Styx the early years

Styx is my favorite rock group. One of the reasons I have like the band is because it is hard to put their music into anyone category. Rock-n-Roll, pop, hard rock, soft rock, new wave. The band has had hits in all these feilds too. At any time in the bands history, they have had 3 vocalists. Dennis DeYoung (keys), Tommy Shaw (guitar), James Young (guitar), John Curuleswski(guitar), Lareance Gowan (keys) , and Glen Burtnik (guitar). Plus the band has had Todd Sucherman and John Paanozzo on drums. Also on bass was original bass man Chuck Panoozzo, and now Ricky Phillips. But no matter the line-up or the year, the band has made good music and put on great concerts.
The early years of Styx was Dennis, John C., John P, JY and Chuck, this was up until the Equniox cd, which would be John C's last.

Styx-1972 (C-)

The first cd by Styx is the most un Styx like of all the cds. 2 or 3 songs on the cd are written by the members of the band, the rest of the cd is covers. Not that the covers are bad, they just are not that good. Styx would not have a good covers cd till about 30 years later. My favorite cover song, which is my favorite song on the cd, is Quick Is The Beat Of My Heart. Best Thing is my favorite Styx written song. But I would not buy this cd if I were not a Styx fan, any of their best of cds from this era 2 of the 3 good songs on the cd. By the way, the cover show is from the 1980 re-releases, this not the original.

Styx 2-1973 (C+)

After a lackluster start, Styx came back with their follow up CD, Styx 2. This time writing their own songs, and John C. singing on the two songs that he wrote, A Day, and You better ask. A Day is a good song, containing a very good instrumental in the middle. You Better Ask is one of the two weak songs on the CD, a song about VD and pregnancy and the problem it causes. But the star of this CD is Dennis. Writing five of the six songs, and handling vocals on three of them. Dennis started it all right here, with a song called Lady. Not a hit at first, but a couple years after the release of this CD, it would be a top ten hit, their first of many. Father O.S.A. one of the other songs that Dennis has lead vocals on is a prelude of songs to come for the group (Madame Blue, etc). JY isn't to be counted out, handling vocals on You Need Love and the rocker I'm Gonna Make You Feel It, which is a great closer for the CD. Styx showed life on this CD, long before anyone really knew them. Earl Of Roseland is my least liked song on the cd, Dennis' voice is grating.

Serpent is Rising -1973 (D+)

I remember when I first got his album (CD), I put it on and cranked it up. I was totally blown away by the opening track, Witch Wolf, JY had created an awesome rocker. But things didn't awesome for long. The Grove of Eglantine, by Dennis falls flat, one of my least liked songs by Dennis. I do not like the way it is sang, arranged, I just don't care for it. But JY, again saves the CD with the third track, Young Man. This track has a meaning behind it, and can still be sung today as easily as when the Vietnam war was going on. And this song kicks butt. JC, enters the game with a good As Bad As This, but by the time the track is over, a non listed song pops up, Plexiglass Toilet. This has to be the worst Styx song in history. Its a embarrassment to listen to, when I play the CD now, I have to hit the skip button. It's hard to keep listening to the CD after hearing this song, most of the time, I'm able to move on to the next song. But since its a "hidden" song its tacked onto the end of As Bad As This, and you can't program your player to skip "Plexi"without skipping "As bad as.." The next song is Winner Takes All, a good message, but Jy voice is whiny, and the CD never really recovers with the following tracks.The CD really tries to rock, and at points it really does. Witch Wolf, and Young Man are two of JY's finest. Dennis writes three songs and sings vocals on two, one of witch is a duet with JC. As a concept CD, which it tries to be, it comes up very short with its dark message. Basically it is some songs (most of them poorly produced and written) with a very very thin theme in some of them.

Man of Miracles-1974 (B-)

Their 1974 release, starts off with the rocking Rock and Roll Feeling and ends with the metal title track Man of Miracles. And this CD contains some very good songs, even though they never got any air play, Lady from Styx 2 was starting to be picked up ath the time of this release .This CD contains other rockers besides the two mentioned above, Southern Woman the 3rd sung and written by JY, shows that he could carry a STYX CD. He also sings A Man Like Me, Havin' a Ball, and shares vocals with Dennis on Lies. Having written or, co-written about half the tracks on this outing, JY made what would be his best STYX CD. He would later be reduced to one to two songs a CD, as the Tommy and Dennis pair would take over the writing chores on later Cd's.Dennis made his presence know this time, on the last CD (SERPENT) he was almost unnoticed. But this time he showed his style, that would later develop into his superstar writing pattern.Here he as the songs Golden Lark, A Song for Suzanne,both good, the haunting Evil Eyes, the lackluster Christopher, Mr.Christopher. And if you were lucky you may have the CD with the hidden track Unfinished Song, which besides Lady is his best song up to this date. JC didn't sing on this outing, and he only co-wrote three songs. Rest of the band Chuck and John, show a growing connection in the playing together, the whole group appears to be coming together. only leave Havin' a Ball, which keeps repeating itself, is the weakest song this time, followed by DeYoung's Christoper song .Over all not a bad album.

Equniox-1975 (B+)

Styx starts off their new CD with a one two punch, Light up, and Lorelei. Both songs sung by Dennis show the growing range of his vocals, and the range of his keyboards. The former was written with JY (which he now sings lead vocals on in concert). The CD is very keyboard driven, and very well produced. Both songs, along with this Cd's Suite Madame Blue are Styx' classics. Suite Madame Blue is one of my all time favorite songs, the live versions of this song stand out above just about any song on radio or in concert today. Lonely Child is your typical Dennis song. Midnight Ride is a classic JY song, and one of his best ever. Mother Dear would be JC's last song for Styx (he would leave the group before they would start this tour), and other than some good keyboard work, this song falls flat. Born for Adventure, is a good rocker.Overall not a bad start with their new record label, and it stands up well to the test of time. Over the past couple of years this CD has grown on me even more.

Steve Perry

Steve Perry, The greatest singer is Rock history, and one of the greatest singers ever. The man could belt a rocker that would floor you, then sing a ballad that would rock you with the emotion he put into it. The man has also caused more controversy. Who cares if "Elvis has left the building", it is "Perry has entered the building!" His sudden disappearance after Journey's Trail By Fire, has divided the Journey camp. Did he leave Journey or was he fired? Did he really have hip problems and if he did, was there surgery. Is he losing his voice? Is he ever going to make a new cd? Every year for the past 10 years, rumour has it Perry is in the studio working on a new cd. 10 years now!!! And the big one, which came first the chicken or the egg question, "would Journey have made it big without Perry or would Perry have made it big without Journey?" Whatever the questions, the man has talent as a singer and song writer. But who would have been more popular?


