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Frontiers Records reveals tracklist for new Asia album Omega

retroDan — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:43:48 +0000

Frontiers Records recently revealed some new details concerning Asia’s upcoming release, Omega. With the success of 2008’s Pheonix and supporting tour, fans the world over are itching for more from this legendary foursome. I’m particularly interested in the new material especially since learning that producer Mike Paxman is involved with this project. Legacy artists like these obviously know their way around a recording studio but from what I’ve seen, it’s always beneficial to have an outside producer to provide a fresh perspective on their material. Geoff Downes is quoted in the new press release saying “We were looking to create something different with Omega… Of course, the sound of the 4 band members of Asia will always have a certain hallmark when we play together. That’s a given. But we approached the song writing with a mind to getting a degree of variety into these compositions. Hence, you will hear areas of textures where arguably we have never gone before.”

Look for Omega in stores and online on April 23rd in Europe and May 4th in the U.S.

Here’s the TrackList:
Finger on the Trigger
Through My Veins
Holy War
Ever Yours
Listen Children
End of the World
Light The Way
Emily (bonus track)
Still The Same
There Was a Time
I Believe
Don’t Wanna Lose You Now

Produced by Mike Paxman
record label: Frontiers Records
the band: John Wetton, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer
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It’s interesting to see the Wetton/Downes Icon track “Finger On the Trigger” on the tracklist. I guess the band was a bit short on material and had to resort to re-recording a previously released track (which can be found on Icon II: Rubicon). hhmmmm….

Oh, and the album cover by Roger Dean is a bit underwhelming to be honest. I expected a whole lot more from the highly acclaimed artist. Actually Dean’s artwork that’s slated for the inner sleeve is a bit more interesting than the current cover. oh, well…

Summer tour dates for the U.S. haven’t been officially announced yet but here are the latest dates for Europe and Japan:

Apr 21 – Helsinki, Finland – House of Culture
Apr 22 – Moscow, Russia – B1 Club
Apr 24 – Rome, Italy – Auditorium
Apr 26 – Prague, Czech Republic – Lidovy dum Kbely
Apr 27 – Winterthur, Switzerland – Salzhaus
Apr 28 – Graz, Austria – Orpheum
Apr 30 – Paris, France – Casino De Paris
May 1 – Uden, Netherlands – de Pul
May 2 – Asschaffenburg, Germany
May 3 – Nuremburg, Germany – Hirsch
May 4 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7
May 6 – Reichenbach, Germany – Die Halle
May 7 – Bochum, Germany – Zeche Prinz-Regent-Strasse 50-60
May 8 – Osnabruck, Germany – Rosenhof Rosenplatz 23
May 9 – Bonn, Germany – Bruckenforum
May 13 – Tokyo, Japan – Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall
May 14 – Tokyo, Japan – Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall
May 15 – Yokohama, Japan – Kanagawa Kenmin Hall
May 17 – Osaka, Japan – Grancube
May 18 – Nagoya, Japan – Nagoya Shi Kokaido

For more information, be sure to check out the official Asia website.

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**UPDATE: 03 March 2010**
Frontiers Records is offering a free MP3 download of the new song “Finger on the Trigger” (full version) on their website. Not sure how long they’ll have it up so be sure to check it out as soon as you can.

Asia to release new album Omega in April

retroDan — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:33:15 +0000

man, these veteran musicians work mighty fast! 80’s supergroup Asia just announced that their brand new studio album titled “Omega” will be released in April. Not only that but also they’ll touring Europe and Japan in April/May to support the new record. No word yet on any U.S. dates. but stay tuned…

