For one, I enjoy singing along with Styx songs because they involve hand movements as well. ("I've got too much [clap clap!] time on my hands!" and "Mr. Roboto" come readily to mind)

For another, I believe one of their songs clearly and succinctly sums up the parts of the American psyche that need changing. That song is The Grand Illusion.

I am not being sarcastic here.

I think the last line hits the nail on the head:

"America spells competition, join us in our blind ambition
Get yourself a brand new motor car
Someday soon we'll stop to ponder what on Earth's this spell we're under
We made the grade and still we wonder who the hell we are"

I also like the part about the radio, TV and magazines foisting someone else's fantasy onto us and expecting us to adopt it as our own. Unfortunately, too many people do.

So, despite my general distaste for 70's and 80's arena rock, I do like Styx.

Except for "Babe." And probably a few others. But I'm not going to ruin the moment.

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 4:19 PM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.