Here's the new Asia album

Asia's official website has released the album art for the band's upcoming disc -- "Phoenix."

The artwork was designed by Roger Dean, who handled the iconic art for six of the Asia's earlier albums. The album -- the first one by the band's original members since "Alpha" in 1983 -- is set for release on April 11.

Meanwhile, drummer Carl Palmer is recovering after a heart operation performed very recently. A stent was inserted into an artery in his heart to help prevent any narrowing of the vessel.

"I am happy to say the procedure was a complete success and I am already feeling better each day," Palmer said in an announcement on the band's official website. Asia's world tour begins in March.

Comments

[Big Tex]

I'm totally psyched! I didn't follow prog rock until Asia came around, then Yes teamed up with Trevor Horn and made me a fan. Asia's first two releases were on heavy rotation in my '73 Ford Maverick.

I've got my ducats for the Dallas show in April and I'm predicting the new CD will be on heavy rotation in my car again (although the Maverick has since been put to rest). In keeping with an earlier post, I could wear my old Asia concert jersey t-shirt to the concert...if I lost about 60 lbs in the next 9 weeks.

[jane]

Excellent -- and very cool. Looking forward to giving this a listen.

Have you scoped out a wall yet on which to paint this cover, Mr. Spears?

[Marissa]

Bahaha, Jane. I was thinking the same thing.

[Spears]

Well, I'll hopefully soon be moving to a new bachelor pad -- and my primary requirement for any such location will be wall space for my dozens of 80s movie posters.

[Greg Jones]

There are samples from the new album on their website.