Here are the 2010 tour dates that have been confirmed so far:
Apr 24 Rome, Italy
Apr 27 Winterthur, Switzerland
Apr 28 Graz, Austria
Apr 30 Paris, France
May 1 Uden, Netherlands
May 3 Nuremburg, Germany
May 4 Pratteln, Switzerland
May 6 Reichenbach, Germany
May 7 Bochum, Germany
May 8 Osnabruck, Germany
May 9 Bonn, Germany
May 13 Tokyo, Japan
May 14 Tokyo, Japan
May 15 Yokohama, Japan
May 17 Osaka, Japan
May 18 Nagoya, Japan

Asia back in the studio for new album 2010

retroDan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:53:47 +0000

Good news for fans of 80’s prog-rock band Asia. Management recently announced that the four original members of the band are currently in the studio working on the follow up to their highly successful 2008 album, Phoenix. This time around they’re working with an outside producer, Mike Paxman who will hopefully draw out stronger material from John Wetton and Geoff Downes. They don’t seem to have much time allotted for this project with Steve Howe still actively involved with Yes at the moment. In any case, I’m looking forward to new material from these legendary musicians.

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Yes/Asia 2009 summer tour setlist

retroDan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:22:33 +0000

Well, it appears that Yes’ summer tour (with Asia) kicked off this past weekend without a hitch. Hopefully the tour will be successfully enough for them to book dates beyond the Pennsylvania date on August 2nd. I’m personally hoping the next leg of the tour will make a stop in the southeast region of the U.S. so that I won’t have to commit to a long road trip just to see the show. come on, this middle-aged man can’t handle those long treks out on the road anymore!
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*Warning – spoiler alert* – don’t read any further if you don’t want to know the current Yes/Asia tour setlists…
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Yes/Asia setlists (from the June 27th show in Las Vegas) *spoiler alert*

Asia (approximately 1 hour set)
Wildest Dreams
Only Time will Tell
An Extraordinary Life
Video killed the Radio Star (Buggles)
In the Court of the Crimson King (King Crimson)
The Smile has left your Eyes
Don’t Cry
Fanfare for the Common Man (Emerson, Lake and Palmer)
Soul Survivor
Heat of the Moment

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Yes (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes)
Firebird Suite
Siberian Khatru
I’ve Seen All Good People
Tempus Fugit
Astral Traveller
And You and I
Steve Solo/Clap
Owner of a Lonely Heart
Machine Messiah
Roundabout
Heart of the Sunrise
Starship Trooper (encore)
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Asia: John Wetton, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes
Yes: Benoit David, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Oliver Wakeman, Alan White

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purchase Yes music at CDUniverse
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the other side of Asia: John Payne

retroDan — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:40:34 +0000

For those that can’t make it to see 80’s supergroup Asia open for Yes on tour this summer, there’s still an alternative. Many fans of the original Asia lineup may not be aware that there’s another version of Asia touring the U.S. this summer: Asia Featuring John Payne. Yes, I know some may feel that this configuration of the band is the inferior of the two but whatever the case may be, Payne was responsible for a number of decent tunes in the Asia back catalog. As a matter of fact, Payne (along with original member Geoff Downes) released eight studio albums as “Asia” between 1992 and 2004. I personally thought that Asia “mark II” hit their stride when they released Silent Nation in 2004 featuring the talents of Guthrie Guvan on guitar and Chris Slade on drums.

But things went south for Payne’s band when Downes decided to reunite with John Wetton, Steve Howe and Carl Palmer to tour as “Original Asia” in 2006. I’m not really clear on who owns the rights to the name “Asia” but there seems to be an agreement that Payne can still use the name “Asia” as long as it’s followed by “featuring John Payne”. Personally, I’d rather see Payne break free of the Asia name altogether and just focus on his other band GPS (which includes Guvan and Jay Schellen) but it seems that concert promoters are more willing to put up the money for a band called “Asia” than the lesser known “GPS” even though Payne, Guvan and Schellen play in both bands.