Street Talk-1984 (B+)

Journey's vocalist Steve Perry's STREET TALK is his first and best solo cd. With a voice like Perry, it is hard not to know it is not him singing. He has a voice like no other. He is the voice of rock. STREET TALK confirms this even more.
Oh Sherrie starts off the cd. It starts off with a very recognizable keyboard intro, but when Perry sings, you know who is in control. This is his show, no matter how good the music is or how poor, Perry sails above it all. Perry sings with control and confidence. Even though his voice is showing more wear and tare, he pulls it off in a slightly lower range. He still soars above the rest of the singers in the field.
Perry vocals are showcased on all songs, but he really shines on Oh Sherrie, I Believe, She's Mine, Foolish Heart, Running Alone, and Captured By The Moment.
While Strung Out wasn't a vocal showcase for Perry that it could have been, it is still a good song, and is the most Journey like sounding song on the cd. And that brings the only weak point to the cd. The people playing the music for Perry. As great of a singer that Perry is, he needs a strong band to back him up. The musicians are good here, but they are not of the Journey caliber.
Still a very good cd here,and some good songs.

For The Love Of Strange Medicine (C-)/Remastered (B)

Production, production, production. It can make a bad cd good, or a good cd sound bad. This cd show both sides of the coin. When this cd first came out, I was ready for it. A new cd from the voice of rock himself, Steve Perry!! This man can sing and right music, but more than anything he can sing. From the opening note of You Better Wait to the note of Anyway I was in shock!?! What had happened?! This was not the Steve Perry I know. While there were some good songs on here, the cd was lifeless, from the singing to the playing. So I put the cd on again, this time I cranked it up. HORRIBLE!!! Turned it down half way threw the cd. It was almost a week before I came back to it. Listened to it in the car, at work, on my walkman. Everywhere I went this cd went with me. And for years the memory of this horrible outing by Perry was how I pictured him. The Journey reunion faired better, but failed to live up to Journey's high standards. While I said it was a bomb (for Journey), it is not a bad cd. But this cd was bad. The only songs I every listened to when I put this on were You Better Wait, I Am, Stand Up, Missing You, and Anyway the rest were skipped.

Now flash forward 12 years. Journey reissues their catalogue freshly remastered. I by them all plus Steve's Street Talk. I was amazed by how good they sounded. But did I want to waste my money on this cd? I am glad I talked my self into. The remasters have breathed a new life and a new sound into this cd. The music no longer seems stale, but full of life and crisp. Now other songs that I skipped I listen too, and the songs I liked, only sound better.

Yes production can make a difference.

Greatest Hits Plus 5-1998 (B+)

Is Steve really worth a hits cd? Only 2 cds (solo) and I was not a big fan of the second for a long time. Yeah Steve is worth this. Included are some soundtrack solo stuff the Awesome I Stand Alone and some early demo, plus songs from his unreleased Against The Wall cd. Would have been nice to have had some Journey songs recorded from his solo shows.

Playlist; The Very Best Of Steve Perry-2009 (B)

Can't really say a lot about this set. Nothing new, and it is all covered in the 1998 hits cd. Worth buying if you do not own the remastered cds above.

Ok, who would have been more popular if Perry had not gotten hooked up with Journey?

Perry had retired, given up on music Journey was still moving a long, having hired a new singer right before Perry came along. I think both would have done ok. Perry's solo stuff has been good but not outstanding, while Journey's has done a little bit better. What Perry was lacking was someone who had the fire that his voice had, and keep the music sharp. What Journey had was someone who could sing, but they seemed scared to move on from the prog sound they were stuck in (Perry had the attitude to move them foreward). So I think, Journey would have gone down the rock road and Perry more pop or even r&b. But it doesn't really matter because they got together and made some of the best music out there. Schon needed someone who could match his playing, and Perry had the voice to do it. Perry, then Cain brought a more pop rock approach to the sound, but Neal's guitar keep even the slow songs on fire, and Perry's voice gave them soul.

Forget about all the what ifs and what could have been, just crank it up and enjoy the voice and the music.

SAMMY HAGAR

Sammy Hagar is one of the finest rock and front men in the business. He has had a successful solo career, fronted one of the biggest rock bands in history, Van Halen. And on top of that he has worked with and has the respect of the rock community.
Sammy may not have the best voice out there, but he packs an emotional wallop in his songs. Sammy may not be the best guitarist out there, but he can handle his own against the best. He may not be the
best stage persona, but he has fun on stage, and brings the audience along for the fun. Sammy's song writing at times seems pigeon holed, but he does it good, and will still step out into the political or religion area and have his say. So what makes Sammy one of the best front men out there, all the above, and a love for what he does. It shows on every cd. I may not like everything he has done, but Sammy holds to his guns, and lets it rip. The cds below are what I have, and with the new Chickenfoot cd, now is a good time to see how it compares to the rest.




Chickenfoot-2009 (B+)


A new "super group" of veteran rockers, lead by Hagar on vocals, with his musical buddy from Van Halen, Micheal Anthony on bass. Joe Satriani, is the guitarist, and Red Hot Chilly Peppers drummer, Chad Smith fills out the band. What a combination, I didn't know whether to run and hide or strap on my headphones and crank it up. Not being a big Chilly Pepper fan and not having followed Satriani career that much, I was in doubt about this cd. But hearing Mike and Sam together again was what made me crank it up. I am glad I did. This cd starts off with a bang and heads along at warp speed. Sometimes the music seems ready to jump off the disk. The first 4 songs Avenida Revolucion, Soap On A Rope, Sexy Little Thing and Oh Yeah, along with Get It Up and Learning To Fall make for a great rock and roll cd. The band for the most parts seem to click very well together, still a little issue with the drummer, but he moved up a notch in my book. Satriani I like his style, got 6 of cds on the way. What can I say about Sammy and Mike, other than BAM!!!! In your face rock, lets see if Dave, Eddie and little wolfie can beat this!





