FANTASIA - LIVE IN TOKYO

25 years after the original members of Asia splintered off, leaving Geoff Downes to reassemble the band in a variety of lineups, Wetton, Howe, Palmer and Downes are back together for a tour, live album, and a possible studio album (a quick recovery to Mr. Wetton. Prayers are with you). For those who griped that 4 guys who came from such keystones in progressive music went completely pop should give this a listen. Sure, you have the usual hits and what not; however, Asia dives back into the vault and perform prog classics flawlessly.

The debut Asia album is represented quite nicely with this live album. The usual staples are given to the listener ("Heat Of The Moment", "Only Time Will Tell", "Sole Survivor"), and a nice surprise in the inclusion of "Ride Easy" in an acoustic format. I do wish, however, that more songs from Alpha were included. It would be nice to hear "My Own Time (I'll Do What I Want), "Never In A Million Years" or even the touching "The Last To Know". That's still my favorite Asia disc.

Now, on to what really blew me away: the classics. First and foremost, "In The Court Of The Crimson King" is probably the benchmark of this album. To be quite honest, I would've hoped that they did a King Crimson song that Wetton originally performed (i.e. something from Red), but they really nailed it on this song. Absolutely sublime.

When I heard that "Roundabout" was going to be on here, my first thought was how Wetton would handle those funky bass lines by Squire. Albeit, it would be difficult to match the original; but, Wetton displays the skill on bass that doesn't seem to be the topic of conversation when talking about his body of work. The man is a fine bassist, and the song is successfully pulled off by the band as a whole. Even Downes handles the keyboards quite nicely. The songs pace isn't quite like the original, but still holds one's interest.

The ELP inclusion is "Fanfare For The Common Man"....and it could be my second favorite moment of the album. The band just really grinds it out like the professionals they are, and it's fun to listen to them just completely rock out. Palmer hasn't lost anything and still displays that impeccable timing and finesse.

The Buggles' "Video Killed The Radio Star" is quite fun...but that's about it. Sort of seems out of place amongst the rest of the songs, but adds a bit of levity to the set. Even Wetton breaks out the police megaphone to add a bit of distortion to the verses.

I know the majority of those who came down hard on Asia back in the 80's for not being prog enough won't buy this...which is a shame. Asia did target the pop market, but the songs are still fun to listen to even though I'm much older than when they first came out. I bought this the day it came out and the songs still take me back. Maybe I'm swept up by nostalgia, but it sure is good to see the original Asia back together and playing beautifully.

Godspeed, John. Get well soon.