Tonight's the night

[brywool]

I would agree with you. But they really had built up a little momentum with "After All These Years". That seemed to be one people would stick around for. But that was a ballad that Neil deems unacceptable this time around for the new record.

Ermm..do you really want to hear another Journey ballad? I agree that would be the easiest way to getting heavy rotation on Delilah. Good on Neal for taking another chance on rocking out.

YUP! Also, this is only 4 tunes. How do we know the other ones aren't all Cain crying over his piano? Man, give it a chance people.
The ones that don't like present day Journey aren't going to suddenly convert. They have their minds made up already. It's just the way it is. While they continue to live in 1986, I will enjoy the new songs.

[Angel]

I've listened to all the clips and I, too am very underwhelmed. I hope the album sounds better....or not, at this point I really don't care.

[S2M]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

[brywool]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

Theramin... hahaha

[Escape Artist]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This is assuming that everyone is being swayed by what others are saying. Objectivity comes from within, at least it does with me.

[Saint John]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

[S2M]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

Absolutely, I wouldn't be honest to myself if I weren't keeping you people on your toes....true story.

[DrFU]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

I'm in the "pretty good" camp on the 5 new ones. City of Hope and Rise Up (or whatever the title of that one is) stood out on the first listen. No ballads or rock anthems in the group, but I didn't expect any based on the advance press.

They played 22 songs, full out; didn't yak, didn't slack, just gave us two hours of the best of Journey, current incarnation. Arnel sang his ass off. Taking it all in surrounded by friends and fellow fans ... I'm a happy bunny.

And DSB live has become a religious experience, even though I am past sick of the song.

[Saint John]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

Absolutely, I wouldn't be honest to myself if I weren't keeping you people on your toes....true story.

Well, I have to admit, admission is half the battle. Nice job.

[Rip Rokken]

Thanks for getting these up Rip!

Everyone's very welcome. I feel I need to contribute something around here at least annually... or maybe semi-annually.

Rip, how were the new songs received by the audience? Tough to tell from these clips (other than the gals screaming next to you).

Quite well. Keeping in mind that the theater is a much smaller one (not large enough to generate a real "roar" from the crowd), it was really pretty good. Sounded to me like the whole place was responding after each new tune. Understandably, the Dirty Dozen songs got the biggest pop.

[Jana]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

Actually, I will gush about Resonate. Love it right from the beginning with Neal's intro. Love the song. One of their best songs in ages.

Resonate - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTM1_CUKtp0

And Chain of Love grabbed me right from the beginning. Great song. Love the vibe of the whole song and Arnel's vocals are fantastic.

[Saint John]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

I'm in the "pretty good" camp on the 5 new ones. City of Hope and Rise Up (or whatever the title of that one is) stood out on the first listen. No ballads or rock anthems in the group, but I didn't expect any based on the advance press.

They played 22 songs, full out; didn't yak, didn't slack, just gave us two hours of the best of Journey, current incarnation. Arnel sang his ass off. Taking it all in surrounded by friends and fellow fans ... I'm a happy bunny.

And DSB live has become a religious experience, even though I am past sick of the song.

Thanks for the short review, Fu Fu. All things considered, I think the set list was excellent and that it probably allowed all fans to leave with a sense of happiness. And that's all you can ask for. Glad you and everyone else had a good time.

[Rip Rokken]

I am digging what I am hearing despite the poor audio quality.

Poor audio quality?!? Man, I have ZERO control over which brand of guitar strings Neal uses.

[Carlitto H@kk]

I am digging what I am hearing despite the poor audio quality.

Poor audio quality?!? Man, I have ZERO control over which brand of guitar strings Neal uses.

Rip, first off, THANK YOU for the clips!

Got two questions:
Love the blue Paul Reed but just wondering if Neal pulled out this new "Schon" we've heard about?

And second, who the hell is "Margix" that keeps whining about the same tired hit on everyone
of your Youtube clips? Is that anyone from here??? Reminds me of an old "pal", Rich Meyers :P

[jrny10]

It's simply not working with Arnel. He's singing somebody else's lyrics and I find there's very little feel or emotion in his delivery. His voice sounds the same regardless of which song he's singing and that's a problem. Whereas earlier singers had dynamics, there's no light and shade with Arnel. These performances leave me very cold and it's either a matter of finding a new singer with his own voice or to close shop completely and focus on solo projects. This American Idol version of Journey is not fun at all and there's just too big of a difference from the band they once were. A band where the feel was key.

[kgdjpubs]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

I think the main difference here is production/arrangement, with a few new sounds in play--which may be the Arnel co-writing. Up to this point, you have had variations of an 80s sounding Journey. This album moved on to a modern-day sounding Journey. Not bad, just different. Good news is that I hear Journey (especially in a few of those bigger choruses), just a heavier and modern day Journey. There was a part of me that was worried that the Journey sound would be lost, but it's definitely there. It's just a big jump in production in arrangements since Journey has been basically stagnant since ROR, and the albums up to this point have simply been recording classic Journey---most of the time. Hard to make any final judgments on youtube sound quality.

