ASIA IN ASIA (VHS)

Mine is a laser disc format after I watched the Beta version couple of times. Yeah, in fact, I just got the laser disc version in 2000 because this video was very difficult to have. Am not sure if the DVD has ever existed. When the video was released, I got a friend which had it brand new imported from the Netherland and we, five of us, watched together. We were all amazed with the fact that - yes, it's a hard rock music - but we were all glad to see Steve Howe (still pretty young) and Gred Lake played together on stage for this show in Japan. All racks were coming from the band's two studio albums: the debut and "Alpha". All songs performed were familiar to all of us.

The opening track "Time Again" is a kind of my favorite wake up call track when I regularly played to get me energized very early in the morning. By the time the debut album was released I repeatedly played this song. Of course, I am energized with this track performed in this video because originally I like the track very very much. It rocks! What truly remarkable - for me personally - from this video is the live version of "Open Your Eyes". Yes, the song is performed longer than the studio version. The most enjoyable part is the ending part where Geoff Downes keyboard solo is accompanied with stunning guitar work by Steve Howe. Uuuuggg .. Man . it's really cool!

Others are attractive as well. Take "Wildest Dreams" with Carl Palmer's solo - it's amazing. Greg Lake plays wonderfully even though he never played studio albums with and he only existed to replace John Wetton who could not make it. "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" must be a favorite for most people - be it a rocker or typical music buffs. So sweet, and so memorable. Yes, indeed this video is memorable in all measures - especially for those who were around in the early 80s when prog music was by definition "dead". It's an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Recommended. Keep on proggin' ..!

Progressively yours, GW