defend the indefensible: ASIA

Here's a taster from 2014's "Gravitas", kudos to the lads for getting a fire/desire rhyme in if nothing else:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIpmYEYC2rU

I still haven't gotten into that album - Howe had quit by that point. But I always want to hear Wetton's tunes. And that's what *the Asia question* came down to for me - how much do you accept Asia as a genuine manifestation of his artistry. If you look at the overall arc of his career, the Asia records certainly seem like important ones for him.

You certainly are defending the indefensible, Tim.

I love Wetton’s voice and bass playing. Outside of a few pretty generic sessions (the ABWH album sounds like it could be anyone), Howe is the guitarist version of “that guy could sing names in the phone book.” And “Only Time Will Tell” is a classic for me. But really, they have four songs.

Tim's love of Asia does intrigue me, probably enough to actually listen to a whole album of theirs.

And hey: I've never seen the Roger Dean cover that I didn't love! Cool shade of purple on that "Astra" cover.

― Myonga Von Bontee (Myonga Von Bontee), Thursday, June 10, 2004 12:22 AM (fifteen years ago) bookmarkflaglink

if nothing else, this otm

The idea that they're indefensible is outrageous. I wonder if they hadn't had the Roger Dean covers, if they had found some way to brand themselves in a way that highlighted how down to earth, humble, and genuine they were about their music, whether such claims would be made.

Sund4r, the last album with Howe, XXX - that's an excellent album. I miss John Wetton.

This is my favorite from XXX. It's quite beautiful how they came up with something so archetypically Asia-sounding on the last record they did together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bYBLfM7GCs

I got to say clips of the reunion of the original Asia lineup in 2007 in Japan (of course) are really pretty darn good.

They do...

Fanfare for the Common Man
Roundabout

Both takes are pretty good. It's a slower tempo but Greg Lake plays that bass line AND is having to sing Jon Anderson's line. Different vibe, but a pretty cool cover.

Carl Palmer blitzes through Fanfare on drums.

Lake wasn’t in the original lineup tho