Sammy Hagar-1977- (C+)

First record of Hagar's I ever owned. This cd hasn't really stood the test of time that well. The are a hand full of good tunes Red, Rock-n-Roll Weekend are the best of them, while Filmore Shuffle and Cruisin and Boozin feel out the rest the decent songs. C&B musically, is good , but hate the thought of drinking and driving with your buddies, now a days, sends shivers down my spine. Rest of the cd is filler and the songs really are slightly below average.



Danger Zone-1979 (C)


This outing by the Red Rocker contains some good songs also. Love Or Money, Bad Reputation, Iceman and Run For Your Life. But as with Sammy early work, the songs were either good or bad, and it is about 50/50 on this outing. Production is better this time too. Sammy plays with a gusto on all the songs, it just that all the songs aren't worth the effort.





Musical Chairs-1981 (B-)


This is were Sammy started coming into his own. Chairs is a raw energy filled cd. The songs are all good. There are no songs that have "filler" written all over them. Reckless, Turn Up The Music, You Make Me Crazy, and Someone Out There are the stand outs on this cd. Turn Up The Music is one of my top 10 Hagar songs. And he has done something here that was really lacking on his earlier efforts, you want to listen to the whole cd, and some of the songs have you singing along.



Standing Hampton- 1981 (A)

This is my favorite Hagar cd. From front to back it rocks. If Hagar came into his own on Musical Chairs, he kicked it into overdrive with this outing. I'll Fall In Love Again, Heavy Metal, Sweet Hitchhiker, Baby's On Fire, and my favorite Hagar, There's Only One Way To Rock. Production on this cd is the best yet to this point, not to raw and not to polished, it adds just the right kick without overdoing it. Not a bad song on this cd, the music is tight, the vocals are powerful and Hagar is at his best. There is only one way to rock with Hagar, LOUD!

Live 1980-1983 (D)

I wanted so bad to like this cd when it came out in 83. The performance and production does nothing to catch Sammy at his best, and that is on stage. Cd (record then) was recorded in 1980 so nothing from his last two fine recordings, Standing Hampton and Musical Chairs are on here. I feel it was released to catch some sales on Hagar's new found popularity. Song selection is ok, and the cd may be better if it was remastered. But for now it is the low man on the totem pole.

3 Lock Box-1983 (B)

Again Hagar delivers another great cd. Many people I have talked to consider this his best pre Van Halen cd, and some his best period. I am not one 0f those people. I think the cd is good and has many good songs on it like, 3 Lock Box, Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy, Rise Of The Animal and I Don't Need Love. It is the other songs that fail to hit the mark. Remote Love and I Would Change A Thing are cringe worthy. Rest of the songs are ok, but do not offer any thing good or bad to the cd.

Through The Fire-1984 (C-)

I did not get this cd till a few years back. Never heard of it till then. Hagar and Neal Schon of Journey on one cd. The possibilities!! The cover promised this music would be on fire, just like I thought. Top Of The Rock was just that my favorite song from the cd. But then something bad happened, rest of the songs failed to capture the lead of song. What should have been an awesome musical experience turned to pain. Each track was a bigger disappoint than the last one. It wasn't until My Home Town that the guys turned it around and then it was too late. The cd may not be as really bad as I say it is. But the problem is with the greatest axeman in the business, Neal, and one of the greatest rock and roll front men, you hopes are really high for a great cd, no an outstanding cd. What we got here is a plain doctored up live cd, with ok production and just ok songwriting and playing.

V.O.A.-1984 (B)

Again back to his basic band, Hagar pull out another good cd. I Can't Drive 55, one of Sammy's best songs, starts this disk out on the right start. A hard guitar lick and a great sing along chorus that sinks its hooks in you and drags you along. The cd almost stumbles with the second song, Swept Away. The song is a little too over dramatic for it's own good. Rock Is In My Blood, Two Sides Of Love, and Don't Make Me wait are standard Hagar affair, they are still worth repeated listens. And the cd ends with the awesome Burning Down The City, some great guitar work on this song.

I Never Say Goodbye-1987 (A-)

This is my second favorite cd by Hagar, which was recorded after his first cd 5150, with Van Halen (Van Hagar). The production adds a heavy feel to the cd, which normally I do not care for, but it works here. Some of Sammy's best guitar work is on this cd, and his voice is in true form. Every song is good from the blues Standing At The Same Old Crossroads, to free flying Eagles Fly. Returning Home and Boys Night Out sound like 5150 material (which was their best cd), while the rest could have had a place on any of his last 3 studio cds. The last three songs on this cd are in my top 10 Hagar songs, Back Into You, Eagles Fly, What They Gonna Say Now. Give To Live was the hit off this cd, and probably my favorite liked song on it. A great cd.

The Best Of Sammy Hagar-1992 (A)

Of all the early Hagar "best of" collections this is the best. Pulls from all the early cds, plus has Hagar's version of his own song, that Rick Springfield made famous, I've Done Everything For You. Plus Otis Redding's' Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay with the rock Boston on backing vocals. Plus it doesn't hurt that it has all my favorite early Hagar songs, like Plain Jane, Turn Up The Music, Reckless, Bad Reputation, You Make Me Crazy. A good solid best of collection all the way around.

Unboxed- 1994 (A)

Another good collection of Sam's songs, this time from 81 to 87. The big ones are here Only One Way To Rock, Heavy Metal, I Can't Drive 55, plus many other. Two new songs Buying My Way Into Heaven and Up In Smoke are a welcome addition to the Sam club of music.

Marching To Mars-1997 (A-)

Sammy comes back to his solo career with a vengeance. Marching is a solid effort that kicks some serious butt! Little White Lie is a rocker with a blues feel to it, and Huey Lewis is playing harmonica on it too. Lie is under 3 minute and packs a punch, that makes me want to throw down on guitar, or in my case air guitar. Following along in the right Now mode, is Who Has The Right a very social commentary song about life and death. Both Sides Now is another good rocker, as is the tile track. The Meatloaf song, which Hagar wrote, is on here, Amnesty Is Granted. Meat played it out as a straight rocker, but Sammy builds it up then takes it down for a nice controlled ride with his voice at times cutting loose and taking you over the edge. rest of the songs stand out as more than just filler. Another great cd.

The Anthology-1998 (B+)

A good collection of songs from montrose to his V.O.A. cd. The songs are in chronological order and show a good selection from his early years to his right before Van Halen years.