It all boils down to whether the songs hold up on record. If the songs are strong, it doesn't matter what the style is. If the songs are weak, it doesn't matter what the style is.

[brywool]

It's simply not working with Arnel. He's singing somebody else's lyrics and I find there's very little feel or emotion in his delivery. His voice sounds the same regardless of which song he's singing and that's a problem. Whereas earlier singers had dynamics, there's no light and shade with Arnel. These performances leave me very cold and it's either a matter of finding a new singer with his own voice or to close shop completely and focus on solo projects. This American Idol version of Journey is not fun at all and there's just too big of a difference from the band they once were. A band where the feel was key.

Yer nuts. Plain and simple.

The guy clearly sings the hell out of these and the old songs.
Earlier singers had Tapes. Earlier singers didn't have the vocal range. Earlier singers could or would no longer do the job.
God forbid they try to move ahead and do something they haven't done before.
Listen to "Turn Down the World Tonight". PLENTY O' feel there.

These were LIVE performances. Wait till you hear the album. I would bet that it comes off very well.

[jrny10]

Yes, he sings the hell out of the songs and that's the problem. There is no emotion or feel in his voice doing these songs. His delivery sounds the same all the time regardless if it's Wheel in the Sky, When You Love A Woman etc. It's impossible to compare to Perry, but the earlier singers were all able to tell a story when singing. Arnel could be singing the venue's seating chart from last night and that would sound the same way too. There is just no connection with the lyrics. The band Journey is no more unfortunately. But I'm glad if you can still enjoy it

[S2M]

[Jana]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

I think the main difference here is production/arrangement, with a few new sounds in play--which may be the Arnel co-writing. Up to this point, you have had variations of an 80s sounding Journey. This album moved on to a modern-day sounding Journey. Not bad, just different. Good news is that I hear Journey (especially in a few of those bigger choruses), just a heavier and modern day Journey. There was a part of me that was worried that the Journey sound would be lost, but it's definitely there. It's just a big jump in production in arrangements since Journey has been basically stagnant since ROR, and the albums up to this point have simply been recording classic Journey---most of the time. Hard to make any final judgments on youtube sound quality.

It all boils down to whether the songs hold up on record. If the songs are strong, it doesn't matter what the style is. If the songs are weak, it doesn't matter what the style is.

I found Arrival to be a big move forward in sound, definitely updated and a moodier vibe on the whole album. I love Neal's guitar playing on Arrival.

[Carlitto H@kk]

It all boils down to whether the songs hold up on record. If the songs are strong, it doesn't matter what the style is. If the songs are weak, it doesn't matter what the style is.

I can only say this, as far as how I am when it comes to music...
I know that I am really digging something if, after a casual first listen whether in the car
or while I'm at work, I find myself humming a melody or singing some words HOURS
after that brief listen.

Basically, its the music that gets into me on a subconscious level that really winds up sticking.

I briefly listened to these clips this morning before I cam e to work and here I am 3-4 hours later
humming and singing the chorus to "City of Hope"...

To me, thats telling me they have some strong material here... Just saying

[brywool]

Yes, he sings the hell out of the songs and that's the problem. There is no emotion or feel in his voice and he sounds the same in all songs. It's a terrible thing. But I'm glad if you enjoy it

Rock critics used to say the same thing about Perry back in the day. Typical quotes were:

"all he has is range. no feeling" or "he's a 'technical' singer, not an emotional one".

Other than 16 Magazine, there were VERY FEW that gave him credit in the emotional department.

It's all in the perception and perceptions are subjective.

[kgdjpubs]

It all boils down to whether the songs hold up on record. If the songs are strong, it doesn't matter what the style is. If the songs are weak, it doesn't matter what the style is.

I can only say this, as far as how I am when it comes to music...
I know that I am really digging something if, after a casual first listen whether in the car
or while I'm at work, I find myself humming a melody or singing some words HOURS
after that brief listen.

Basically, its the music that gets into me on a subconscious level that really winds up sticking.

I briefly listened to these clips this morning before I cam e to work and here I am 3-4 hours later
humming and singing the chorus to "City of Hope"...

To me, thats telling me they have some strong material here... Just saying

That works for some bands, not so much with others. I'm a huge Magnum fan, and a lot of their stuff takes multiple listens to get it...but they are generally less pop and more progressive than Journey is.

This one seems to be a bit less pop, although a bit deeper lyrically. A few stick out, others might need some more.

Of course, they could have done 5 songs off Generations and most people would have been pretty happy. Question is if they can keep the quality up over the full album. Hopefully with 11 songs + 1 instrumental, it won't be a problem. It's usually the 15-song album where you start getting a bunch of fillers.

[Rip Rokken]

Rip, first off, THANK YOU for the clips!

Got two questions:
Love the blue Paul Reed but just wondering if Neal pulled out this new "Schon" we've heard about?

