Asia's 'Phoenix' is an odd bird

Just a year after drummer Carl Palmer told the Stuck in the 80s podcast that "the world is not waiting for an Asia album," that's exactly what we have.

"Phoenix" hits store shelves today, but Asia fans might be surprised to hear that buying it isn't a no-brainer decision.

"Phoenix" is a prog-rock masterpiece in many respects, but in achieving that, it sets aside a lot of what made Asia such a guilty pleasure to some of their fans.

Don't look for many FM-friendly hits here. There are no worthy descendants to "Heat of the Moment" or "Don't Cry." Instead, you'll hear 12 tracks -- many slowly paced as ballads -- that are beautifully composed and performed by four artists who finally seem comfortable showing off their musical roots.

Hard-core music critics who appreciate each of the four members' long-steeped history in legendary prog-rock acts will absolutely treasure this disc. But some Asia fans are going to wonder where the fun, catchy melodies went. Here are some other thoughts:

CHEER UP, JOHN: Bassist and vocalist John Wetton often turns to sadder personal moments for inspiration ("The Smile Has Left Your Eyes," "Don't Cry"). The misery continues in "Heroine" and "Alibis."

A SEQUEL: Listen carefully to "Never Again" and it's like you're hearing "part 2" to the pessimistic  war-anthem "Wildest Dreams" from the band's debut album. "Never again will I bear arms against my brother ... Never again will I spill blood of any mother's son."

'YES' FANS WILL BE HAPPY: Guitarist Steve Howe's imprint is much bolder on "Phoenix" than any previous Asia album. His guitar work finally breaks free of the swirling keyboarding of Geoff Downes, and the pair of songs Howe writes -- "Wish I'd Known All Along" and "Over and Over" -- are two of the most memorable.

A TASTE OF ALPHA: Looking for a tune that reminds you of "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes?" Try out "I Will Remember You," a more mellow cousin of the tune that highlighted the band's last group effort. "Locked in my memory, your silhouette. The only face I see, I can't forget."

AN 'EXTRAORDINARY' FINALE: The disc's last song -- "An Extraordinary Life" -- was written by Wetton after his heart bypass surgery last year. Finally here (and in "Nothing's Forever") you get a taste that John -- and maybe the whole band -- is happy, healthier and having fun again. "So, seize the day. Wake up and say, this is an extraordinary life. Enjoy today, come what may."

If there's an echoing refrain and message from "Phoenix," surely this is a worthy one.

Comments

[Big Tex]

I finally gave Phoenix a listen. Any of the songs would fit right in on Alpha. Heroine is indeed the lowpoint. Alibis is not much better, but the ornamented coda makes it bearable. It sounds very 80ish - right down to the analog keyboards. I'd give it a 7 out of 10.

What's with Steve Howe? He looks like an extra from a Lord of the Rings movies.

[Bassnote]

Steve, you never owned a Yes album? Not even the 80s classic, 90125?

[chad]

im glad they are doing something from astra. im a big astra fan. it is a bit different from asia and alpha. but it has john wetton singing on it. ill be seeing the guys on the 26th in 'lil ole marksvill, la. every day i get a little more hyped. itll be my first time seeing the band.

[sparky]

It was the full blown version. I would have been upset if they pulled it out for the encore and then went unplugged.

[Spears]

Wow, that's more prog-rock talk than I've heard in a lifetime, Doug.

I'm too mainstream to add anything meaningful to your analysis. But I will say Sean Daly just ridiculed me for using the term "masterpiece" in my review.

So take comfort in that.

[Douglas Arthur]

Steve,
I agree with your assessment vis-a-vis comparing Styx and Asia. Early Yes is pretty good, but they got crappy in the late 70's and early 80s after Bruford left for King Crimson and his own band Earthworks. Even the reform of Anderson Bruford Wakeman and Howe was more craptastic than tasitic. I liken most people's musical tastes to be like those circles they use to illustrate groups in 3rd grade mathwhen you meet another person, your circle will inevitably overlap with theirs, but never completely. there will always be things that you like that another can't stand and vice-versa, no matter how many things you have in common.

[Tom]

Steve, Carl did the same thing with the drum stick on the cymbal last night on the live web cast. Amazing! The man can rock! They played in Verona NY last night to kick off the release of Phoenix and other than some sound issues and web lag it was a truly awesome show! I would love to see them live in person, but I guess the webcast was as close as I'll get. And they finished with "Don't Cry" but the full on rock version not acoustic.

