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Too Much Time On Our Hands: A STYX Tribute Album
Various Artists
Too Much Time On Our Hands: A STYX Tribute Album
Genres: Country, Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

Singer/songwriter Jonathan Rundman spent his elementary school days listening to albums by FM radio arena-rockers STYX. As a 25-year-old in the late-?90s, Rundman moved to Chicago, STYX?s hometown, and began a career as a ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Various Artists
Title: Too Much Time On Our Hands: A STYX Tribute Album
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Salt Lady
Original Release Date: 6/3/2003
Release Date: 6/3/2003
Genres: Country, Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, Rock
Styles: Americana, Singer-Songwriters, Adult Alternative, Tributes, Folk Rock
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 789577132122

Synopsis

Album Description
Singer/songwriter Jonathan Rundman spent his elementary school days listening to albums by FM radio arena-rockers STYX. As a 25-year-old in the late-?90s, Rundman moved to Chicago, STYX?s hometown, and began a career as a full-time traveling musician. While playing club gigs in Chicago, Rundman met Thomas Dunning, host of the infamous "Hoot Night" show at Schuba?s Tavern. Dunning had recently released I Wanna Be Kate: The Songs of Kate Bush, a tribute album on his own independent label featuring contributions from Midwestern bands. Dunning?s Kate Bush Tribute CD provided a catalyst and inspired Rundman?s plans for a STYX Tribute project. Little did Rundman know that executive producing a compilation album with submissions from various bands across the country would take nearly two years to complete. Back in the Summer of 2001 initial invitations went out to artists that Rundman thought might be interested. After getting shot down by some big-time acts like Alison Krauss, Rundman got interest from numerous indie rock and alt-country bands who had been closeted STYX fans since the 1970s. As song submissions arrived Rundman was amazed at the way the musical arrangements had evolved beyond the original STYX album versions. Throughout 2002 Rundman collected STYX cover-songs from some of his favorite musicians from across the American rock & roll landscape Finally in the Spring of 2003 the album?s songs were assembled and mastered. The CD artwork was created by painter/designer Kelly Newcomer, who brought her "peaceful technology" themes to the project. Now in the Summer of 2003 TOO MUCH TIME ON OUR HANDS: A STYX TRIBUTE ALBUM is finally ready for release. Coincidentally, the band STYX is simultaneously launching a national tour (with Journey) in support of a new studio album.
 

CD Reviews

More interesting than exciting
Christopher Proper | Hector, NY United States | 09/09/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)

"If you do a cover of a well known song you must change it enough to distinguish your recording yet leave it recognisable. The versions on this album are distinct enough to be worth the effort but they lack the grandeur that makes the originals great. Gone is the extraordinary showmanship Dennis DeYoung brought to his vocals. Gone is the agony of JYs screaming guitar. In their place is a more respectable laid-back and folkish sound. These are good songs performed well but they don't inspire the way classics do."
Interesting Look @ Styx and indie artitsts
Andrew Deitrich | Chicago, IL USA | 06/23/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album makes an interesting study for any Styx fan, or a fan of any of the artists that contributed. Unique in its approach, Too Much Time On Our Hands emphasizes the vision of each artist's interpretation of the track to which they contributed. In that way, fans who know each artist's style will easiliy recognise their sound. Like any compilation or mix tape, there are highs and lows for every listener. Favorite moments: Lost and Found's freakish grade school recorder Grand Illusion, a heavy Man In the Wilderness by Jerry Chapman and His Evil Herbivores, and the album's cover design."
A new take on the old songs...
Andrew Deitrich | 10/07/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)

"How could one not love Styx? Yeah, they're bombastic and their 70's and 80's hits sound a bit dated now, but Styx always crafted melodic rock that stuck with you.
Here's a fine and fun set of Styx songs done in decidedly unStyx ways. And it's a bit of a revelation.
My favorite tracks include Alva Star's lovely rendition of "Lady" (ditto for Jeff Krebs' version of "Boat on the River"), the bizzare take of "Babe" by Jim Roll and the Famous Authors, the emotional Beki Hemingway track, and the punk-indie "Grand Finale" by Hearts Beat Red.
Overall, it's a must for Styx fans..."