So anyway, for those that aren’t familiar with John Payne’s work with Asia, I thought I’d post one of my favorites by Payne titled “Long Way From Home”.
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There’s a black Siberian
Look a white guy in the sun
Miles away from where the quest begun
From the ice to the sand
Nations moved across the land
Ever since time designed the man

Someday to return to the place of my birth

I’m a long way from home but I know where I belong
It’s a long way I know
But the heart will still carry me home

Firewater in the blood took away the livelihood
Giving thanks every single year
Who the hell owns this land?
Is it God or is it man?
With the blood we draw the line again

I’m called to return to the place of my birth

I’m a long way from home but I know where I belong
It’s a long way I know
But the heart will still carry me home…

-”Long Way From Home” written by John Payne and Geoff Downes
from the 2004 album Silent Nation
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download Long Way from Home for a limited time via mediafire
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Catch Asia Featuring John Payne live this summer -

Jun 13 2009 Isle Casino (Isle of Capri) Biloxi, Mississippi
Jul 5 2009 American Music Festival Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Jul 12 2009 Tupelo Music Hall Londonderry, New Hampshire
Jul 14 2009 Mohegan Sun Casino Uncasville, Connecticut
Jul 16 2009 The Boogie Festival Springville, Indiana
Jul 18 2009 Rock N Resort Music Festival North Lawrence, Ohio
Aug 7 2009 Crestwood Fest Crestwood, Illinois
Aug 9 2009 Valley Cultural Arts Woodland Hills, California
Aug 12 2009 Trocaderos Event Center Minneapolis, Minnesota
Aug 13 2009 Waterfest Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Aug 15 2009 Wisconsin State Fair West Allis, Wisconsin
Sep 12 2009 Sky City Casino Acoma, New Mexico

Asia Featuring John Payne includes:
John Payne – Bass, Vocals
Guthrie Guvan – guitar
Jay Schellen – Drums
Erik Norlander – Keyboards

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Asia featuring John Payne – Long Way From Home (soundcheck, Scranton PA, 08Jun08)

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**UPDATE: 22Jun09** – according to a recent press release from the band, Mitch Perry will be filling in for Guthrie Guvan on guitar for the 2009 summer tour. It’s a bit of a downer for me personally since Guvan is SO amazing to watch on guitar!

It's official! – Yes – Asia – Tour Dates – 2009

retroDan — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:35:03 +0000

It’s now official! Prog-rock legends Yes will be touring the U.S. with Asia as their special guests. With Benoit David fronting Yes though, it’s a toss-up to me on who should be headlining. I mean, if Jon Anderson was involved, it’d be obviously Yes as the show-closer but with Asia having all original members and Yes without Anderson, it’s a tough call in my mind. I guess the promoters feel that Yes EVEN WITHOUT Jon is still a bigger draw than an all original Asia band. I’m a bit disappointed that they are NOT coming close to where I live but maybe they’ll add a second leg later on depending on ticket sales?

Here’s the official press release:
YES THEY CAN! LEGENDARY BAND BEGINS 24-DATE U.S. TOUR JUNE 26 IN INDIO, CA THROUGH AUGUST 2 IN BETHLEHEM, PA, WITH SPECIAL GUEST ASIA
North American Tour Will See YES’ Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White joined by singer Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, with Howe doing double duty in both bands

LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2009—It’s a prog-rock fan’s dream come true, with two of the legendary British bands of all time on the same stage, playing hits like “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout” and “Heat of the Moment.”

Acclaimed British band YES launch their 24-city U.S. tour on June 26 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA, featuring the classic line-up of guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White with new vocalist Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, son of the group’s Rick Wakeman. The tour runs through August 2 at Bethlehem, PA and includes stops at San Francisco’s Warfield Theatre (July 2), L.A.’s Gibson Amphitheatre at City Walk (July 7) and Philadelphia’s Tower Theater (July 28). The new dates come after this year’s West Coast tour was postponed when Chris Squire was hospitalized for leg surgery.