Red Voodoo-1999 (C)

Sammy started getting away from the rocker and going more into the party mode in both persona and concerts. It was a change I didn't like. The songs are ok, and the production pretty weak. The songs are not bad, but other than Don't Fight It, I really can't find any reason to own it, unless yur a Hagar fan.

Ten 13-2000 (B)

A return to basic for Sammy here, at least on recording. Better production, writing and playing make for a better record, and that is what we got this time around. It starts off with Shaka Doobie a nice little rocker, with a nice guitar lick. Must say Sammy and his new band (from 97's cd up) are starting to gel pretty good here. Let Sally Drive, Serious Juju, Deeper Kind Of Love, and Ten 13 are the standouts, only a couple songs fall below standard fare, and the rest stay above average rock.

Not 4 Sale-2002 (B+)

Another laid back cd from Sam, that rocks! Sam must be getting older and wiser, having learned what works and what doesn't, he has laid the ground work for a great cd here. Production at times seems a little weak, but the song writng is above par. Half Way To Memphis is one of his finest songs. Stand Up, Whole Lotta Zep, Hallelujah, Things've Changed are all stand out songs on a cd full of good siongs. Sammy plays with the experience of a seasoned rocker, but with the gusto of a young one. One of My most listened to Sammy cds.



Live: Hallelujah-2003 (B)

Live, raw, loud and in your face is the best way to describe this cd. If I remember right the cd was recorded in different cities and not at one show, which I must say kinda of set me back at first. But there is no denying this Sammy at his best. Montross, Van Halen and his solo songs are here.








The Essential Red Collection-2004 (A-)

Probably the best collection of Hagar songs from early to his 1999 cd Red Voodoo. Collects some of his soundtrack songs too.

Livin' It Up-2006 (B)

A great laid back cd from Sammy, and the new songs Sam I Am and Living On A Coastline are great songs that set the mood for rest of the cd. Want rock, you got it, want some blues, it is here. want some folk sounding songs, check, want some country he got that too. A very dervierse cd for Hagar, and it comes across very clear that Sam is having a blast.

Sammy covers Dylan and Chesney along with a couple of others. Sammy's band is tight, and so is the production. Very good outing, but, there were a couple songs that I tend to skip, not because they are bad, just not my cup of tea, or in Sammy's case shot of tequila.

Cosmic Universal Fashion-2008 (D+)

I have gave this cd several listens before passing judgement. Sammy has long been one of my favorite artists, but this is crap. Sam tries to reinvent himself. I don't know what he trying to prove here, we all know he can rock, but this cd tries to be so upfront, that it is distracting. Most of the problem seems to come from the production of the cd. I don't know who produced this cd, got mine copy off Itunes, but he needs to be fired. The production is so sloppy in its attempt to sound modern and hip that it kills the songs. And for the most part the songs need to be killed. Sammy does a horrible cover of the Beaties Boys Fight For Your Right To Party, the Beastie Boys? Come on Sam, you can write better songs than this in your sleep.

The title track, Psycho Vertigo, Peephole, and When The Sun Don't Shine are the best of this poor selection. They are actually good songs, but production just about makes them unlistenable. I actually like Peephole better here even with the production better than the Soul Sirkus version that Hagar and Schon wrote for Planet Us. About the only track that Sammy's vocals don't sound like he is whinning. I thought for a while Sammy's vocie was shot unitl I heard Chickenfoot, again a casuality of poor production.

Maybe next time Sam will leave his tequila at home and pay more attention to want his going on around him.

BOSTON

CORPORATE AMERICA 2002 (C)
The name of Bostons latest cd should really be call It's Been Such A Long Time part 5. What is it about an average of 5 years between cds? What was there last cd called? Who is Boston? That should be the rally cry for Boston fans.The Bands cd COPORATE AMERICA is different than any other Boston cds for a few reasons...1) Several vocalist on one cd, 3.2) A woman is in the band, on bass.3) Several songs not written by Scholz.4) The least sounding Boston cd out there.The vocalist is a welcome part for the most part. Fran Cosomo joins Brad on several songs, plus each do there own. The bad part is it takes away from the wonder called Brad Delp. Also, Kim Dahme is the other vocalist, and she is good, but when she is singing it is NOT Boston. Kim also plays bass and does a great job of it.The cd starts out with I Had A Good Time is a great song that fits into any Boston cd. Band seems like they are having fun at it too, need to with a title like that. Cosmo wrote and sings the next song Stare Out Your Window, which could have come off the underrated WALK ON cd. Stare is also a good song, with a little slower pace to it. Cosmo vocals are good.The title track has all the vocalists on the song, singing, screaming, and purring to the voice of Corporate America and it's corruption. But the production isn't quite what I would have hoped for on this song. The vocals are all mixed together, but it may have been intended this way.Turn It Off and Crying are also good songs, for the fact they seem more old style Boston and less the "new" Boston.Rest of the songs are really not that great, but most of the time I end up hitting the skip button. But I do have one burning question for Scholz, why, WHY, is a live version of Livin For You on the cd?!? It an ok song, not the worse or best from WALK ON. So why have it on here, it not any different from the first version. Maybe it is because to write another song would have added a year or two to the cd coming out. But what is a year or two to Boston. The song may have been good!


GREATEST HITS 1997 /2009 (A-/A)
Boston has only four cds at the time of this hits collection, but it has been about 20 years during those four cds. The Hits cd has all the big songs and a few minor ones. Even has three new songs plus a a remix of one of the new ones.All the old songs deserve their place on this record. My grip on that is only one song form the WALK ON cd is on this cd, and that is the mellow Livin For You. The songs Walk On, I Need Your Love, and Surrender To Me are the better of the songs form WALK ON.My other grip, is the new songs. Tell Me is an ok song, sounds like a left over from WALK ON, The Star Spangled Banner is a Scholz showcase (Neal Schon of Journey does it way better). But the main grip is Higher Power, a great new song, but not good enough to be on here twice in two different edits. Come on...Could have put one of the WALK ON songs on here instead.



Well the 2009 version did just that, they put I Need Your Love from WALK ON, as an extra song, and got rid of the extra edit of Higher Power, which was a good song, but it didn't need to be on the cd twice. Then they got rid of the weaker then new song Tell Me, and put a song from CORPORATE AMERICA, I Had A Good Time. This makes for a much better cd.


WALK ON 1994 (B)
Boston Walk On cd was their first cd with out the amazing front man Brad Delp. Instead of Delp they replaced him with Fran Cosmo and Tommy Funderburk. This cd has an overall heavy sound to it, due to the type of music and the heavy handed production.

The cd starts off heavy and hard with I Need Your Love, and although it is apparent Delp is not singing, the song is still pulled off rather good. And The cd keeps rolling with Surrender To Me, another rocker with the two vocalist trading off leads. This works out well.

The cd slows down a bit with Livin' For You, a rather slow temp song, that doesn't bring the cd to a stop, but kinda breaks the tempo that is set for the cd. While the vocals are good, it is on the slower songs were Brad is really missed.

The 4 part title track is one of my all time favorite Boston songs, and a great song to hear in concert. The song as all the elements of a classic song, soaring vocals, wailing guitars, a crunching bass line, and over the top keyboards. AWESOME SONG!!!!

But the cd falls apart after this. The three remaining songs are some of the weakest ever done by Boston. Magdelene is a symphonic disaster, and the vocals are flat. What's Your Name is lame and We Can Make shows promise but never raises above the promise.

A good start for the new line up, and better than the weak 2nd Boston cd DON'T LOOK BACK, but it is a shame it takes two vocalist to fill Delp's shoes.


THIRD STAGE 1986 (A-)
Boston took about 6 years to get get their 3rd cd out. And 3rd stage was well worth the wait. Their DON'T LOOK BACK cd seemed like a ripoff of their 1st cd. But their new cd is a huge steep forward over their last cd. The songs are better, are better written, better played, and better produced.

Amanda starts off the cd, and with its blend of electric and acoustic guitars, it makes for a great song. Brad sings his butt off on this song, the emotion is real and honest.

We're Ready keeps the cd going and slowly builds before fading out into the Launch, which is a prelude to Cool The Engines. Cool...is a good song that really rocks. The drums and bass on this song are great and really add to this hyped up song.

The cd started off great with the above songs, but the next songs, although not bad, are the weakest on the cd. My Destination, A New World/To Be A Man are still better than most songs on the DON'T LOOK BACK cd.

But the cd picks back up with I Think I Like It, but it is Cantcha Say (You Believe In Me) that gets the cd rolling along again. Brad again delivers the goods, and Tom who plays most of the instruments delivers.

The cd closes like it opens, with an electric/acoustic song that rocks. Hollyann has Brad's best vocal on any Boston song. Sad to say, he would never have an all Boston cd to his self again.

DON'T LOOK BACK 1978 (C+)
3rd Stage is well written and well produced and well worth owning.
Don't Look Back is Boston's 2nd cd. At First when you put this cd on, and the title track comes on you know you are about to be treated to another great cd from the band. Don't Look Back is a killer track with an awesome riff. I would put this song up against any on the first cd. But things start falling apart after that. The Journey and It's Easy are nowhere near the quality of the first cd.

A Man I'll Never Be, not the rockin of the previous cd on this cd, shows another side of the band not shown before. With more reflective lyrics and a slower mode to the song. And it comes off good.

Feelin Saistfied is another good song, that will have humming along with it. But almost feels like a rip off of the first cd. Party is cut from the same cloth of Smokin and Rock-n-Roll BAnd. But it does it with a slightly fresh feel to it, and leaving you wondering if they were trying to copy the other two songs.

Used To Bad News and Don't Be Afraid close out the cd and leave you feeling what just happened? The cd starts off great, then wonders in and out of good songs. Plus the production seems muddled. A very poor second effort from the band.

BOSTON 1976 (A+)
Another one of the great all time debut albums of all time. Boston 1st cd, Boston, from 1976 is the Bands best cd. Like most bands that have a very strong debut, they never recapture the magic of the first cd. But Boston unlike most bands come close to the magic on other releases, but do not quite make it. Who would have thought that this little 8 song cd (record at the time) would also be the biggest selling debut by an artist (until Whitney Huston came along), for over a decade.

There is not a inferior song on this cd. Every song has ,magic to it. And a lot of that is owed to Brad Delp. One of the best singers ever, and one of the most under appreciated. This man can hit the notes and make it seem easy. And Tom Scholz has a unique guitar sound all his owe. He is one of theses guys when you hear the first chord of his axe, you know it is him. Maybe that is why Boston's first cd was so big, combine Delp and Scholz, plus some dang good tunes and you have one great cd.

More Than A Feeling starts off so innocent with its acoustic guitar, then turns into a monster of a song, with its crunching guitar, the clapping, and the impossible high notes. You can't but help sing along.

Peace Of Mind will have you pumping your fist in the air to it's rhythm, and humming along.

Rock -N- Roll Band and Smokin are cut from the same cloth. These songs will have you playing air guitar to them, and wishing you were in a rock and roll band, this rock and roll band. These songs just rock, pure and simple. But that is it, there is really nothing pure or simply about Boston's music.

Fore Play is one of my favorite instrumentals of all time. It has one of the best beats ever heard in a song. It is a perfect lead in for Long Time, a song that Delp owns. The man is just awe inspiring on this, as he is with Let Me Take You Home Tonight. This another song in which he shines. And another great sing along song too.

Something About You also shows the depth of Delps voice to. Not only can he hit the high notes, but he sounds good on a lower register.

Boston is more than Delp and Scholz, catch a live show and see what it takes to make there sound. But in the studio it is just the two of them, and they are are magic.

RTZ


FOUND IN AMERICA 2005 (B-)



Found in America ia left over songs from the first cd. The songs are good but the production isn't quite as good as the last two RTZ cds. It is a shame too, because the cd song wise is pretty good. I have seen different covers for this cd, and slightly different naming of the cd. Turn This Love Around is a clear standout on this cd, as is the live recording of Return To Zero.


LOST 1999 (B)
This second cd by the band is another good cd. But it is not near as good as the original. Lost starts off with a one, two, three punch that jsut about kills rest of the cd. These three songs are so powerful that it is hard to overcome you sense of awe over theses songs. After these songs I was stunned about how good they were, that rest of the cd was a disappointment, even on the better songs that followed on the cd.

The first three songs could have easily been on the first RTZ or Boston cd. But the following two songs, Violent Days and Change for Change are the weak songs for the cd. They really seem out of place here with rest of the music.

One In A Million gets better, but the cd kicks it back up with the next three songs, but Don't Lead Me On ends kinda weak. But over all a good cd.

I must say the production on this cd is the best of the RTZ cds, and the band plays good. This is some Brad Delp's best work ever...

