Poignant stuff, indeed. There are many Styx songs I love, but this might well be their best one. Thanks for reviewing it!
I saw Styx 3 times in High School. Loved them!
From 1977 to 1981, Styx released four consecutive albums that have been certified Multi-Platinum, for at least 2 million units sold apiece: The Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), Cornerstone (1979) and Paradise Theatre (1981). They were the first to do it. That makes me think that the ease of listening mixed with the technical combinations they were producing were of high quality. Definitely a lot of breadth in styles.
Hearing this song by Styx made me cry for what we had and what we have lost since. BTW I'm 66 and remember when this group just started (they are from Chicago)
Again I'm a new listener and I'm really liking your reaction so far for us baby boomers we love to watch the young people or at least I like to watch the young people enjoy the songs that we grew up with keep up the good work just one point when you press pause take us back three or four seconds and then take it off pause so we can get back into the groove cheers
Saw them all n 76! My graduation gift from my boyfriend! In Seattle!!
Dennis DeYoung has one of the most iconic rock voices. I’ve seen them live so many times and they are even better live. I saw them do a whole stage production of their Kilroy was Here album at Berkeley Community Theater (second row) and it was unbelievable! Please do more Styx, you won’t be disappointed.
I saw Styx live on this very day (Jul 21) many moons ago in 1981.
It was my first concert. My older brother took me to that show for my 13th birthday. 😊
My big disappointment with Mr. DeYoung is that on later Styx albums he passed the material like this song to Tommy Shaw and insisted on singing the love ballads and show tune-ish tracks. I'm not sure DeYoung realized just how good his voice was on the more rock oriented songs.
I was at that show!
@@Chris4Liberty Back in the early 80’s ☺️
@@michellebarry1555 Yep. I know it was the Kilroy stage show, but I think they also performed other hits.
🤷 Fuzzy memory.
Wow, haven't heard this in a long time! Brings back many high school memories. Used this song in particular as psych-up music for swim races. Later learned to play on acoustic guitar. So good! Astounding production quality for the era.
Hell yeah!! Seen Styx a couple times in the 70's. Great vocals, great band.
First time on your channel, what an excellent background to watch you listen to this song, I was 10 in 1976 and on vacation in Arizona for the 4th of July, fireworks against that desert sky is something I will never forget. Great reaction, not many have done this song by Styx, personally my fav by them
LOL, that is near my story too, only I was 11 and in DC for the big night. I didn't get to hear this song though for 2-3 more years, so it brings back different memories. I did get to see a version of the band 10 years ago at a county fair, lots of memories from those late 70s from Styx
In the "Caught in the Act" live album Dennis holds the last "Heaven's door" 47 seconds.
Welcome to the STYX rabbit hole. You're in fo a hell of a ride 😎
They're currently on tour with REO Speedwagon and Loverboy 🎸🎸🎸
I've never met anyone in my generation who doesn't like Styx. Tons of hits and they were excellent in concert.
Styx was my first concert post pandemic and they blew the doors of the place tom Shaws vocals hadn't lost anything and there were 18 songs that were hits.
Great Choice Styx is my 2nd favorite band (Led Zeppelin #1). I graduated from HS in 1976 (so, so long ago). The 200th anniversary of the USA was that year and it had a vibe. I finally got to see/hear them live on my 39th bday (July) at Chastain Park in Atlanta. It's open air and the night was perfect to be outside and hear them. He was singing here and he was a founding member. I wish that he was with them still.
I also graduated HS in '76, & I don't remember the Bicentennial being over commercialized. I just know it was a good time to be alive, and the music was amazing, by Styx & so many others. This is one of their very best albums.
That's a very early Moog synth. A small, 27 key monophonic synth with lots of knobs and patch cables to put different tone and noise generators with different ocillators and effects to construct sounds. No memory, no presets. People would carry diagram books with settings written down to recall sounds created in the studio. Korg and Yamaha jumped in the fray in the early 80's with the first fully digital synths, the Poly6(Korg) and the DX7(Yamaha). You could actually save patches for instant recall in live settings.
When this group was recording they used something called half speed mastering (the tape and the vinal cutter were run at half speed ,) this made the vinal sound amazing.
I saw remember it Sgreveport New Years eve 75. Awesome concert. Couldn't hear my stereo until I got back to Texarkana
On the "Caught in the Act" live album Dennis holds the last "Moooooooooor" 47 seconds.😲
I've had the pleasure of seeing them live three times. Twice with the original line-up. (Including John(RIP))
They are currently touring with REO Speedwagon and Loverboy.😎😎😎
SNOWBLIND, QUEEN OF SPADES, NOTHING EVER GOES AS PLANNED.
You have just scratched the surface on this remarkable band. The song Born for Adventure on this album is so awesome. Their early albums are thought-provoking, sometimes haunting, and often heavy (thinking of the song Man of Miracles). For me, their Serpent is Rising album is one of the greatest hidden gems in rock history. It’s heavy prog which few bands ever explore. Their new albums are nothing to sneeze at either. Cyclorama has some unbelievably good songs on it. Their Mission to Mars has some killer guitar on it.
Dennis DeYoung's songwriting is so amazing and prophetic
Dennis DeYoung was on the keyboards and he was a fantastic part of that group then he left / replaced by our boy from Toronto Lawrence Gowan as a Canadian and quite proud to be part of that sticks band because that's one of the best bands that ever came out of USA we love you boys keep up the good work
Dude, what you are hearing is real rock music done to perfection with no pro tools etc..This was the 70's man. Ive seen this favorite band of mine at least 15 times over the years,enjoy young man
Funny you mention Getty Lee. I was introduced to Rush by the same high school friend who introduced me to Styx. Heard them both for the first time on the same day. I've been a fan of both ever since. Styx has some great albums. "The Grand Illusion" is one of my favorites, and it's one of those albums that you have to just sit and listen all the way through in one sitting.