For this tour, YES will be joined by Special Guest Asia, with Howe, a cornerstone member of both groups, performing as part of each band’s set, alongside original Asia members, including ex-YES and Buggles keyboardist Geoff Downes, ELP’s Carl Palmer on drums and former King Crimson and UK bassist/guitarist/vocalist John Wetton.

Said Howe: “This is a monumental event and even though it will be a challenge, I am up for it.”

Rolling Stone raved that YES’ performance at New York City’s Hammersmith Ballroom last year “sounded as majestic as ever,” adding that the band’s stand-in vocalist Benoit David was able to “expertly mimic the impossibly high-pitched vocals of original singer Jon Anderson.” This may not be exactly the traditional YES line-up… “But it’s close enough,” the magazine declared.

YES concerts have always been very special events, and this spring’s U.S. jaunt will be no different. The group will perform selections from hit albums like Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans and 90125 along with audience favorites like “Roundabout,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Yours Is No Disgrace,” just some of the enduring classics that have made YES one of the most influential and groundbreaking groups in rock & roll.

This time around, Howe, Squire and White are also pulling out some rarely performed chestnuts, like 1980’s “Machine Messiah” and “Siberian Khatru,” expertly sung by David, a Montreal, Quebec, native and vocalist in several YES tribute groups, discovered by the band on the Internet. His ability to channel Anderson’s distinctive singing voice has added an extra treat for true fans.

Asia’s performance will feature many songs from their historic first album, the world’s best-selling release of 1982. The supergroup’s debut effort was #1 at Billboard for nine weeks and included such smashes as “Heat of the Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell” and “Sole Survivor.” The original line-up of ASIA reformed after 23 years apart in 2006, and has since conducted four successful world tours. In addition, the band released the critically acclaimed Phoenix album on EMI Records. Collectively and individually, the four original members of ASIA have sold over 120 million records.

“People have been waiting for this for decades,” adds Asia’s John Wetton. “Since America was so important to the success of both bands, we feel it was the right time and place to launch it.”

Over the course of a remarkable 40-year career that has continually redefined the boundaries of rock, YES has become renowned for their live performances since being formed in 1968 by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson. With drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks and keyboardist Tony Kaye, they metamorphosed into YES, earning a residency at the famed London venue The Marquee Club, where they played with Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, releasing their self-titled debut album in July 1969.

Guitarist Steve Howe, who continues to release acclaimed solo albums and tour, brought an experimental cutting edge to YES for 1970’s The Yes Album, their first to top the UK charts. Drummer Alan White, who had been hand-picked to play on John Lennon’s Imagine and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, came aboard in 1972. YES then went on to conquer America and played at some of the largest paid attendance concerts of all time, including JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1976 to a crowd of over 130,000 people.

As a dominant force for more than four decades, YES has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, stretching the boundaries of progressive art-rock with their dynamic instrumental contrasts and abstract lyrics. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles continues to make them one of the most successful and long-standing groups in rock history as they continue to add new, young fans to their following.

Added Squire: “This has turned out to be one of the best performing line-ups in YES’ storied history. It feels like we’re rediscovering these songs all over again.”

Summer Tour Dates 2009:
June 26: Indio, CA (Fantasy Springs Casino)
June 27: Las Vegas, NV (Thomas & Mack Center)
June 30: Snoqualmie, WA (Snoqualmie Casino)
July 2: San Francisco, CA (Warfield)
July 3: Saratoga, CA (The Mountain Winery)
July 7: Los Angeles (Gibson Amphitheatre at City Walk)
July 8: San Diego (Humphrey’s)
July 9: Phoenix (Dodge)
July 12: Denver (Paramount Theatre)
July 14: Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)
July 15: Ft. Worth, TX (Bass Music Center)
July 16: Muskegee, OK (Civic Center)
July 18: Walker, MN (Moondance Jam)
July 20: Detroit (DTE Energy Music Theatre)
July 21: Pittsburgh (Chevrolet Amphitheatre)
July 22: Glen Allen, VA (Insbrook Pavilion)
July 23: National Harbour, MD (Sunset Concerts)
July 25: Cohassett, MA (South Shore Music Circus)
July 26: Jackson, NJ (Great Adventure Amphitheatre)
July 28: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)
July 29: Montclair, NJ (Wellmont Theatre)
July 31: Westbury, NY (Theatre at Westbury)
Aug. 1: Jamestown, NY (Savings Bank Arena)
Aug. 2: Bethlehem, PA (Muskfest)
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Yes – Asia – summer tour dates – so far

