Come Sail Away - Styx (1977)
"Come Sail Away" was a song by Styx from their album "The Grand Illusion". One of the band's biggest hits, it was released in 1977, rising to number 8 on the Pop Singles chart and helping "The Grand Illusion" reach multi-platinum sales in 1978. Musically, "Come Sail Away" combines a plaintive, ballad-like opening section (including piano and synthesizer interludes) with a bombastic, guitar-heavy second half. In the middle of the second half of the album version is a minute-long synthesizer instrumental. Styx member Dennis DeYoung revealed on "In the Studio With Redbeard" (which devoted an entire episode to the making of "The Grand Illusion"), that he was depressed when he wrote the track after Styx's first two A&M offerings, "Equinox" and "Crystal Ball", sold fewer units than expected after the success of the single "Lady". The track would be the regular closing track during the band's live set before the encore. "The Grand Illusion" was the seventh studio album by Styx. It became the band's first Triple Platinum album. Styx is an American rock band that became famous for its albums of the 1970s and 1980s. The Chicago band was known for melding the style of prog-rock with the power of hard rock guitar, strong ballads, and the flair of a Broadway musical. The band has four consecutive albums certified multi-platinum by the RIAA. Twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo first got together with their neighbor Dennis DeYoung in 1961 in the Roseland section of the south side of Chicago, eventually taking the band name The Tradewinds. Chuck Panozzo left to attend seminary school for a year but returned to the group by 1964. Tom Nardini was brought in to teach Chuck the guitar. Chuck decided to play bass guitar for the band. John Panozzo was the drummer, while Dennis DeYoung had switched from accordion to organ and piano. In 1965, the name The Tradewinds was changed to TW4 after another band called The Trade Winds broke through nationally. By 1966, the Panozzo brothers had joined DeYoung at Chicago State University and kept the group together doing gigs at high schools and frat parties while studying to be teachers. In 1969, they added a college buddy, John Curulewski, on guitar after Tom Nardini departed. Guitarist James 'J.Y.' Young came aboard in 1970 making TW4 a quintet. In 1970, the band members decided to choose a new name when they signed to Wooden Nickel Records. Several suggestions were made and, according to DeYoung, Styx was chosen because it was "the only one that none of us hated". Following the move to A&M, Curulewski suddenly left the band in December 1975 just as they were to embark on a nationwide tour. After a frantic last-minute search, the band brought on guitarist Tommy Shaw as Curulewski's replacement, completing the line-up which appears on "The Grand Illusion". This channel is dedicated to the classic rock hits that have become part of the history of our culture. The incredible AOR tracks that define music from the late 60s, the 70s and the early 80s . . . Classic Rock is here! Check out my newer music videos and other fun stuff at: www.youtube.com/djbuddylove3000 For music videos of the Old School funk, go to: www.youtube.com/djbuddyloveoldschool Check out my music videos from the Roots Of Rap at: www.youtube.com/djbuddyloverootsrap If you like relaxing with some classic Cool Jazz, go to: www.youtube.com/djbuddylovecooljazz To explore the world of The DJ Cafe, go to: www.youtube.com/djbuddylovedjcafe Check out my news videography stuff at: www.youtube.com/vonregandavis Also, check out my youngest daughter (the world's youngest video producer) at: www.youtube.com/daddyzgirl3000 And coming in June 2011 . . . DJ Buddy Love presents LONGEVITY . . . A world record club DJ mixing marathon charity event . . . 120 hours nonstop to benefit cancer research . . . Live to the world via UStream, Facebook, YouTube & Twitter . . . More details coming soon . . . Enjoy!! ;~} Copyright 1977 A&M Records All Rights Reserved
