LOS ANGELES (UMe Records) - Inspired by a recording session at the legendary Chess Studios in hometown
Chicago resulting in the 2004 digital download and radio success of its rendition of The Beatles' "I Am The Walrus," Styx has recorded its interpretation of the great rock & roll songbook. "Big Bang Theory" (New Door/UMe), released May 10, 2005, is the first studio album from Styx, one of the rock era's most popular bands, since 2003's Cyclorama.
Among the highlights on the 14-selection "Big Bang Theory," produced by Styx and Gary Loizzo, is "Blue Collar Man 2004," a new studio version of the band's 1978 Top 40 hit. Guesting on the track are blues great Koko Taylor and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame piano player Johnnie Johnson, renowned for his work with Chuck Berry. "Blue Collar Man 2004" was recorded in the Chicago building that once housed Chess and is now home to Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, to which all artist royalties from the song will be donated. Heard too is their live version of "I Am The Walrus" recorded in September 2004.
The other songs re-recorded by Styx in its own instantly recognizable style are classics of the '60s and '70s, many of them favorites of the band members and their fans. Included are The Who's "I Can See For Miles," The Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer In The City," Procol Harum's "A Salty Dog," Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home," Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression," Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" and Free's "Wishing Well." The best-known recordings of "I Don't Need No Doctor" are from Ray Charles and Humble Pie. "One Way Out" is an Elmore James gem but The Allman Brothers Band laid down the most popular take.
Other songs on "Big Bang Theory" are "Find The Cost Of Freedom," originally from Crosby, Stills & Nash, "It Don't Make Sense (You Can't Make Peace)" from Willie Dixon and "Talkin' About The Good Times" from The Pretty Things.
Styx was the first band to have four consecutive triple platinum albums ("The Grand Illusion," "Pieces Of Eight," "Cornerstone," and No 1 "Paradise Theatre"). Since its debut in 1972, they've also earned one double platinum, one platinum and five gold albums. "Lady" was its first of 16 Top 40s, among which also includes "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Blue Collar Man," and "Fooling Yourself." The video for their 1981 Top 10 single "Too Much Time on my Hands" aired in the first hour of MTV's life.
After a 1999 metamorphosis, Styx re-established itself as a dynamic live act over the course of 500-plus shows and four new live albums. Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James "JY" Young (vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass guitar, backing vocals) will tour the U.S. and world throughout 2005. Original bass player Chuck Panozzo also appears on the album and performs live with the band at select concert dates.
