Asia: Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII

John Wetton: bass and vocals, Carl Palmer: drums, Steve Howe: guitars and Geoff Downes: keyboards are Asia and this live effort was, "Recorded on November 7th 2012 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, this new ASIA live CD / DVD and Blu Ray captures once again the band, in the original line-up, in front of an ecstatic audience during one of the shows that ASIA performed in support of the "XXX" album and which was broadcasted by AXS TV in the USA." Now everybody who has been paying close attention knows that Steve Howe is no longer in the band and has been replaced by foetus guitarist Sam Coulson which kind of begs the question as to why Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII actually exists as the band which made it doesn't. One can only assume that eking money out of the same old songs might have something to do with it.

Actually, that is possibly somewhat harsh as this is a perfectly serviceable live album even if, like so many heritage acts another live album isn't what is really required. It's not as if the best track from the XXX album ("Bury Me in Willow") gets an airing although "Tomorrow the World" is pleasurable but all the classics are present and correct and I'm pleased that the wonderful late period "An Extraordinary Life" is selected for listening pleasure. As you will note, the album is available in visual formats (not available for review) and I can't imagine any of the group members stage diving, sliding onto their knees or anything too strenuous and to a degree this is reflected in the music which is always classy, always perfectly played, always…Asia. It's a live Asia album, and if you're a fan you'll be requiring this one.

Track Listing:
CD1 -
Introduction;
Only Time Will Tell;
Wildest Dreams;
Face On The Bridge;
Time Again;
Tomorrow The World;
Ride Easy;
Pyramidology;
The Golden Mean;
I Know How You Feel;
Don't Cry;
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.

CD2 -
Cutting It Fine;
Holy War/Drum Solo;
An Extraordinary Life;
Here Comes The Feeling;
Open Your Eyes;
Sole Survivor;
Heat Of The Moment.

DVD // BLU RAY -
Introduction;
Only Time Will Tell;
Wildest Dreams;
Face On The Bridge;
Time Again;
Tomorrow The World;
Ride Easy;
Pyramidology;
The Golden Mean;
I Know How You Feel;
Don't Cry;
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes;
Cutting It Fine;
Holy War/Drum Solo;
An Extraordinary Life;
Here Comes The Feeling;
Open Your Eyes;
Sole Survivor;
Heat Of The Moment.

Added: June 4th 2015
Reviewer: Simon Bray
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 3196
Language: english

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