Customer Reviews

Dragon Attack

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

 

 

Made in UK in 2003, Serial# VPTMQ-004-CD, Playing Time 92:04

I usually don't bother writing a review if 3 people or more have already done so; I simply try to cover "obscure" releases to help fellow music lovers.

But I just HAD to make an exception this time because the earlier reviews are just misguiding...

"Dragon Attack" is an album that captures on a 2-CD set a concert performed in Tokyo during the "Then & Now" tour back in 1990. It features Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, John Wetton (that's 3 of the original 4 members), along with Pat Thrall on guitar.

There are no credits or liner notes on the packaging, but being an avid listener to "anything Asia", I just had to pick this up...

The recording quality is somewhat muffled, but I've heard A LOT worse!; I should have guessed that since the label is called "Trade Mark of Official Quality"... (would one have to make such a claim if it were true?) and the fact that the band did NOT commission this release is a sure give-away. But the performances are fantastic!!!

Of special mention is Wetton's work on "Rendezvous 6:02" (originally from his days in the band "UK"), followed by "Book Of Saturday" (originally performed while he was in King Crimson.)

The "Live Nottingham" album (an official release) was much better recorded, but comes short of this 2-CD set by about 30 minutes: they had omitted the 2 tracks mentionned above, plus Geoff Downes' keyboards solo of about 6 minutes as well as Carl Palmer's always-impressive drums solo, which also lasts about 6 minutes.

"Dragon Attack" is not for the casual Asia listener; but for the completist like me, it provides a complete show, including the band's attempt at making the Tokyo crowd sing-along during "Heat Of The Moment" (listed on the tray as "Heart of the Moment").

Great music, but a poor recording... hence the average rating.

BAD LIVE RECORDING. VERY MUDDLED. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY

I read the reviews on this release and am curious as to who are the band members. Who is the original member, and what year was this recorded? Where was this recorded? If someone knows this information please respond.
Thanks!