RTZ 1991 (A-)
Boston's lead singer Brad Delp and ex Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau form a group between Boston cds, RTZ. Their debut cd RETURN TO ZERO is a very good cd. Barry and Brad have worked together on other projects away from Boston, but RTZ is their best effort. Barry was always over shadowed by guitarist Scholz in Boston, so we get to see what Barry has to offer, which is a lot. And Brad shines even more with this more laid back simple production of the cd.

The cd starts off with Face The Music, a song that slowly builds both musically and vocally and ends up delivery in a big way on the opening track. And it isn't just the opening track that packs a punch, There's Another Side and All You Got both delivery the goods. Leaving no doubt in my mind, that this is a Boston cd that never got released.

Songs even get better with some of Delp's best vocals ever with This Is My Life and Rain Down On Me. And the simple clear production is a blessing to these songs. Having Scholz heavy handed (but good) sound on the songs would only have taken away from them.

And the simple majestic Until You Love Comes Back Around is a Delp performance that begs the listener not to feel his loneliness. This Delp's best vocal ever!! The piano is haunting and as simple as the song is express more emotion than any Boston song since there debut cd.

The title track is a song that could have fit on any Boston cd, and is the closest sounding classic Boston sound.

But as good as this cd is, there are some not so great songs and a dog on here. The dog is Livin For Rock-n-Roll. Sounds like the song was made just to put the word rock and roll into a song. Devil To Pay and Hard Time are pretty weak to.

Overall a very good debut cd from the band

Other side projects


Orion The Hunter


ORION THE HUNTER 1984 (B)
Orion The Hunter is want to be Boston cd. It had Barry Goudreau, one Boston's guitarist, and Fran Cosmo a soon to be Boston vocalist. Plus Brad Delp (Boston vocalist) made a guest appearance on a couple songs, plus co wrote a couple of others.

Having said that Orion is a decent cd, with some good songs. But for the most part the cd sounds dated nowadays. But songs like there hit So You Ran, I Call It Love, and All Those Years hold up pretty good. Dark and Stormy is a good song, but with a title like that, you would want a little more raw emotion in the song.

Rest of the songs are ok, but for the most part it his hard to get past how 80's the cd sounds at times.



Barry Goudreau


BARRY GOUDREAU 1980 (B)


For many years this cd has been tried to be passed off as an unreleased 3rd Boston cd (Mission Aborted). I can see why too, Delp is singing and the song have that classic Boston fill to them. The only thing missing is the heavy handed guitar of Scholz. But that can be over looked, Delp just takes you to another place with his singing. This cd is hard to find, but worth looking for. Nothin To Loose is my favorite song from the cd. Life Is What you MAke It is also a great song. Rest of the songs are good, nothing really bad on this disk.




DELP & GOUDREAU 2003 (A-)



This is a stand out disk, never has Delp sounded any better. The minute you push play, you'll be takin back by his voice. What You Leave Behind is masterful, and after his death gives the song even more meaning. The whole cd is like this. His voice is stellar, and Barry's playing is superior to just about anything he has done. The songs are a slow to middle tempo to them, but pack a punch behind them. A fitting cd to the end of Delp's career.

ASIA

It is a surprise that this group has been around since 1982. But many fans believe the group has only been around for two cds in the early 80's, a hand full of hits cds, then made a comeback in 2008. But really the group has soldiered on the past 25 plus years. After the second cd ALPHA, guitarist Steve Howe left and was replaced, by just about a different axeman every cd. Then after ASTRA, the third studio cd, singer John Wetton was replaced by John Payne. Payne stayed with the group about 20 years, before a full blown reunion tour led to a reunion cd. But no matter which version of the group you like, they have been around putting out for the most part good music.



PHOENIX-2008 (A)

PHOENIX is the Asia cd a lot of fans have been waiting for, the return of the original lineup. I for one was a big fan of the original lineup, but probably a bigger fan of the later day John Payne vocal era. Original vocalist John Wetton was always a fairly good in the studio, but live I always thought he was pretty crappy, off key and out of time. His solo cds following Asia were not better, actually they were worse. But something happened, he got off the booze, and straighted his life out. He got back with Asia keyboardists Downes and made an excellent cd called Icon. Now they, Downes and Wetton, have gotten rest of the original band together and made a great new cd.

PHOENIX starts out with one the best Asia songs ever, Never Again. I would put this song in my top 3 Asia songs, it is that good. From the opening guitar lick this song stands out. Wetton sings on this song and rest of this cd, in top form. As a matter of fact, he has never sounded better. And the same can be said for the rest of the band, they are all in top notch form.

I can think of nothing bad on this cd, the last time I listened to it was today, and I can only think of how good this cd is.

PHOENIX never falters. It is like taking a step back in time. This should have been the follow up cd to ALPHA. The only thing missing is Mike Stone, doing the production on the cd. That is really my only complaint about this cd. The production is not the big sound of the first three Asia cds, but now it is a more lean sound. But this lean sound fits the somberness and maturity of the music. But the production does seem a little heavy on the bass, and when cracking it up, it tends to thumpy and not enough top end.

I could go on about the songs, but if you don't like the first three songs on the cd, then it is not for you. Never Again, Nothings Forever, and Heroine are those songs. This how "classic" rock should sound.


FANTASIA LIVE IN TOKYO-2007 (B)

Asia has never really put out an exciting live cd, and this cd will not change your mind. All the hits are here, from the Wetton era of the band. It was recorded on the reunion tour that the band started out on in 2006. The band sounds good, but nothing makes you want to put it on instead of the studio cds.





PROGRESSIVE ROCK FRIENDS-2008 (D+)

What is this crap!?! Some record company trying to make money off the reunion tour of the band. With covers of some of their solo work, for the songs they couldn't get outright. And the Asia songs are from the dreadful LIVE IN MOSCOW. And speaking of the live songs, this was thrown together so quick the live songs are not even edited for smooth transactions between songs. Skip it and buy the original stuff.




LIVE IN ATLANTIC CITY USA-2007 (C+)


A descent bootleg of the reunion tour, the above professional cd is a better product. Production is better, and all the songs are the same.








REUNION TOUR-2006 (B-)

One of the first shows from the reunion tour, all the same songs as above two shows (cds). Band sounds a little rough around the edges, but they had only been on tour a couple of weeks. Still a good find.


