Retro Spins: Asia - Astra

Third times the charm? No...Not for Asia.

With Welton back in, Howe out, and Meyer taking the latter's place, Asia returned to the studio to begin work on their third album, initially entitled, Arcadia. However, upon hearing of Duran Duran forming a subgroup of the same name, that title was changed to Astra.

Despite lead single Go peaking at number forty-six on the Hot 100, and music video being in steady rotation on MTV, Astra failed to impress. It was not only a critical flop, but under performed in sales, not receiving any certifications for sales. This was not helped by Geffen pulling promotional support from the band upon its release.

The group was ultimately dropped by their label, who also cancelled their upcoming tour. The end result was Asia disbanding. With things not getting any better for the guys, I dive into their last 80's album to see just how good (or bad) it will be.

Firing it, I will admit that the opening track, which happens to be their single, Go, isn't bad. If nothing else, it floored me that I'd never heard it, or had forgotten it completely over time. I also dug, Hard On Me, which was surprising considering how poorly the album was smacked by critics, and how bad their prior album was. I really didn't expect to hear anything good.

A fun aspect of Countdown To Zero, was how the song starts up with that all too familiar THX Deep Note. It was actually more of an interesting aspect to read about when this was created, who created it, and when it debuted. To cut to that chase, it was former Lucasfilm employee Dr. James "Andy" Moorer, who developed the sound in 1982. It was first used in 1983 at the premiere of Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi. 1985 Austrian Rock Singer Fal...No...It was then used at the beginning of Asia's 1985 song.

However, it was after this seventh song that I also reached a point of fatigue with Asia. I gave the remaining four tracks a few seconds to impress, and when they didn't, I simply skipped them in the spirit of just getting through Astra. Maybe this was because I had listened to three of their albums back to back. Maybe I was just tired of mediocrity. Maybe it was both.

As I noted above, Asia disbanded after this album. However, Welton would reemerge in 1987 with the album Welton-Manzanera, which he recorded with Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera. Purportedly, a lot of the material used for this release came from concepts which Welton was working on for a fourth Asia album. He further tried to reform Asia with original member Geoff Downes, Scott Gorham (of Thin Lizzy), and Michael Sturgis (of a-ha). However, this didn't come to fruition because the group couldn't get a worldwide recording deal.

Downes would form his own iteration of Asia in the 90's, with new frontman John Payne. The new singer would stay with the group through 2004, releasing six albums in total with them. However, Downes would split at this point, returning to the original lineup of the band for a series of reunion shows. This would lead to Welton officially rejoining, where he would continue to front the band through their most current studio album, 2014's Gravitas. Meanwhile, Payne would go on to form Asia Featuring John Payne. Great...So now there are two crappy bands called Asia...

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 6, 1983

 

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 6, 1988

Retro Spins: Asia - Alpha

Much like any good band, you can't have a good thing last. Such was the case with Asia.

The cracks began to show with the released of their second album, Alpha, and though it did reach platinum status, failed to perform critically. It was led by the rock anthem, Don't Cry, which in conjunction with radio play, also made a steady rotation through MTV.

Record Label, Geffen, insisted that members, Geoff Downes, and John Welton handle writing responsibilities for the songs, as they were credited with penning the hits from their prior album. This in turn isolated Carl Palmer and Steve Howe from the majority of the process, leaving them feeling like glorified studio musicians.

Upon completion of recording, internal fighting had made it impossible for the group to mix the album themselves. As such, this was taken on by producer, Mike Stone. However, the end result wasn't well received by the band, who equated the final mix to a wall of sound. After demanding it be remixed, which it was, the group still were displeased with its overall commercial sound. Unfortunately, time had run out, and the record had to be released.

Mmm...Messy.

With exception of Don't Cry, Alpha really doesn't offer anything worth writing home about. I do immediately notice the concerns the band had with its mixing. The album simply sounds loud. Like every instrument is coming at you at once, right in the face. It's not enjoyable. You want to push it away, and shout, "Get off me!"

Alpha simply isn't good. Now, I know that's typical for a follow-up album to a strong debut, you're also talking about seasoned musicians who already cut their teeth in other iconic bands. Frankly, when it's not all up in your face, it's simply boring. I really don't know what to say beyond that because I honestly don't have any positive or constructive criticism for it. It's just not good.

As for the band themselves, heavy drinking on Welton's behalf eventually ended up taking a toll on their touring, leading to him quitting or being fired (depending on who you ask) in 1983. While he would return in 1984, it was with the ultimatum that if he did come back that Howe be fired, which the members acquiesced with. Krokus guitarist Mandy Meter would step in to replace him for their 1985 album, Astra. However, the drama was far from over. We'll jump into that tomorrow.

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Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 5, 1989

Retro Spins: Asia - Asia

I guess I would call Asia a supergroup, considering the initial lineup consisted of lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Uriah Heep and U.K.), guitarist Steve Howe (Yes), keyboardist Geoff Downes (Yes and the Buggles) and drummer Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer). The group formed after the apparent ending of Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer in 1981, and while popular on mainstream radio, failed to impress critics and fans of their original groups.

Based on its members, the fans and critics expected Asia to be a progressive rock band, delivering music in the same vein of Yes and ELP. Instead, they got Billboard Hot 100 Hits, Heat Of The Moment, and Only Time Will Tell. While this resonated with the likes of Journey and Styx fans, it wasn't what their original followers wanted.

Their debut tour across the USA was sold out for every show, and accolades came in the form of Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1983, as well as being named best debut album by Billboard and Cashbox. Their self-titled debut also remains their best seller, and most memorable, specifically for the aforementioned hits. The album spent nine weeks at number one in the USA, all the more aided by the music videos being in steady rotation on MTV, which were played up to five times per day.

Well...Don't that just set the bar exceedingly high?

The album starts off right away with Heat Of The Moment, and then launches into Only Time Will Tell. While it's great to get these tracks right off the bat, it sets a level of expectation, which frankly the rest of the songs can't meet. The end result is seven additional tracks, which while not bad, most are quickly forgettable.

After hearing them, I also must say I don't understand the initial critical response, and lackluster fan response. While the hits are definitely commercial / mainstream, the remainder absolutely give off a prog rock vibe. I particularly dug this aspect in the tune, Cutting It Fine.

Overall, it's not a bad debut. Album of the year? No, not by any means. I don't know what Billboard and Cashbox are talking about in that regard. I wouldn't even nominate it for Best New Artist, as the Grammy Awards did. That award would ultimately end up going to Men At Work, by the way.

Asia would continue through the mid 80's with studio albums, but lineup changes and disagreements would ultimately be their undoing. Oh, how the drama unfolds, and it all starts with their 1983 sophomore released, Alpha. Tune in tomorrow for that one.

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Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 4, 1984