Customer Reviews

Progressive Rock Friends

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Made in USA in 2008, Serial # CLP-2052, Playing Time 72:06

It never ceases to amaze me how some people bother to write reviews which consist of poorly documented content... opinions are fine (I respect that), but at least get the facts straight! Here are some actual facts about this release:

1) it is NOT a bootleg;
2) it is NOT sanctioned by the band
3) it consists of previously released material

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Tracks 1 to 5 are performed by ASIA (consisting at the time of Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, Pat Thrall and John Wetton") recorded in concert at Olympijski Stadium, Moscow, Russia; recorded Nov. 09 1990; tracks previously released on CD on "Live In Moscow" and "Live 09-XI-90 Mockba".

Track 6 is also performed by ASIA (consisting at the time of Geoff Downes, Greg Lake, Steve Howe and Carl Palmer) recorded in concert at Budokan, Tokyo, Japan; recorded Dec. 06 1983; track previously released on CD on "Enso Kai" and "Night Of The Rising Sun".

The rest of the tracks were released on various "tribute" albums that were all produced by Billy Sherwood and released on the "Cleopatra" record label; think of each track being performed by an all-star band:

Track 7, "Comfortably Numb" features Chris Squire (V,B), Alan White (D) and Billy Sherwood (V,G,K) and Jordan Berliant (G); previously released on CD on "Back Against The Wall" (a tribute album for PINK FLOYD's "The Wall") in 2005.

Track 8, "Brain Damage" features Colin Moulding (V), Robby Krieger (G), Geoff Downes (K), Vinnie Colaiuta (D), Del Palmer (B), Michael Sherwood (BV) and Billy Sherwood (BV); previously released on CD on "Return To The Dark Side Of The Moon" (a tribute album for PINK FLOYD's "The Dark Side Of The Moon") in 2006.

Track 9, "More Than A Feeling" features Alan White (D), Tony Kaye (K) and Billy Sherwood (G,B,V); I wasn't able to find the original source for this track (hey, I'm NOT perfect LOL);

Track 10, "Mother", features John Wetton (V,B), Adrian Belew (G), Alan White (D), Steve Porcaro (K) and Billy Sherwood (G); same source as track 7;

Track 11, "The Thin Ice", features Ian Anderson, Tony Levin and Gary Green (of GENTLE GIANT); same source as track 7;

Track 12, "Money", features Tommy Shaw (V), Edgar Winter (Sax), Bill Bruford (D), Gary Green (G), Billy Sherwood (K,G) and Tony Levin (B); same source as track 8;

Track 13, "Black Dog", features Keith Emerson (K), Michael White (V), Billy Sherwood (B,G) and Alan White (D); previously released on CD on "Led Box: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Tribute" in 2008;

Track 14, "In The Flesh?", features Adrian Belew (V), Alan White (D), Keith Emerson (K), Gary Green (G), John Giblin (B), Michael Sherwood (V) and Billy Sherwood (K,V); same source as track 7.

So there you have it; I must admit that the cover versions, even if extremely polished, are significantly re-arranged in comparison to the originals. The purists will scream "SACRILEGE!!!" if they listen to these renditions... after all, Billy Sherwood doesn't hold a candle to Brad Delp's vocals on "More Than A Feeling", and Ian Anderson doesn't even remotely sound like Roger Waters, and Edgar Winter's sax solo on "Money" amply demonstrates how good Dick Parry is (and was even 35 years ago!...) but the interpretations are, in my opinion, respectful of the originals' atmospheres, but with an entirely new sound.

So if you like Billy Sherwood's work in CONSPIRACY, this might spark your interest; or if you've always wondered whether or not you should get the PINK FLOYD tributes (of "The Wall" or of "The Dark Side Of The Moon") this is an excellent way to form your OWN opinion!

But to be quite honest, slapping on the name of ASIA on this release IS a sacrilege 8o)

This cd is a very poor collection of songs we already have on other albums. The live Asia cuts we have heard before and the other cuts are subpar and cutup versions of known songs. Do not bother with this one!!! Looks like someone wanted to make a quick buck!!! Avoid this one!!!!

Anyone who buys this box set is buying a BOOTLEG, not sanctioned by the band ASIA! DO NOT BUY IT as the manufacturer of this set is ripping off the band!