The Complete Wooden Nickel Recordings cover

The Complete Wooden Nickel Recordings

Styx · 2005

148 min · 35 tracks · hard rock · progressive rock · adult-oriented rock

A rich tapestry of progressive melodies and rock anthems, showcasing Styx's early experimentation and lyrical depth.

Why this album works

This album is significant as it encapsulates Styx's formative years and features tracks that highlight their evolution into a prominent force in rock music. It has been praised for its critical reception, allowing new audiences to discover the band's roots and the intricate songwriting that would define their later success.
Best for
wave-like pacing with peaks dynamic journey through melodies rich lyrical experimentation
Context
Released in 2005, 'The Complete Wooden Nickel Recordings' compiles Styx's early works from their time at Wooden Nickel Records. This period included the band's first five albums, establishing them as a unique blend of hard rock and progressive elements before their mainstream breakthrough with 'The Grand Illusion' in 1977.
Stylistic neighbors
Junichi Inagaki· Omega Tribe· Kansas

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Movement for the Common Man: Children of the Land / Street Collage / Fanfare for the Common Man / Mother Nature’s Matinee 13:14
  • 2 Right Away 3:41
  • 3 What Has Come Between Us Standout 4:57
  • 4 Best Thing 3:15
  • 5 Quick Is the Beat of My Heart 3:51
  • 6 After You Leave Me 4:05
  • 7 You Need Love 3:45
  • 8 Lady Standout 3:00
  • 9 A Day 8:24
  • 10 You Better Ask 3:56
  • 11 Little Fugue in “G” 1:17
  • 12 Father O.S.A. 7:07
  • 13 Earl of Roseland 4:41
  • 14 I’m Gonna Make You Feel It 2:27
  • 15 Unfinished Song 2:59

Disc 2

  • 1 Witch Wolf 4:00
  • 2 The Grove of Eglantine 5:01
  • 3 Young Man 4:47
  • 4 As Bad as This 6:09
  • 5 Winner Take All 3:06
  • 6 22 Years 3:41
  • 7 Jonas Psalter 4:42
  • 8 The Serpent Is Rising 4:52
  • 9 Krakatoa 1:35
  • 10 Hallelujah Chorus (from Handel’s Messiah) 1:33
  • 11 Rock & Roll Feeling 3:04
  • 12 Havin’ a Ball 3:58
  • 13 Golden Lark 3:37
  • 14 A Song for Suzanne 5:04
  • 15 A Man Like Me 2:59
  • 16 Lies 2:49
  • 17 Evil Eyes 4:10
  • 18 Southern Woman 3:11
  • 19 Christopher, Mr. Christopher 4:01
  • 20 Man of Miracles Standout 4:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata