Probably the best live Asia album out there at the moment.
Taken from Asia’s own master tapes this live CD+DVD is a raw but interesting look at a band with a long history, who after reforming a couple of years back seem to have gone from strength to strength. This live album has all the Asia classics you would expect it to, ‘Only Time Will Tell’, ‘Sole Survivor’, ‘Heat Of The Moment’ are all here, but you also get some of my favourite songs from the ‘Alpha’ album in ‘My Own Time’ and ‘Midnight Sun’, plus a couple off the then new album ‘Phoenix’ in ‘Open Your Eyes’ and ‘Extraordinary Life’ plus many more. Which is a great play list to say the least, but what I loved most about this live album was the interplay and fun the band seem to be having on stage.
This live CD is more about a bunch of mates playing music together and having a good time rather than living up to the super group tag they are supposed to be. That is, for me, what makes this album much more interesting and not just another live recording of Asia, the way in which the four band members laugh and make fun of each other in between the songs is great and gives ‘Spirit Of The Night’ a friendlier, warmer feel which makes listening to this album a lot of fun.
For me this is probably the best live Asia album out there at the moment and for fans of the band will be at the top of their Christmas shopping lists. Great stuff.
Ian Johnson
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