Lost/Forgotten Album #56

[Jon]

 

 

 

Did you know that Asia has actually released 10 studio albums? Did you?

 

It's true!

 

And this week's pick is from '92, titled "Aqua". (Note that they kept that album-titles-starting-with-"A" thing going on). Unlike the previous three studio albums, this one did not feature John Wetton as bassist/vocalist, Carl Palmer was not one every track and Steve Howe was on a few tracks. 

 

Instead we got the remaining Geoff Downes, John Payne as bassist/vocalist, and Al Pitrelli (Alice Cooper, Savatage, Megadeth) on geetar.  

 

What's most noticeable about this album, compared to the first three, is that it's more arena rock than prog. To be honest I was completely let down by the second album ("Alpha") while the third ("Alpha") had it's moments. I like this album on par with the first album and I'll probably get some flack for that, but what do I care? 

 

"Aqua" didn't do much business (at least in the U.S.) and I really didn't know about this album until about 10 years ago when I got on one of my kicks and had to have Asia albums I never heard of. Got 'em all, except "Aura" for some reason....well, until today when I found it for $1.00. 

 

 

Aqua

1. Aqua I

2. Who Will Stop The Rain

3. Lay Down Your Arms

4. Heaven On Earth

5. Someday

6. Crime Of The Heart

7. A Far Cry

8. Back In Town

9. Don't Call Me

10. Love Under Fire

11. The Voice Of Reason

12. Aqua II

 

(Note: This is the original U.S. release which does not include the songs "Little Rich Boy" and "Obsession". Deal with it.)

 

 

BONUS!!!!!

 

 

 

Due to a request, "Drama", the first album from Yes without Jon Anderson on lead vocals, has been included. 'Twas featured as a L/F album many, many years ago but what the heck. You request, I supply.

 

Drama

1. Machine Messiah

2. White Car

3. Does It Really Happen?

4. Into The Light

5. Run Through The Light

6. Tempus Fugit

 

(Another note: While "Drama" is the remastered version, I haven't included the bonus tracks. And there's a whopping 10 of 'em!)

 

 

 

Availability: "Aqua" starting around 5 bucks while the remastered/bonus tracks version of "Drama" is OOP but can be found for around 7 bucks.

 

MSoTW: Still no takers on the last one? Fine! This week's is easy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RJhog (Admin)]

The Asia album isn't bad at all.  I really like Who Will Stop The Rain and Crime Of The Heart.  Those two are outstanding.  I own 5 Asia albums, 3 of them "A"'s and the others are the last two, Phoenix and Omega I think, but I have spent very little time listening to them.  Don't really know why.

 

To me, the best thing about this album is the guitar playing.  That guy is good!

[Jon]

I've always liked the album cover, think it's neat-o.

[Scott]

Two Words - BIG STAR ... thats right!  I'm back ...

[Jon]

See? Easy!

[Scott]

Asia ...

At first I was all "Hey! This is really like off to a good start", and then I was all "uh... what happened?", and then I was all "oh ok, its getting better", and then I was all "what the 'H' 'E' double toothpicks?" and then finally I was all "Lets go listen to Drama", but then I remembered "Hey Scott!  You gotta do that later cause you have that thing to do", and then I was all like "oh yeah", so I'll be back later for the Yes part.

[Jon]

I think there's medication out there for your problem. Check out a magazine, I'm sure there's an ad for something that'll help.

[Scott]