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Man of Miracles (1974) was Styx' fourth and final album on the Chicago-based indie label Wooden Nickel and even though the band had co-produced their previous two efforts -- The Serpent Is Rising (1974) and Styx II (1973) -- former producer John Ryan returned to the fold for this project. His presence may have contributed to the collection's polished feel not only in terms of production value, but the quintet -- featuring John Curulewski (guitar/synthesizer/vocals), Dennis DeYoung (keyboard/vocals), brothers Chuck Panozzo (bass/vocals) and John Panozzo (drums/percussion/vocals) and James "J.Y." Young (guitar/vocals) -- seem to have made concerted strides toward becoming increasingly palatable to the mainstream rock crowd. The pumped up anthemic "Rock & Roll Feeling" is the first of two collaborations between Young and Curulewski. The other, "Havin' a Ball" follows with a further example of their departure out of prog and into comparatively accessible rock & roll. They certainly haven't lost their penchant for diversity however, as DeYoung's haunting and poignant "Golden Lark" provides a brief deviation from his dark "Evil Eyes," or the melodically and texturally rich power ballad "A Song for Suzanne." Styx had not worked many cover tunes on to their studio LPs, making the spirited interpretation of the Knickerbockers' Fab Four soundalike "Lies" a welcome and familiar inclusion. They pull it off exceptionally well, remaining faithful to the original while unleashing their own performance style. The rough and ready "Southern Woman" also delivers the goods in a big way, laying down a briskly paced boogie that conjures the rhythm and soul of Delta R&B. Instrumentally, DeYoung shines once again with alternately sanctified and searing electric organ runs. Fittingly, the title track "Man of Miracles" bears a resemblance to the grandiose and somewhat over-the-top delivery that informed incipient Styx sides such as the "Movement for the Common Man." Increased national attention resulted in the combo simply outgrowing the admittedly limited distribution and promotion that Wooden Nickel could offer. They were more than ready to take their music to the next level and a potentially larger audience. 1975 saw them sign with A&M Records and although Curulewski stayed for the recording of their next disc Equinox (1975), he would be permanently replaced by Tommy Shaw before Styx hit the road to support it. Shaw would become a missing link of sorts, supplying the aggregate with much of their best and most memorable material during the late '70s and early '80s. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
Man Proof allegedly shot dies
With D12 rapper's funeral set for tomorrow, man he reportedly fought with and shot ends weeklong fight for his life.
The man who police said was pistol whipped and shot a week ago by D12 rapper Proof died this morning.
Keith Bender Jr., 35, died at St. John Hospital and Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said today.
Bender had been in critical condition since being shot in the head a week ago at the CCC nightclub on Eight Mile Road in Detroit.
According to police, Bender and the longtime Eminem sideman got into an argument over a pool game at a nightclub last Tuesday that escalated into a gunfight, with Proof allegedly pistol whipping and shooting Bender in the head before another man, Mario Etheridge--a cousin of Bender's--fired three shots at Proof, killing him.
Etheridge, 28, has pleaded not guilty to charges of carrying a concealed weapon and illegal discharge of a firearm in a building. His lawyer, Randall Upshaw, said the shooting was in self-defense.
Police said today that prosecutors will move to close the CCC club today, as the place has been raided several times by police in recent years and was open illegally after hours at the time of the fatal shooting of Proof.
A viewing of Proof--real name was DeShaun Holton--is set for Tuesday. The rapper was a close friend of Eminem's and the best man at Eminem's second wedding to his now-estranged wife Kim Mathers in January. His funeral is Wednesday.
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