Customer Reviews

Acoustic & Electric

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I just got this CD and it sounds like some kid took his cell phone and recorded the performances. And while I do agree song selection is from a wide range of the band's history, I just can't get over the bootleg quality sound that you'll find on this CD. Not to mention two of the songs are instrumentals. Not real ones mind you but songs in which there are words and the singer (whomever it is) doesn't sing them. If I want to hear the audience singing the song, I'll go to a karaoke bar.

Like the title says, if you are a hardcore Asia fan then maybe (just maybe) get this. I think it was a waste of $11 personally and the only reason I gave it two stars instead of one was because I really like this band...

Save your money and buy the new CD Phoenix instead. It is outstanding.

When I saw this listed I expected a mix of songs sung by John Wetton and John Payne based on the tracks listed. I am a bigger fan of early Asia but John Payne's voice certainly works on many songs. When this CD arrived I was surpised that John Wetton only sings on one (or two) tracks -- at least Sole Survivor. All of the tracks on this CD are live -- plugged or unplugged. Video Killed the Radio Star and Cutting It Fine are keyboard instrumentals. While the CD was not what I expected many of the John Payne sung versions of classic Asia songs are pretty good. Just be aware of you are getting.

IAM PROBABLY ONE OF THE BIGGEST ASIA FANS THERE IS AND THEREFORE SHOULD
HAVE REALIZED BY SONG SELECTION THAT THIS ONE WAS GOING TO FEATURE PAYNE
AND NOT WETTON. I JUST DIDNT REALIZE IT WOULD BE SO ONE-SIDE IN PAYNE'S
FAVOR, AND I REALLY DONT LIKE THE ASIA VERSION WITH HIM AS FRONTMAN.
I MUST ALSO AGREE WITH OTHER REVIEWER WHO STATES SOUND QUALITY WAS BOOT-LEG-LIKE, IT WAS DEFINITELY SUB-PAR. SAVE YOUR MONEY ON THIS ONE FANS AND
PURCHASE FROM THE ORIGINAL LINE-UP ONLY. THAT IS THE REAL ASIA!
NEW ALBUM PHOENIX IS INCREDIBLE. WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN IF THESE GUYS HAD
STAYED TOGETHER FOR THE PAST QUARTER-CENTURY?!? TRY TO SEE THEM LIVE--THEY
STILL CAN ROCK. HOPEFULLY THIS INCARNATION STAYS HEALTHY AND AROUND FOR
AS MANY YEARS AS POSSIBLE.

The "acoustic" versions of songs (on this CD) ARE splendid. NEVER! saw Asia "live", but their Music IS impressive. IF you like Heat Of The Moment, Cutting It Fine (performed here PURELY as an instrumental), Only Time Will Tell....Hearing them perform THESE songs here "Acoustically" will PROVE a Real Treat.

I am not a fan of the Payne era but that doesn't mean he is not talented in his own regard. The definitive Asia for me is Wetton, Howe, Downes and Palmer only. This CD features Payne.

With the plethora of Live Asia discs on the market, it is refreshing to have one that doesn't fail to surprise. ASIA has had more member changes than any band in the history of rock, this is a solid overview of the band from '88 to '98. Great song selection and some surprises. A lot more entertaining than the new ASIA disc.