Equinox/Crystal Ball

2 LPs on 1 CD: EQUINOX (1975) / CRYSTAL BALL (1976)
Personnel: John Curulewski (vocals, guitar, synthesizer); James Young (vocals, guitar); Tommy Shaw (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Dennis DeYoung (vocals, keyboards, synthesizer); John Panozzo (vocals, drums, percussion); Chuck Panozzo (vocals).
Audio Remasterer: Andrew Thompson .
Audio Remixers: Styx; Barry Mraz.
Liner Note Author: Alan Robinson .
Recording information: Paragon Recording Studios, Chicago, IL.
Illustrator: Mike Schwab.
Photographers: Chris Micoine; John Welzenbach.
This Beat Goes On compilation features two of Styx's earlier records -- 1975's Equinox and 1976's Crystal Ball -- together on one disc. There isn't much in the way of the pop anthem sound that Styx would later adapt and become famous for in the late '70s and early '80s; no "Come Sail Away" or "Too Much Time on My Hands" (not even a "Babe" anywhere in sight). But these two albums do feature the sound of a group going through some crucial growing pains; shedding their intensive prog rock skin and becoming much more accessible and radio-friendly. Equinox also features "Lorelei," one of the group's earliest hits to reach the pop charts. While these albums may not be for everyone, die-hard fans will appreciate having the two discs together, complete with wonderful remastering and exhaustively thorough liner notes. ~ Rob Theakston