SILENT NATION-2004 (A)

This is my favorite Payne era cd, and my second favorite Asia cd, behind their debut cd. There is not a sub par song on this cd. Every song is good, and the cd's first four songs are awesome. The cd dips a little for a couple of songs (Silent Nation and Ghost In The Mirror), but even these songs are good. The cd even has a male chorus on a couple songs that really adds to the atmosphere of the cd.

It is a shame this cd, on any Payne era cd, never took off in America. They have had some pretty good cds, but a couple of duds too, like just about any group. But also just like about any group that has gone thru a major lineup shakeup, people tend to either stay an originalist, saying that only the original lineup is the group. Or they take hold of the new lineup and say this is how the group should haven been all along. And there are the few like me, that like the music (if it is good) no matter what the lineup is. A shame people can't listen to the music and leave the politics of the band out of it, because this cd is very good music...

LIVE IN VIENNA CONCERT DOWNLOAD-2002 (B+)


Will try to put a concert on site every week or two for download. Artwork will be included and track listings too, if I have them.


This week, I am putting up a Asia concert from 2002. This concert is from the John Payne lead vocal era. This is a soundboard recording and has 19 songs in all.





It is my favorite concert I have from this era of the band. It includes many of the classic Asia songs, Only Time Will Tell, Heat Of The Moment, and a few more, plus some cool Payne era songs, Awake, Free, Who Will Stop The Rain, and many more. The cd also has a keyboard solo, and new song Bad ass dog, and a Asia Melody containing a few new and old Asia song thrown together.

Plus When John introduces the wrong wrong song, it becomes a running joke throughout the show. Well worth listening too. Artwork is in the download and on this page. The link is below for the show...
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LOGFOYYZ

ANTHOLOGIA-2002 (A)

This double cd set, has all the fist 3 cds (Asia, Alpha, and Astra), plus the new songs off Now And Then. It even includes the b-side songs included on Heat Of The Moment; The Very Best Of Asia (1982-1990). This is a very good cd, but since all the songs are on other cds, it is hard to recommend. But the cd has been remastered and the songs sound great, even most of the ones from Astra and Then And Now, but there are some songs no remastering can help, like the dreadful Am I In Love and Summer (Can Last To Long).

LIVE IN THE USA-2002 (B-)




A dvd recorded in Philly, on the AURA tour. Songs sound ok, production is a little muddy, and the fan interviews, ugh? But a descent set list of new and old songs.




AURA-2001 (B+)

Asia's 2001 cd Aura is their first full cd of new material since Arena in 1996. Arena was a very weak cd and the two unreleased cds were weak and the greatest hits had nothing new. Aura is a very strong cd from the band.
Awake starts the cd off strong and is a very strong vocal from Payne. Ready to Go Home, Forgive Me, On The Coldest Day In Hell, Free, The Longest Night and Aura are the strong songs on the cd. Rest of the songs are good and have a strong vocal and musical performance. There is nothing really weak on this cd, no filler, but rest of the songs lack a hook to pull you in, to make them burn into your memory.


The Very Best of Asia: Heat of the Moment (1982-1990)-2000 (A+)

This is the best of all the Asia hit cds, from any era of the band. This cd only covers the John Wetton vocal-ed era, which is the most well known era. This cd blows away the pitiful THEN AND NOW cd. This cd also contains 3 b-side songs, Daylight, Ride Easy, and Lying To Yourself, which are all fine songs. Couple of songs have the radio edit version, which isn't as good as the album cut. But over all a great cd, and the best of the best.



ANTHOLOGY-1997 (B)

It has been about ten years since Asia's first hits cd THEN AND NOW. That cd was weak, not enough old songs and two much new. But it was a fitting end to the Wetton era. Now the band is back with a new hits cd from the Payne era.

The song selection from the cd is pretty good, but a little to heavy on the songs from the Arena cd, which I think is the Bands weakest cd of new material. But that is just my opinion. Also some of the bands big hits from the Wetton era are on here (Only Time Will Tell, Heat Of The Moment, Don't Cry, and Go). But theses songs don't hold up to the Payne songs, for the simple fact they are rerecorded by Payne and the current lineup. Due to record companies, the originals are not here. So the originals are rerecorded. But at least they are here.

Also GTR's The Hunter is on the cd, rerecorded. And I must say that it is a pretty good version of the song.

Over all not bad at all, not a lame as THEN AND NOW, but not as good as HEAT OF THE MOMENT: THE BEST OF ASIA.

ARCHIVA -1996 vol.1 (B) vol.2 (C+)

Volume 1 and 2 are basically songs that did not make it on to previous Asia cds. Some of the songs you can hear why they were left off, and really should have been left off here as while. But some songs are really good. Songs go back to the Wetton era, and some back to the GTR era that had vocalist Max Bacon on lead. But all songs now have Payne on vocals.Over seas this was released as a double cd, but here in the states they were released separately. Album covers are the same except for one saying Vol 1 the other Vol 2. Vol 1 has some good songs, most notably is the lead off song Heart Of Gold. A very good pop oriented song. Also pretty good is I Believe and Reality. Payne does a great vocal on I can' Wait A Lifetime. And Steve Howe shows up for Ginger, a good solo song. Tears is ok, and the rest of Vol. 1 is pretty weak.Vol 2 has the awesome A Right To Cry and Obsession. Moon Under The Water and Love Like The Video are descent, as is ELO's Showdown, but rest of the d is pretty bad.Not really worth picking up unless you are a die hard Asia fan .

ARENA-1996 (C-)

After two very strong Cd's from the new lineup, the group loses a good axeman and makes a not so good cd, just like the original line up on their third cd. Arena comes off very laid back, too laid back. The songs are missing the rock feel of previous cds. The axeman brings no life to the songs. Production is not up to the standards of the cds that came before. At times the songs seem muddled.

There are only three songs that I really listen to on the cd. The Day Before The War comes off very haunting, Never shows some urgency to it, and the title track Arena along with it's intro, Into The Arena are the best track on this disk. Arena (the song) actually benefits from this new laid back sound of the group.

Overall a very boring outing from the group. Plus poor production and a lack of wanting to rock make for a very unhappy Asia fan.

ARIA-1994 (B+)

Another great cd from the band with new vocalist John Payne. The cd starts off with a great 1,2,3 punch with Anytime, Are You Big Enough, and Desire. John again shows great emotion in his voice, that makes you feel the pain or love that the song is trying to get across. Feels Like Love another great song, along with Sad Situation. Aria is a slow marvel of a song with a moving symphonic ending.

