A new live Asia album/DVD is right up there with those other fan-craved items such as another Styx DVD, a Bret Michaels country album and a new vocalist in Red Dragon Cartel.
But here it is anyway – their 5th live release since reforming and following the quite turgid High Voltage Live release.
Thankfully this is a far superior release. Everything that was wrong with High Voltage is corrected here.
The band is awake, the audio is pro-recorded and the set list an expanded full-show experience.
Naturally it’s die-hards only that are going to be remotely interested in this, especially as it is live album number 5, but the longer set list and the far better production quality has put this release well ahead of the other competing titles.
The enthusiastic San Francisco audience laps up all the usual fan favourites such as Heat of The Moment, Only Time Will Tell, Wildest Dreams, Don’t Cry and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.
Thrown into the mix are some of the better new tracks, which form a seamless bond with the classics. Face On The Bridge and Extraordinary Life faring the best.
I could well do without the 10 minute drums solo, thankfully the acoustic guitar solo is but one third that length. Definitely better value watching the DVD than on the CD for those two.
Great musicians these guys, but not the most mobile or visually enthralling act around. But with this value for money set, you can tune in with your ears or eyes depending on mood and appreciate the best songs of this classic rock act.
If you have the other 4 live releases, this won’t surprise, but it will impress.