In Greek mythology the Goddess and River Styx (you pronounced it correctly) is is the boundary between earth and the underworld.
Dennis DeYoung is the lead singer although guitarists Tommy Shaw and James Young sing lead on several songs. Dennis left the band and tours with his own band singing many of Styx’s hits. I’m seeing him in September assuming it isn’t postponed again. I was supposed to see it April 2020 but something happened 🦠. Dennis is 75 now and can still put on a great show.
I think this is my favorite era of modern music, where the rock bands get nerdy and interested in theatre.
I just saw Styx a couple of weeks ago with my sons and 3 year old grandson. I really miss Dennis DeYoung. My favorite version of this is Caught in the Act. Dennis had one of the best voices in rock. He did want to have big stage productions which other members didn't. They just wanted to get up and play. He did your with the Broadway company in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar and was fantastic as Pontius Pilate.To say they have a lot of hits is an understatement. He's one of those singers that sounds as good if not better live. He's not at an Adam Lambert level but he's still a great singer.
Great reaction to a great song!
Best song Styx ever did. Styx is named after the river Styx which in Greek mythology is the gateway between Earth and Hell. It's pronounced "Sticks". They released a lot of crap later on after they got real popular but some of their early music was great.
Their later music is still great. I haven't heard a bad song out of them yet
My favorite Styx song from my favorite album of all time Equinox. Thanks so much for playing this and the spot on commentary. Had you known I guarantee you would have played the prelude first ( Prelude 12) that leads perfectly into Suite Madame Blue. Side Two of Equinox is unreal and needs to be played LOUD. Love the entire Side 2 of this album. Styx is a very unique band in that they had 3 lead singers. This is song is sung by Dennis Deyoung. He was the main lead singer of Styx (currently not with them anymore). After this album was released John Curulewski left the band and was replaced by Tommy Shaw. Dennis and Tommy were the main singers thereafter. James (JY) Young was their third singer and would usually sing lead on one or two songs per album. Tommy and James now front the current rendition of Styx. The last two albums they (Styx) have released ( The Mission ( 2017) & Crash Of The Crown (2021)) are absolutely fantastic. From 1975 - 1983 the Styx lineup of Dennis Deyoung, Tommy Shaw, James Young & brothers John & Chuck Panozzo Styx was as good and as popular as any band in America. Other songs I would recommend for your channel and not necessarily the hits are Dennis Deyoung led: Castle Walls, Come Sail Away, Queen Of Spades, The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight, AD1928/Rockin The Paradise, and his final major hit with Styx Show Me the Way. As with this song ( Suite Madame Blue) showing the loss of American innocence the video for the song Show Me the Way shows the complete loss of innocence of a young kid. Dennis's songs can do this as well or better then any composer/singer /musician that's ever walked the planet. Show Me the Way is one of the best videos & songs you will ever hear or see. Tommy Shaw led Styx songs that I'm sure you would like include: Man In the Wilderness, Renegade, Blue Collar Man, Crystal Ball, Hold Back the Darkness, Save Us From Ourselves, Locomotive, Fooling Yourself, & Love In the Midnight. JY songs I'd recommend are: Miss America, Young Man, Midnight Ride, Half Penny/Two Penny & These Are The Times. Thank you so much for playing Suite Madame Blue.
I love your reactions because you feel the value of the lyrics along with the incredible instrumentals, no matter the genre of the band. Everyone has their favorites of course, but you never "grade" them and always find positivity and respect in each which is well deserved due to their dedication to giving us beautiful music over the years.
Got to see them twice in concert, the Grand Illusion concert in the late seventies and the Paradise Theater concert in the 80s they were great both times
James Young's guitars and the Panazzo Brothers rhythym section put the signature on this band from the get go. Tommy Shaw just pushed them over the top into the stratosphere imo.
Great reaction!! Styx....my favorite song on that Equinox album.
Always played at the party in the day! Great review, thank you.
I saw them in the 70s and 80s, five times! I prefer older Styx than newer stuff.
These guys used to play my High School. Then this album came out and that was that! What we already knew, the rest of the world found out and they never did high school cafeterias again!!! LOL
Check out the live version of Suite Madame Blue from the dvd Return to the Paradise Theater. It's a must see.
Salvo need to react to the entire Paradise Theater album.
Great band, in my top 10 favorite bands. Amazing in concert too.
Great reaction and you’ve got to see the live version
Saw them in 74, small venue and have been a fan since.
Rush, Styx, and Queen were my holy triumvirate in high school! Think about the fact that Bohemian Rhapsody was released in late 1975 and Rush put out "Fly by Night" with the 8-minute epic "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" around the same time! "Suite Madam Blue" fit in well, with a more complex musical structure and lyrics with deeper meaning. I'm not saying that was the only time musicians were doing that, but it was a special time in music for me ;-)
Please add "Pieces of Eight" to your request list - even in my 50's, I'm still playing that to remind myself what's important to spend my energy on!
I bought the album as soon as it came out . Then I went straight to my cousins smoked some Colombian gold and we listened to the album over and over. I ended up seeing Styx on their paradise theater tour in Montreal.