And second, who the hell is "Margix" that keeps whining about the same tired hit on everyone
of your Youtube clips? Is that anyone from here??? Reminds me of an old "pal", Rich Meyers :P

You're more than welcome! First one is a great question, because someone just last night commented that they thought they noticed a new Schon guitar. I didn't pay attention, but I don't think whoever in our group mentioned it was a guitar aficianado, so I'm guessing they must have really seen it.

Second, Margix... lol! I finally gave him (or more likely her) exactly what she hungered for...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LYfwdu4R3A

[bluejeangirl76]

Where are all your pics, Rip? Cuz I KNOW you have pics! we are waiting!

[Rip Rokken]

It's simply not working with Arnel. He's singing somebody else's lyrics and I find there's very little feel or emotion in his delivery. His voice sounds the same regardless of which song he's singing and that's a problem. Whereas earlier singers had dynamics, there's no light and shade with Arnel. These performances leave me very cold and it's either a matter of finding a new singer with his own voice or to close shop completely and focus on solo projects. This American Idol version of Journey is not fun at all and there's just too big of a difference from the band they once were. A band where the feel was key.

Yer nuts. Plain and simple.

The guy clearly sings the hell out of these and the old songs.
Earlier singers had Tapes. Earlier singers didn't have the vocal range. Earlier singers could or would no longer do the job.
God forbid they try to move ahead and do something they haven't done before.
Listen to "Turn Down the World Tonight". PLENTY O' feel there.

These were LIVE performances. Wait till you hear the album. I would bet that it comes off very well.

Agreed, Bry... and anyone whose seen him close to tears when singing "Faithfully" would have to agree. Last night, Faith20yrs and I both commented how much he owns that song in his own personal way these days.

[parfait]

Yes, he sings the hell out of the songs and that's the problem. There is no emotion or feel in his voice and he sounds the same in all songs. It's a terrible thing. But I'm glad if you enjoy it

Rock critics used to say the same thing about Perry back in the day. Typical quotes were:

"all he has is range. no feeling" or "he's a 'technical' singer, not an emotional one".

Other than 16 Magazine, there were VERY FEW that gave him credit in the emotional department.

It's all in the perception and perceptions are subjective.

I get that he maybe had a tendency to take it a bit over the top, but that he had no soul, feeling or whatever is just retarded.

Arnel does a good job, considering he's following in the footsteps of one damn good frontman.

[Rip Rokken]

Where are all your pics, Rip? Cuz I KNOW you have pics! we are waiting!

I have plenty of pics, yes! The holdup is getting everyone's permission, because of all the sheer mass nakedness that ensued. I just don't feel safe to post them yet. Well, hold on -- let me see what else I may have.

[Don]

I think, after listening to everything a few times and taking into account that is off of youtube, that what I am hearing is a sequel to their last concept album, 'Trial By Fire'. I think once we hear the recorded version, there is going to be that same great production that has been missing for awhile now.

What I did not hear in great abundance though were the Powerhouse vocals or the heavy rock dynamic coming through live. Unlike Revelation, I feel Cain is absolutely right; this is this type of material that is going to sound great on headphones or a killer hifi system. The live versions though seemed to plod along a bit, maybe missing some of that 'Studio magic' which I'm sure the recorded version will have.

I liked Rise Up. Not really an anthem but something you can hum along to. Actually, I may have set my self up for unrealistic expectations because I didn't really hear anything that might be considered arena rock or singalong material. Nothing grabbed me like the intros to Separate Ways or Ask The Lonely Does.

Overall, I think this will be a great album to have at home, but playing it live, I'm not sure. Definitely has more balls than Revelation.

Unlike a lot of you I didn't care for Resonate, I just didn't feel that song going anywhere but that's just me.

Rise Up, then Chain Of Love were fine. the others decent but Resonate, blah.

Knowing that there are a few ballads still left to hear, I'm assuming we heard the majority of the rockers, just a bit different than what I expected.
Still, overall pleased that the band didn't cave in with a bunch of sappy pop tunes so this will be on my list to get when it becomes available, though I don't think it's going to set the world on fire as some have predicted.

[Scarab Pilot]

Yes, he sings the hell out of the songs and that's the problem. There is no emotion or feel in his voice doing these songs. His delivery sounds the same all the time regardless if it's Wheel in the Sky, When You Love A Woman etc. It's impossible to compare to Perry, but the earlier singers were all able to tell a story when singing. Arnel could be singing the venue's seating chart from last night and that would sound the same way too. There is just no connection with the lyrics. The band Journey is no more unfortunately. But I'm glad if you can still enjoy it

This is the exact same feeling I get. I couldn't describe it any better. I've been listening to the Super Jam II show @ Wolfgang's Concert Vault...and you can hear how Perry grabbed those tunes which he didn't write and make them his own. It's a huge difference in the level of talent. Arnel has a nice voice, he can sing the music but I don't get that his heart and soul are truly invested in the songs. He has been a human karaoke machine before joining Journey...now he's just a Journey karaoke machine.