Complementing the recent ASIA posts with their first (and best) albums, here’s the remastered & expanded 2-CD edition of ASIA’s excellent album “Phoenix”, their best since the band early seminal LP’s. This double disc reissue was done on the band’s own Asia Music Limited and distributed by Cherry Red Records.
The original line-up of the band reunited in 2006 and recorded the studio album ‘Phoenix’ in 2008, originally released by Frontiers Music in Europe. Featuring original members Geoff Downes (Yes/The Buggles), Steve Howe (Yes), Carl Palmer (ELP) and John Wetton (King Crimson / UK) the chemistry returned and ‘Phoenix’ is one of ASIA’s best efforts.
This “Phoenix 2-CD Special Edition” re-release features the original European Version of the album, the two acoustic bonus tracks from foreign editions (Japan bonus tracks), and as bonus disc, this American Version of the album – all remastered.
When first appeared in 2008, the American Edition included a different mix (more ‘commercial’) of the opening track “Never Again” and different mastering throughout. The band was aware that US fans may have a different perception of the album because of these differences, so it has been included as a bonus disc here.
The album gave rise to the hit “An Extraordinary Life” which has been played all around the world, including as the theme to America’s Got Talent advertising. Vocalist John Wetton is in fine form, as he takes on both ballads and rockers. His performance on the already classic “An Extraordinary Life” is especially strong and his bass playing, of course, is always exemplary.
Everyone here turns in great performances, but Howe really steals the show. Listen to the memorable hooks he plays for the solos on “Shadow of a Doubt” and the melodic rock-drenched “Alibis.” His softer more lyrical side is displayed on tracks like “Sleeping Giant” and “Deya.” There is a superb guitar refrain into “Parallel Worlds…” during the “Deya” part that is very moving.
I wish that he was given more opportunity to “rock out” with the songwriting, he is clearly the featured performer on this recording.
To be honest, I did not truly appreciate Carl Palmer’s drum skills in full as it’s heard on this new remastering. Keyboardist Geoff Downes turns in some shiny work throughout, especially on “Sleeping Giant” and the rolling flourishes on “Over and Over.”
There are also some avenues that these gentlemen have not explored together before. For instance, two extended epic pieces in “Sleeping Giant /No Way Back / Reprise” and “Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Deya” are quite nice.
There is also a kind of weird beat during “Wish I’d Known All Along” that actually works for this talented band. It felt like a real departure from their signature style.
So ‘Phoenix’ is not the “same old, same old”.
“Phoenix” is easily the strongest album ASIA recorded after their celebrated first works, on par in quality with any of these. Here we have the complete package ‘European version’, the Japanese / European limited edition bonus track, The American Version / US remix’, and as said, a fresh remaster uncovering new layers of sound.
This release is sold out now, out of print
HIGHLY Recommended
CD 1: The European Mixes ;01:14:31
01. Never Again (04:55)
02. Nothing’s Forever (05:46)
03. Heroine (04:55)
04. Sleeping Giant / No Way Back / Reprise (08:11)
05. Alibis (05:40)
06. I Will Remember You (05:13)
07. Shadow of a Doubt (04:19)
08. Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Deya (08:13)
09. Wish I’d Known All Along (04:07)
10. Orchard of Mines (05:13)
11. Over and Over (03:34)
12. An Extraordinary Life (04:59)
13. I Will Remember You (Acoustic Remix) (05:14)
14. An Extraordinary Life (Acoustic Remix) (04:16)
CD 2: The US Mixes ;01:04:53
01. Never Again (04:55)
02. Nothing’s Forever (05:47)
03. Heroine (04:53)
04. Sleeping Giant / No Way Back / Reprise (08:11)
05. Alibis (05:40)
06. I Will Remember You (05:11)
07. Shadow of a Doubt (04:18)
08. Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Deya (08:12)
09. Wish I’d Known All Along (04:06)
10. Orchard of Mines (05:12)
11. Over and Over (03:34)
12. An Extraordinary Life (04:57)
Asia – Phoenix [Remastered 2-CD Special Edition] (European & US Mix), MP3+FLAC
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