Disco de Asia: “Fantasia: Live in Tokyo”

I was a bit more than pleasantly surprised upon my first listen of this fantastic album. Meticulous in every respect, you'd be hard pressed to find four musicians that top these gentlemen. I love their rendition of "video killed the radio star". And truly the finest rendition of "the smile has left your eyes" they've done to date. I too consider John Wetton one of the finest vocalists on earth. And Steve Howe's guitar and mandolin playing never sounded better.

The press and public did them "dirty" a few decades ago, but Asia has staying power and excellent material to see them through. I'm ecstatic that they're back again. I met John Wetton in May 1996. You won't find a finer gent anywhere. And his guitar and bass playing coupled with Downes and Palmer move like a well-oiled music machine. Great album (er`oops CD). Buy it and ride easy.

I purchased Fantsia Live in Tokyo double CD cause have a few albums on Vinyl of King Krimsom & Yes and Steve Howe has a reputation for being an excellent guitarist so bought Asia's first CD in Years Phoenix and wasn't disappointed and as for the double CD Live in Tokyo Good if you're a fan 3 and a half out of 5 .

Wow, this is probably the best live recording I can recall. Treats on this disk for me were "Fanfare For The Common Man" a great re-worked version, bass solo, and Steve Howe electric guitar input to an originaly trio arranged composition. The other was "Video Killed The Radio Star", again, something from the past played with a renewed sound, the musicianship is outstanding from all players.

The two re-worked acoustic versions are also worth the purchase, "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes", and "Ride Easy" gives feel and new flavor to the performances of both.

I'm awaiting the DVD in October to see how the songs were performed, and with Wetton's recent illness, is the only Asia we'll see for a little while.

The mix, backbeat and all peformers are done very well for a live recording, 5 stars + from me...

A great CD for any musician, music, or Asia fan.

I have been an Asia original lineup fan for several years and both of their new recordings were quite a surprise. Songs are somewhat slower than original versions. 'Video Killed the Radio Star' has little resemblance with the Buggles version. Steve does a splendid job, guitar in 'Roundabout' sounds as in Yes several years ago. Carl is more audible than he used to be. Geoff doesn't seem affected by time. John's singing is fine but his voice denotes he may be somewhat tired. Wonderful Roger Dean artwork. Recording and sound, good.

This is a good live album, coming from someone who doesn't really like live albums. They sound great and can tell they are enjoying the ride. Hope they stick around a while