This is an excellent read from a talented writer about the cliche of loving a band that everyone loves but for some reason hating to admit it.

So it's a concept album, or half a concept album, because only Dennis DeYoung was committed to the concept and he was the pianist. The rest of the band almost certainly thought DeYoung was a fag.

That I memorized the album, word for word, will go without saying. That I used impromptu recitations to score titty privileges at Jewish summer camp also can be assumed.

He even mentions Hootie and the Blowfish which was absolutely one of my hate to love bands in the 90s.

I highly recommend reading through the entire essay, an excerpt from Almond's book "Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life" which I now intend to seek out.

Tags: styx, steve almond, music, rock and roll,

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