Produced by John Ryan and Bill Traut, who had produced the band's first two albums, this would be the band's last original album on the independent Chicago-based label Wooden Nickel Records before moving to the major label A&M. And to me, because of the production, the album sounds more in line with Styx I & II. It's like Serpent never happened. This is the album that should have come next.
Now also keep in mind that this album was released in November of 1974, but "Lady" from Styx II became a major hit and peaked at #6 in March of 1975.
2) Havin' a Ball - This is the first song from the album that was completely new to me. It's another little rocking number. Nothing too fancy, but because of the sudden success of "Lady", earlier Wooden Nickel songs were re-released. This became the B-side to the re-release of "Best Thing" from Styx I. Get all that? Good.
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1) Rock & Roll Feeling - Every album so far has started with JY on vocals, this one included. However, this is a rocker type song that he does so well so no complaints here. This is one of those "mystery" songs that showed up on the Best of Styx compilation so I was already familiar with it.
Well I've got this crazy feeling it's a sickness in my soul
Well I can't play no 9 to 5 games, hangin' loose is all I know
I get a buzz when I think about ya, riding high's where I belong
Gonna get my things together so if you want come on along
It's a good feeling - It's a rock and roll feeling
It's a good feeling - It's a rock and roll feeling
Yeah yeah yeah
Well you know that I am coming and I'm already on my way
So baby don't you worry 'bout tomorrow you know it seems like a month away
Well we got here just this morning and we're goin' at the light of dawn
Well we've only got a short time so mama won't you keep things going strong
It's a good feeling - It's a rock and roll feeling
It's a good feeling - It's a rock and roll feeling
Yeah yeah yeah
[guitar solo]
It's a good feeling (good feeling)
It's a rock and roll feeling
It's a good feeling (good feeling)
It's a rock and roll feeling
It's a good feeling (it's a good good feeling)
It's a rock and roll feeling
It's a good feeling....
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2) Havin' a Ball - This is the first song from the album that was completely new to me. It's another little rocking number. Nothing too fancy, but because of the sudden success of "Lady", earlier Wooden Nickel songs were re-released. This became the B-side to the re-release of "Best Thing" from Styx I. Get all that? Good.
Yeah now tell me girl won't you tell me true
Help me get this out of my head
Now Fenny thinks that there ain't no stoppin' until you got me flat on my back
You know my number, just give me a call
You know what I'm thinking, we're just havin' a ball
Now there's things that I agree with and things that I really don't
If you think I'm free to try something crazy there ain't nothing 'round that I won't
You know my number, just give me a call
You know what I'm thinking, we're just havin' a ball
Yeah
Just havin' a ball, just havin' a ball
Just havin' a ball, just havin' a ball
Now if you want to spend some time with me if you've got some time to kill
Tell more or else I'll leave this place, know a couple of a ladies that will
You know my number, just give me a call
You know what I'm thinking, we're just havin' a ball
You know my number, just give me a call
You know what I'm thinking, we're just havin' a ball
Yeah
Just havin' a ball, just havin' a ball
Just havin' a ball, just havin' a ball
You know my number...
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3) Golden Lark - An absolute gem of a song sung by Dennis. At times the lyrics seem long winded or even forced, but DDY and a piano always works.
One day you're up and the next day you're down
And all your dreams pass you by
You sit in your room with your face in a frown
Waiting for her last goodbye
And all of the wishing wells and stars in the sky
Won't make her stay any more
And all of the plans you've made will soon wash to sea
Like a lark who can't sing any more
Once in awhile you remember her laugh
For she could make you feel strong
'Twas then that you thought your love always would last
But now it seems you were wrong
And all of the wishing wells and stars in the sky
Won't make her stay any more
And all of the plans you've made will soon wash to sea
Like a lark who can't sing any more
Golden lark won't you sing any more
Golden lark, keeps her heart riding on the wind
She's a mystery like a gypsy, hides her love within
Golden lark, keeps her heart riding on the wind
She's a mystery like a gypsy, hides her love within
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4) A Song for Suzanne - Now before I tear this song to bits, let me praise it. I love how it flows from the last song into this one. And the thunderstorm and rain with the cello playing is completely beautiful and even the slow intro into the song works. But then the song starts.
It's my theory that it wasn't DDY that broke up Styx, it was actually his wife Suzanne. Ever notice how he has to constantly write her love songs to prove that he loves her? First there was "Lady" and now this one which is basically about him getting lucky with her the first time. And you know it doesn't stop there (ahem, "Babe"). I mean I wish someone would tell him "yeah we get it, you love her now write about something else". That being said, I do like some of the lyrics to the song, especially the wishing tree parts, and how the song was structured as a whole.
Chanson, Suzanne (x4)
I'm just a man please let me sing my song
It's been ten years since I met you
and I first held your hand, my Suzanne
That summer night we dreamed of days to come
I held you there beside me
We carved the wishing tree
And then we played the part of lovers on that summer night
we played the part of lovers
You gave all your love and you made it seem right
You made me a man oh so young in my life
One simple verse like the words in a play
You spoke your lines and I knew I must stay
Oh I must stay
Now we are free and we are growing old
The wishing tree still stands there
and shades our memories
Of when we played the part of lovers on that summer night
We played the part of lovers
You gave all your love and you made it seem right
You made me a man oh so young in my life
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5) A Man Like Me - Now JY sings about his "mama" back at home, but in a rockin' way, not a p-whipped way. You also get a little insight into how he feels about the music biz.
Eight days a week with my baby at home and you know that she's my tender honey
Baby I've been good but you know it's rough when you're spending all of my money
Ain't no disputin' I'm your man
You know I want to tell the world
You're the only woman
Show me what love can be
You're the only woman
That understands a man like me
Rock and roll is a way of life but don't you know it brings me down
Music is my game but when I'm home I treat a lady like she's wearing a crown
Stranded in the storm 'round Lakewood Way
You know who comes to mind
She's the only woman
Show me what love can be
She's the only woman
That understands a man like me
[guitar solo]
When I'm away with time to kill just sittin' around gettin' high
Thinking about your sweet sweet love I want to jump on a plane and fly
Sweet little susie
Show me what love can be
She's the only woman
That understands a man
She understands a man like me
She's the only woman...
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