retroDan — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:43:42 +0000

So the rumors turned out to be true! Legendary prog-rock group Yes will indeed be touring the U.S. this summer with Asia. I was personally pulling for a triple bill with ELP but apparently that didn’t pan out. And maybe that’s a blessing in disguise since a triple bill would require a severely shortened setlist for all the groups involved which concert goers probably wouldn’t want anyway. An official announcement is imminent but in the meantime dates are slowly trickling in.

here are the dates so far -
July 2, 2009 San Francisco, CA
July 3, 2009 Saratoga, CA
July 18, 2009 Minneapolis, MN
July 29, 2009 Montclair, NJ
August 2, 2009 Bethlehem, PA
~~August 9, 2009 Dallas, TX~~

I’ll probably post again once I get the official announcement. If they end up in my neck of the woods, I would definitely see this show!

The only downer is that Jon Anderson won’t be fronting Yes on this tour. Benoit David will still be singing for them. Oh and the interesting twist is Steve Howe doing double duty performing with both groups!!! So, hopefully he’ll be able to stay healthy for the duration of the tour!!

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Update: 16Apr09 -
The tour is now official! You can find the press release on this page.

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check out Asia performing a cover of Yes’ “Roundabout” (from the 2007 tour)

Wetton – Downes – Icon 3 – review

retroDan — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:44:11 +0000

It’s great to see John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes continue their partnership outside their work from Asia. Asia has been touring steadily for the last couple years but Wetton and Downes still managed to find time to write, perform and record as “Wetton/Downes”. With the recently released third album titled, Icon 3, I’d have to say that it is their strongest effort yet. I’m not sure if it had anything to do with Wetton’s health problems back in 2007 but the project seems to have a purpose and drive that wasn’t really present on their lackluster debut album back in 2004. With nicely developed melodies and instrumental arrangements, Icon 3 is chock full of big choruses the writing duo has been known for since their first big hit with Asia’s Heat of the Moment back in 1982. Highlights on the album include the tracks – “Destiny”, “Raven”, “Anna’s Kiss”, and “Never Thought I’d See You Again”. Unfortunately, there are some clunkers on the album most likely due to their tight recording schedule. The song “Sex, Power and Money” just doesn’t go anywhere. Other songs like “Don’t Go Out Tonight” and “Peace in Our Time” feel incomplete with interesting verses that lead into weakly constructed choruses. I don’t know about you but the line “don’t go out tonight, stay at home and watch some TV..” sounds kinda lame to me. I’m pretty sure if they had more time to work on some of these songs in between their Asia commitments, the album would have been a whole lot stronger.

retroGrade: B-

Wetton/Downes
Icon 3
label: Frontiers Records
released: April 2009

TrackList:
1 Twice the Man I Was 4:42
2 Destiny 5:22
3 Green Lights and Blue Skies 4:25
4 Raven 3:57
5 My Life Is in Your Hands 6:21
6 Sex, Power and Money 4:28
7 Anna’s Kiss [instrumental] 4:30
8 Under the Sky 4:54
9 Don’t Go out Tonight 4:05
10 Never Thought I’d See You Again 5:04
11 Peace in Our Time 5:39

all songs written by John Wetton and Geoff Downes

musicians:
John Wetton: Vocals, Basses
Geoffrey Downes: Keyboards, Vocoder
Dave Kilminster: Guitars
Peter Riley: Drums
Hugh McDowell: Cello
Ann-Marie Helder: additional vocals
Andreas Vollenweider: Harp