But unlike the last cd AQUA, this cd does a couple of songs that don't hit the mark, Remembrance Day and Summer. But still a great cd overall.

AQUA-1992 (A-)

Big changes for the band here. New vocalist John Payne and new guitarist Al Pitrelli are welcome changes. Both bring an excitement to the band that has been missing for some time. Payne is a good replacement for Wetton, who left to do battle with his own personal demons. Both new comers play great and Payne turns out to be a great vocalist as well as writer. The songs come across as more mature and even though they are not the big arena rock of the 80's hair bands, the music is still strong and has a good kick to it.

Who Will Stop The Rain has some great keyboard work on it and doesn't come across sounding dated. Someday is another good song with a strong chorus. But the two best tracks on the cd are The Voice Of Reason and Don't Call Me. Both pick up speed and power as the move along, and Paynes voice may not be as pristine as Wetton's, but he delivers a very powerful and moving vocal on these tracks.

Rest of the songs are good have some equally strong points to them. There is not any songs that I skip when in my cd player, so this makes a very good cd for the band.

LIVE IN MOSCOW-1990 CD (C-) DVD (D)

This cd, Asia's first live cd, is scraping the bottom of the barrel. Right off the bat, axeman Steve Howe is missed. The new guitarist Pat Thrall does ok, but for the most part, the band comes across sounding sloppy. John Wetton sounds off key and like he is having a very bad night. Production of the cd while good, just makes the band sound even more lifeless than they already are.

Book of Saturday and Starless, are included on the cd, and are the best points of the cd. The new song Kar-Anne has a bouncy feel to it, but is still one of the groups most boring songs.

The video sounds no better, and the group sure are not the entertaining bunch on stage. They basically stand in there spot and do there thing. The video does contain Rendevous 602, Cutting It Fine, and Prayin For A Miracle, which are not on the cd.


THEN AND NOW-1989 (B+)

The only reason I mention this cd is for 2 of the 4 new songs. Days Like These and Prayin 4 A Miracle. Both two very strong Asia songs. There are other hits cds by the band out there, but they do not have both songs on them. The other 2 new songs are 2 of the worst by Asia, and are not worth typing. As for rest of the cd, the other 6 songs are from the first 3 cds by the band, which are great to good. But a lot of songs were left off. The hits cd I would get would be Heat Of The Moment released in 2000.



ASTRA-1985 (B-)
Asia's 1985 cd Astra, was their first without axeman Steve Howe, and he is sorely missed. Keyboards seem to be creeping more and more into each cd, and without a strong guitarist there to hold down the front lines, the sound can easily slide to one side. Which is what has happened on Astra. Mandy Meyer does a descent job on the strings, but the keyboards just push him to the back.
Go starts the cd off, and at the start you can tell something is different in the sound. Go rocks, but Mandy is so far in the back, it is hard to hear him. And this continues through out the cd. There is some good guitar work on After The War, Rock and Rock Dream, Go, and Suspicion. But it is short, and does not draw you toward it, the way Howe did. And again the guitar is pushed so far back into the sound, it is really hard at times to get the feel for the player.
So Dowens struts his stuff on this cd, and he is good. Suspicion, Go, Voice Of America, and Count Down To Zero, really show off is playing.
Go, Voice Of America, Wishing (love how the chorus starts the song), and Suspicion are the best songs on the cd. What should be great songs, Rock And Roll Dream, After The War, and Love Now Til Eternity, fall flat. There is no killer riff to hook you.
Wetton does ok this time, his singing gives me goose bumps on Countdown to Zero, but for the most part he and Palmer seem to be going thru the motions.
After a great debut cd, they seem to be falling further away with each release.


LIVE IN ASIA-1983 (B-)
Neirther John Wetton or John Payne was lead singer on this Asia's biggest concert ever. This MTV special feature drummer's Carl Palmer ELP partner Greg Lake on vocals. When band members and singer Wetton could not get along right after the recording of the second cd, Wetton left, leaving the group hanging, so in stepped Greg. Greg does a good job and comes across very much like Wetton. But this would be of the only instance I know of the Greg stepping in. Can't say much of the song list, since it is only two cds in, so there really isn't a lot to choose from.




ALPHA-1983 (B+)

Asia returned with a good second cd, that offered more of the same from the first cd, but with a more keyboard slant. The cd unlike, the first cd does have some songs that come across as filler. Every song on the first cd was top notch, but some on the second could have been b side singles, they were that poor. Never In A Million Years, My Own Time, Eye To Eye, are prime examples of this, just dull songs.

But, the cd does have some good songs that is on the level of the first cd, The Last To Know, True Colors, Midnight Sun. And Some songs that may actually be better than most of the fist cd, Don't Cry, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, The Heat Goes On, and Open Your Eyes.

Wetton is still in good voice, and delivers with great passion, love is delivery on Last To Know. Downes is more prominent this time around and has some good work here. He really gets to shine on Open Your Eyes, Midnight Sun, Heat Goes On, just like the list of songs that he puts his touch on.

Never been a Palmer fan, and he does a good job, not as good as the first cd, but still one of his best cds. And Howe isn't in the fore front like he was on the first cd, which is a shame, he is a very good guitarist, and shouldn't be short changed.

Last cd till 2008 with this, the original line up.


ASIA-1982 (A+)

Asia's debut cd is one of the best debut by a band. From the opening licks of Heat Of The Moment, to the last beat of Here Comes The Feeling, this cd keeps you enticed. Heat... is one of those rock anthems that you know within 2 seconds of hearing it.The opening keyboard on Only Time Will Tell is also one of those songs that sticks with you, long after the song is over. The whole cd is like this, song after song, after song.Never been a Carl Palmer fan, but he out does his self this time, and he really shines on Wildest Dreams. Also never liked John Wetton's vocal in King Crimson, or UK, but here he hits every note and shows no strain at all, no matter what the note. Without You is a good showcase of how good he is singing on this cd. Steve Howe as always done a good job, and when you hear the start of Heat Of The Moment, you know he still has it. His guitar work this cd is good to stunning.Geoffrey Downes, I never knew of him until this cd, but I have been a fan of his ever since. Really Asia has revolved around his keyboard playing. Vocalist, drummers, guitarist come and go, but Downes has always been there, and seems to be the back bone of the group. From start to stop, I sing all the way through on this cd, and the air guitar is always cranked up.