Customer Reviews

Division One [Vinyl]

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

 

 

Division One is the debut album from Far Corporation. It was released in 1985 and is composed of nine songs. The material is in a pop rock musical direction. Overall, the songwriting is satisfying, the musicianship is skilled, and the sound quality is pleasant. Many musicians have contributed to the making of this album. Examples of them are lead vocalists Bobby Kimball and Robin McAuley, guitarist Steve Lukather, keyboardist David Paich, saxophonist Mel Collins, and drummer Simon Phillips. Far Corporation performs covers of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" and Free's "Fire and Water." I like all of the tracks, but my favorite ones are "Stairway to Heaven," "You Are the Woman," and "If You Could See You Through My Eyes." Far Corporation's version of "Stairway to Heaven" is noteworthy. Clocking in at almost ten minutes, their rendition is just as pleasing as the original. They add their own stamp to it, and I enjoy the smooth, atmospheric keyboard work and the polished, layered harmony vocals. "Stairway to Heaven" segues nicely into the subsequent composition "You Are the Woman." The well-written, tuneful "You Are the Woman" is one of my favorite pieces in general. It has a touching beginning that consists of keyboard playing. This confection also features nice saxophone work from Collins and engaging, lush vocal harmonies. The attractive "If You Could See You Through My Eyes" displays sleek, appealing background vocals. The CD insert does not include the song lyrics, but there are numerous black-and-white photos. The disc is almost 43 minutes. I recommend this album.

Personally, I think their version of Stairway to Heaven is better than Led Zeppelin's original. It is more catchy. You are the woman also is another great song. Frank Farian (producers of BOney M and Milli Vanilli) really shines in this production. Highly recommended.

Far Corporation was a rock band assembled by German producer Frank Farian, otherwise known as the man behind Boney M. The only real hit of Far Corporation was a cover version of "Stairway to Heaven", released in 1985. The album "Division One" includes the long (about 10 minutes) version of the song.

Unfortunately, all other songs are completely worthless. We're talking landfill material.

Personally, I think Far Corporation's version of "Stairway to Heaven" is much better than Led Zeppelin's original (!), but that's me. Far Corp sound more respectable, civilized and well, Euro-popish. You might also consider checking out the shorter radio version of their cover song, available elsewhere at Amazon-dot-com.

Since most of this album suck, I only give it three stars - all those stars are for "Stairway to Heaven", which by itself is worth something like 1,985 stars.

The review system on Amazon is based on personal like/dislike and that is why I've given Division One only 3 stars. The version I purchased is a Japanese Import (shipped from the USA seller to me in the UK) and contains the nine tracks shown in the listing. The material is very well produced and performed.

In truth, I was only looking for *that* song. For years I've been looking for the full version of the Far Corporation's version of Stairway To Heaven and, finally, I have it. I happen to fall in the camp that prefers the FC version to the original Led Zep recording but I can see why others do not like the FC version. In essence, the LZ version is more raw and edgy whereas the FC version is much more "rounded" and has a fuller sound. Some would say over produced, although I don't agree.

The rest of the album isn't really for me and so I'd suggest it's best to look at other reviews for an overview on the album as a whole.

Picked it up after several years of not hearing it. I forgot how 80s this all was. People buy this largely for the Stairway to Heaven remake. What I didn't remember was the drum fill that sounds exactly like a similar cresendo within "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins. You know - that moment that everyone air drums to? Also, the keyboards join in about four minutes into the song. Sounds like Jan Hammer. "Fire and Water" sounds like "Funky Town". "Johnny Don't Go the Distance" is a nice underdog boxing story. All in all, the album is respectable but dated. Hard for me to rate it at 4 but wanted to give it 3.5 stars. Why aren't more out-of-print albums available on iTunes?

Years ago [20] the local radio station would play Zepplin & Far Corp. Stairway To Heaven back to back very very often.

A few years ago when I asked the oldies stations to play it-- they one after another -said the recording did not exist.

I am so glad I found it!!!

I am so very glad to once again have this album in my music collection! It's been YEARS and YEARS since I last heard it and I've been downright starving to once again hear this supergroup's *amazing* version of Zep's "Stairway To Heaven" ..... Ah, the memories this song brings back to me! I LOVE IT!!

There are only a couple of album titles that I used own on vinyl (remember that format?) many many moons ago which I consider my own personal "Holy Grail" of musical finds on compact disc - Davey Johnstone's first solo release entitled "Smiling Face" is one of them (which I've now managed to get!) ......... This is the other one!! :-)

A simply amazing album, if for nothing else than the cover of "stairway ...". So if you ever come across this one in the cut-out bins or in a remote used-disc establishment somewhere - GRAB IT!!!!!!!! You won't be disappointed.

(Thanks for the eyetime ...)

I bought this cd two years ago in Toronto for $19.00 not $79.00! My cd accidently broke one day. I ordered a new one from the local HMV record store and so far it's been on order for 9 months--they can't seem to find a copy! I love Far Corp.'s version of STH and I miss it. The original STH, which can never be matched, has been named 'Song of the Millennium' (1000 years), with 7 million worldwide plays so far! (a zeppie)

Just the first track a cover of Led Zeppelin (original can be found on album "Remasters") "Stairway To Heaven" is worth the money. It isn't shortened like on some Compilations "Rock Hitbox" 3CD set for example. Frankly it is not easy to pick a bad song on this album. I dunno how some people can criticize it.
It is a great album cuz I already have it on Vinyl "well played" and I feel it is time to get it on CD...

I bought the album back in 1985 when it first came out and I am happy to say that the CD is so much clearer than an 18 year old import vinyl. This version of Stairway to Heaven is a great club classic with the musicians from Toto and the Scorpions coming together to make a great CD! Highly recommended.