Styx - Caught in the Act

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Caught in the Act, the first live album from Styx. The 1984 double-album spent fifteen weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 31. It also reached number 44 in the UK.


Side one begins with "Music Time", the sole studio recording. As a single, this new-wave sounding (quick-pace and heavy synth) peaked at number 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100. I have always thought that this was a real fun song and great to dance to (which we did at a number of college campus parties back in 1984).

The live show (taken from the April 10th and 11th of 1983 shows at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans) then kicks off with "Mr. Roboto", "Too Much Time on My Hands" and "Babe".

Side two includes "Snowblind", "The Best of Times" (complete with a little ragtime opening) and a nearly nine minute rendition of "Suite Madame Blue".

Side three featured "Rockin' the Paradise", "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)", "Miss America" and "Don't Let It End".

Side four concludes the show with "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)", "Crystal Ball" and "Come Sail Away".

As I have noted in a number of previous blog posts, I was very much a Styx fan during the late 70's and early 80's. As such, Caught in the Act delivers many of my favorites from their pool of hits. I always like hearing the nuances that crop up in the live performances, including any bantering with the audience.