Asia - Asia

of ex-grog rockers like Geoff Downes (Yes, The Buggles), John Wetton (King Crimson), Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake and Palmer) and Steve Howe (Yes) peopled might have been forgiven that A Asia was going to be a self indulgent mish-mash. What actually came from their debut in 1982 was in fact a polished pop-rock record. Thats not to say it doesn t have its fair-share of proggy moments, but the group was catapulted into the US top ten with their mega-hit Heat of the Moment . The band actually came about when prog supergroups Yes and Emerson Lake and Palmer came to an end and various members of each band became available. Amazingly enough Roy Wood unsuccessfully auditioned ...

Alpha - Asia

album could almost be the next Wetton Downes Icon project.Wetton Downes co writing all tracks here. Not as rocky as the John payne Asia,this is a far more melodic outing.The first 1982 A Asia album stands out as a classic,this ,i m afraid does not. The opener,Never Again,is typical Asia,with trademark harmonies and layered keyboards.tHe majority of this album seems to be John Wetton reflecting on his life,especially his recent Heart surgery.This is particularily in evidence on the standout track here,"an Extraordinary Life."There is also an acoustic version of the track on the european ...