Adventurous? Asia was never adventurous. Are you saying that Asia should be more like Yes, ELP, and King Crimson? No offense to Geoff, but I think they would need a different keyboardist for that. I love Geoff, but his new wave/pop background is one of the ingredients in Asia, maybe Asia would've been more progressive with a proggier keyboardist. One part of my thinks that maybe Asia should've been a continuation of Drama, but then they would just do albums like that and not be original.
I'm saying that, despite what many claim, the debut was far from average AOR. Everything since is rather safe, but things like "Wildest Dreams" and "Sole Survivor" had some ambition.
I disagree. Downes is more than capable.
Again, the issue is the decreased contributions from Howe and Palmer. The debut had a great balance among the four. Everything since is just the Wetton/Downes show. And, especially since the reunion, guitars and drums may as well have been done by studio musicians.
Music isn't about chops, or even about talent - it's about sound and the way that sound communicates to people. Mike Keneally
I thought that Alpha was good, too.I thought that was a record company decision since they wrote Asia's two big hits together. I think that Aria, Omega, and XXX have a big of the debut album's favorite, and that has probably something to do with the fact that Asia is not on a major label anymore.
The Mighty Megalosaurus
Tree Pusher, WESAYSO Corp.
Oh man, I hate this band. Great talent lost in total AOR crapola!
Sorry.
Asia has had a lot of guitar players:
1.Steve Howe
2.Mandy Meyer
3.Al Pitrelli
4.Pat Thrall
5.Guthrie Govan
6.Sam Coulson
Who did I leave out?
I think John sees Asia as the "day job" and UK as the "fun band"
I agree 100% with this. Sam was hired by these 3 guys,not only to replace the absent Steve Howe,but also to play guitar in his own style;even while playing the Howe melodies. I never second guess why a band I like asks somebody to be in their band. I have always trusted them from sheer respect of their integrity and musicianship that they know what they're doing and who am I to ? it. I don't see any flaws in Sam Coulson at all. He's doing pretty damn good considering it's his first gig,which just happens to a huge outdoor festival. I think his use of a Charvel solid body might change the sound a bit,but change is what it's all about really. Nobody could actually expect them to desire a Howe clone could they? He did the job he was hired to do and he did it very well as I heard it. I'm glad he didn't try and play the "Country chicken pickin'" stuff in Sole Survivor. This kid's into melodic sustain and I dig it. I will most likely want to get Valkyrie when it comes out. As far as his fast runs,c'mon since Alvin Lee came out blasting I'm Going Home at Woodstock in 1969,we all have wanted to learn to play fast,it comes with the territory unless you're David Gilmour. I think Asia made a great choice with Sam,and he fits like a glove. I can tell because Asia looked pretty happy with him and in the end that's all that matters.
The idea that Wetton really wants to make prog, but has sold his soul to make AOR in Asia is a nonsense. (I'm not saying you're saying that, Rand, but it's an idea that seems to come up in Asia discussion.) Wetton (as Downes) likes this sort of music. This is where his heart lies, more than prog. Given no monetary constraints, no concerns over 'hits', Wetton would still be doing much the same music.
Henry
Where Are They Now? Yes news: http://www.bondegezou.co.uk/wh_now.htm
Blogdegezou, the accompanying blog: http://bondegezou.blogspot.com/
I agree with you Henry,I didn't say that. lol In fact,I knew he was eschewing prog when I heard Caught In The Crossfire and even before that on UK-Danger Money with Nothing To Lose. I could see the writing on the wall. John likes classy poprock no doubt. I love the Asia albums he's on. Even Astra. I was really looking forward to hearing why they hired Mandy Meyer,but he was mixed so low, I really couldn't get a read on the guy. Did anyone get to see him play live with them,or did he at all?
I think you're right because none of the YT vids show him with them. Maybe that would be a good question for Geoff Downes,since he seems to be the leader of that band. Second thought,that's probably the last thing he would want to divulge. So Astra had no supporting tour......no wonder it didn't do very well in sales. I also imagine a lot of Steve Howe Superfans may have elected not to purchase once they discovered his absence.
Yep, that's my take as well. I think Wetton does the UK and KC stuff because he genuinely thinks it's good music, and he can make an extra buck here or there doing it. But given his druthers, the sort of music he makes with Downes in Asia is "closer to the heart", so to speak. His solo albums ably bear this out.
Where Are They Now? Yes news: http://www.bondegezou.co.uk/wh_now.htm
Blogdegezou, the accompanying blog: http://bondegezou.blogspot.com/
True. In Wetton's case he's even shown flashes of downright contempt for prog and its fans (I'm thinking of his "I'll give you fucking prog!" rant at Progfest.) Though he does seem to have been friendlier toward it in recent years. I wonder if part of getting sober involved making peace with that part of his past.
Yep, let's not forget that most of the original prog musicians grew up listening to the Beatles, Elvis, and other pop-oriented artists. When they turn to a more song-based style, it's hardly abandoning their core values.
It has always fascinated me that the stylistic taste of many fans is much narrower than the tastes of the artists they admire.
The Mighty Megalosaurus
Tree Pusher, WESAYSO Corp.
Being sober generally reduces the number of on-stage rants musicians are liable to make.
I don't think Wetton is antipathetic to prog. I think he genuinely likes making music at the proggier end of AOR (or the AORier end of prog). He's certainly done more to embrace his Crimson/UK past in live performance. But, in his heart, I think he wants to be Brian Wilson, not Steven Wilson.
Henry
Where Are They Now? Yes news: http://www.bondegezou.co.uk/wh_now.htm
Blogdegezou, the accompanying blog: http://bondegezou.blogspot.com/
Where Are They Now? Yes news: http://www.bondegezou.co.uk/wh_now.htm
Blogdegezou, the accompanying blog: http://bondegezou.blogspot.com/
LOL.
H
Where Are They Now? Yes news: http://www.bondegezou.co.uk/wh_now.htm
Blogdegezou, the accompanying blog: http://bondegezou.blogspot.com/
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