Search - Various Artists :: Too Much Time On Our Hands: A STYX Tribute Album

Singer/songwriter Jonathan Rundman spent his elementary school days listening to albums by FM radio arena-rockers STYX. As a 25-year-old in the late-?90s, Rundman moved to Chicago, STYX?s hometown, and began a career as a full-time traveling musician. While playing club gigs in Chicago, Rundman met Thomas Dunning, host of the infamous "Hoot Night" show at Schuba?s Tavern. Dunning had recently released I Wanna Be Kate: The Songs of Kate Bush, a tribute album on his own independent label featuring contributions from Midwestern bands. Dunning?s Kate Bush Tribute CD provided a catalyst and inspired Rundman?s plans for a STYX Tribute project. Little did Rundman know that executive producing a compilation album with submissions from various bands across the country would take nearly two years to complete. Back in the Summer of 2001 initial invitations went out to artists that Rundman thought might be interested. After getting shot down by some big-time acts like Alison Krauss, Rundman got interest from numerous indie rock and alt-country bands who had been closeted STYX fans since the 1970s. As song submissions arrived Rundman was amazed at the way the musical arrangements had evolved beyond the original STYX album versions. Throughout 2002 Rundman collected STYX cover-songs from some of his favorite musicians from across the American rock & roll landscape Finally in the Spring of 2003 the album?s songs were assembled and mastered. The CD artwork was created by painter/designer Kelly Newcomer, who brought her "peaceful technology" themes to the project. Now in the Summer of 2003 TOO MUCH TIME ON OUR HANDS: A STYX TRIBUTE ALBUM is finally ready for release. Coincidentally, the band STYX is simultaneously launching a national tour (with Journey) in support of a new studio album.