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upcoming Wetton Downes dates

retroDan — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:04:53 +0000

Hot on the heels of Asia’s successful comeback album Phoenix, keyboardist Geoff Downes and bassist/vocalist John Wetton are gearing up for the launch of their third Wetton/Downes studio album. But first, they’re planning on some live dates in Japan to debut some of the new material. In addition to those dates, they are also scheduled to record a special show in the UK for an upcoming DVD release. I’m personally surprised Wetton and Downes (as well as Asia/Yes guitarist Steve Howe) continue to dilute their audience base like this. If it were up to me, I’d capitalize on the success of Phoenix and extend the tour under the Asia moniker or use the time to record a followup album. That way, the momentum isn’t lost. Instead, we have Howe touring as “Yes” without Jon Anderson and Wetton/Downes releasing material that most likely could have been material for another Asia album. But knowing the convoluted history of two bands, I guess it’s just more of the same.

The Wetton/Downes touring band includes – John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Dave Kilminster and Pete Riley.

upcoming dates:
February 7, 2009 Fukuoka
February 9, 2009 Osaka
February 11, 2009 Tokyo
February 12, 2009 Tokyo
February 21, 2009 St. Mary-Le-Bow Church, London

music vault – Heat of the Moment

retroDan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:27:15 +0000

For today’s selection from deep within Retroblog’s music vault, I present to you – the Heat of the Moment by Asia! Yes, that’s right, the band that ended up as a punch line to the 40 Year Old Virgin joke that reaffirms to people that you are indeed gay. har, har. But no matter what Judd Apatow thinks, the song written by John Wetton and Geoff Downes *IS* a classic in my book. To celebrate the song, I thought I’d post some of the many versions of the song that have been released over the years.

1) Heat of the Moment by Asia (Fantasia – Live in Tokyo) : The original lineup sounding a bit fatigued in this live version recorded in 2007. I could imagine the band in deep conversation over whether to play this song or not:
Carl: Do we have to play this darn song again for the umpteenth time?
Steve: I’m sick of playing that opening riff. It makes me sound like a hack!
John: I know what you mean, Steve. I wrote those lyrics in 5 minutes while I was taking a crap back in 1981.
Geoff: Don’t make me call up John Payne, you guys. He’ll be willing to sing it, no problem.
The concert promoter: Need I remind you all that your contract clearly states that this song WILL BE played at every concert! Or do you not need this big check that I have right here in my hands?
ALL: oh, right.
John: I guess we’ll get right back on stage and play the darn thing.

2) Heat of the Moment by Asia with John Payne (Archives – Best of Asia 1988-1997) : Here’s a studio remake featuring John Payne on vocals. Wetton’s original vocals played such an integral part in the song that without Wetton, it just doesn’t sound right in my opinion. What do you think?

3) Heat of the Moment by Wetton/Downes (bonus track from Wetton/Downes – Icon) : Another studio remake of HoTM but this time by the original songwriters, Wetton and Downes. Again, the remakes lack the spark that the original recording captured. Also the lack of Steve Howe’s trademark guitar leads don’t help matters here either.

4) Heat of the Moment by Asia (Live in Moscow) : This was recorded during the 3/4 reunion of the band back in 1990. Filling in for Steve Howe was Pat Thrall. I never thought Thrall’s over-processed metal sound was that complimentary to Asia’s style of music. and as it so happened, Thrall never came back after the 1990 tour.

5) Heat of the Moment by John Wetton (Chasing the Dragon) : Probably one of my favorite live renditions of this song. Wetton stripes the song down to the basics here. lovely.

NOTE: all files are hosted on savefile for a limited time. enjoy.

Purchase albums by Asia via Amazon:

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