[Spears]

Sparky -- did the do the acoustic version of "Don't Cry" or did they rock it out? I'd like to hear the real version played live again.

And wow, an intermission. Normally, I hate those for rock shows. Basically, that's what those dreaded guitar and drum solos are for, I thought.

[sparky]

No sound problems except for the first 30 seconds. John Wetton brushed the mic with his hand and we got a little feedback but my God was I impressed with how good he sounded.

Palmer did a drum solo like I said was fantastic. He did a little stick acrobatics where he was playing a cymbal and started with both sticks and then let go of the one stick and made it dance around the cymbal with the other stick. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen.

Of course they played Roundabout from Yes which I always thought was long on the CD but I think they played the extended version.

All told, they played for about 2.5 hours and had a 20 minute intermission in the middle. Closed out the show with my all time favorite Asia tune, Don't Cry.

I really liked the new stuff that they played off the CD though, thought it was pretty soothing.

[Spears]

Gen. McArthur -- Those are fighting words. Trust me, this new disc is Prop-Heavy.

I'll give you that the debut was prop-mainstream. But not this time around. And I'd call Styx "prop-pop" before I'd do that for Asia.

And to be honest, I'm not a prog fan. I have never owned a single 'Yes' album.

[Spears]

Thanks for the mini-review, Sparky. I caught them on the last tour and it was pretty good. They did the usual "yes, buggles, king crimson" stuff, which was really fantastic.

They were having sound problems in the venue that night, so it wasn't a perfect show, but I was just happy to see them together at last.

[Douglas Arthur]

Asia to me has always been "prog-lite" and the sum of the parts never equaled a greater whole. I'll give the new disc a spin just for giggles, but Asia is a bit too syrupy to be really classified as "prog". There, i said it. Prog-pop might actually work better as a descriptor if we must use one.

[Bassnote]

Being that Prog-Rock is the first type of music I ever got into, this is right up my alley. Granted, Steve is right that there are no radio friendly singles on this one, but that's not a bad thing in my opinion. Each member is allowed to show off their musical skills, and the songs still manage to have some good hooks. I like that they got to their prog roots and did some longer songs, like 'Sleeping Giant / No Way Back / Reprise'. My biggest joy is hearing Steve Howe play some great guitar on the whole album. All in all, I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars.

[Spears]

No way! Sean's Feather Sound neighbors look more like the cast of Melrose Place.

[chase]

Who are the old guys in the photo? Looks like Sean's neighbors broke in!

[sparky]

Spears, saw the opening night of the Phoenix tour in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. I was not a huge Asia fan going in. Had the CDs but they weren't in heavy rotation on the Ipod. After seeing the show I had to say, if you are an Asia fan DO NOT miss the show if it comes anywhere near you. My friend and I went got seats in the 5th row and had a fantastic time. Wetton sounded CD quality and Carl Palmer gave the second best drum solo I have ever seen (only to Neil Peart and his massive drum kit). Steve Howe and Geoff Downes both showed extraordinary musicianship. Plus you got a little taste of Yes, The Buggles, King Crimson and ELP.

Fantastic show. Rating - Fandamntastic

[tom]

I'm watching the live show on Amazon right now
http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/AJM38DLD0P3H8/ref=cm_blog_blog
I'm sure it will be great!

[chad]

oops didnt mean to type sean. i guess thats what i get trying to type in the dark.

[Spears]

I've listened to it a few more times, and I like it more and more with each listen.

I totally dig "Extraordinary Life" though. I'd like a couple more songs like that on the disc.

[chad]

sean

i never considered asia a guilty pleasure. all my friends loved them. i guess today, maybe a little. but all the stuff i listen to might be in that category. if radio knew anything, never again, extraordinary life and alibis would be all over it.

[chad]

as a long time fan, ive been looking forward to today since 1985. ive been living with asia's first three records for years. i think john wetton is the voice of asia, always has been, always will be. that said, phoenix threw me a bit on first listen. there were songs that instantly brought me back to 1982, and some that left me scratching my head. after a few listens, i'll give my thoughts. first off, dont expect the first record, it'll never happen again. that was a time and place sorta thing. if you do that, you'll be more than happy with the results. the cd sounds incredible, good production, vocals that soar. highlights for me include, never again(instant classic), alibis, i will remember you, shadow of a doubt, parallel worlds/vortex/deya(incredible song), and an extraordinairy life(also instant classic). the cd has recieved glowing reviews just about everywhere. its a great piece of work. my humble opinion.