Tonight's the night

[NoMoreTails]

I can definitely see the opinions of "nothing standing out"
or a lack of "hooks" right now. But think back to the days
of vinyl... usually side two was the side reserved for the
"Deep Tracks", the "Un-Hits", and in most instances
some of the best songs on the entire album.

I'm thinking, and hoping, that Eclipse is just that,
one, big, epic, Side-Two album from start to finish.

I think of all the past J-albums and all my fave cuts are the side-two tracks:
M/F, Escape, Troubled Child, We Will Meet Again, Rubicon,
Live & Breath, Good morning Girl, Homemade Love, Lovin You Is Easy,
Daydream, ALL of Infinity's side two, What I Needed, Turn Down the World...

Guess I'm just wierd :

I agree
If Chain Reaction were on side two of Frontiers instead of Back Talk its the best side of a Journey album yet, same thing if SIL or KOR had replaced Open Arms on side two of Escape.

[RedWingFan]

Put on my earphones and listened. Resonate is so amazing. Chain of Love is absolutely epic and has some keys there. Arnel tears it up, as does Neal. City of Hope I love the absolute moodiness to the song. I love Jon's keys, too, and was worried about the lack of them, but I'm sure they will show up on the album here and there. This is definitely more of a guitar album, but I love the creativity and the vibe of the album. I can't wait to hear these songs off an album with a great sound system, and sonically I think they will be stunning.

Wow - you're hearing a lot of things that I'm simply missing. I didn't hear anything that made me think about any of those adjectives you used.

I don't think it's you Voyager. You're not alone in your opinion.

[Don]

One thing I DIDN'T like was the continued Waaaaaaaah that Arnel does sometimes, sort of like an ad-lib Banshee wail. He did it on Revelations too. I had the window minimized and was listening only but when I heard it, it just grated on me. He obviously isn't very good at improvising on the fly so I'd rather he just do the Perry shuffle near the drums or whatever when he is at a lost for what to do.

Uuugh! That is SO annoying and he does it more that just during ad-lib fills...it comes out when he sings words with long 'aaaaa' sounds. This is why I say he is doing his best impression of a lead singer. It's not an insult...he's an impressionist. What is karaoke but doing impressions of songs we've heard? It's very mechanical and it's like someone who is nervous and fills in with a lot of 'uhs' during a speech.

I respect everyone's personal opinions and preferences. Me, those types of things don't even register to me. What I saw this weekend was some great friends who came here facing some incredibly difficult personal situations including illness and very recent loss. To see them smiling and even shedding some tears when AP sang directly and so particularly to them -- there was nothing more moving. They needed that, and so did I. AP reaches people, plain and simple. Last night he gave people exactly what they needed, and it made the difference. I don't mean to disrespect anyone... it's just that all this other just stuff seems so trivial to me.

That's why they're called opinions. It's not even a strong critique. Just a simple observation. Rip, you know what to expect here, not everyone is going to be overboard as you in your idolization of the band but then again, this isn't a fansite so it shouldn't be expected. A lot of people are going through tough trials in their life right now. If Arnel helped some people forget their troubles for a few moments it's all good. Just please, don't act like you are surprised by what people are saying around here. That's what makes this unique and different from all the other music sites, including the one you moderate at; Here, everyone gets to be heard, not just the ones towing the company line.

[RedWingFan]

I can definitely see the opinions of "nothing standing out"
or a lack of "hooks" right now. But think back to the days
of vinyl... usually side two was the side reserved for the
"Deep Tracks", the "Un-Hits", and in most instances
some of the best songs on the entire album.

I'm thinking, and hoping, that Eclipse is just that,
one, big, epic, Side-Two album from start to finish.

I think of all the past J-albums and all my fave cuts are the side-two tracks:
M/F, Escape, Troubled Child, We Will Meet Again, Rubicon,
Live & Breath, Good morning Girl, Homemade Love, Lovin You Is Easy,
Daydream, ALL of Infinity's side two, What I Needed, Turn Down the World...

Guess I'm just wierd

All those songs you listed have hooks and are mostly great songs. And you have to assume that the songs Journey played last night are the best cuts off the new record.

[Don]

I think Journey sounds just like Journey circa 1995 with these songs. Less keys but the same lumbering, somber sound that many have described as 'mature'. Not necessarily a bad thing, just not for everyone probably.

[steveo777]

One thing I DIDN'T like was the continued Waaaaaaaah that Arnel does sometimes, sort of like an ad-lib Banshee wail. He did it on Revelations too. I had the window minimized and was listening only but when I heard it, it just grated on me. He obviously isn't very good at improvising on the fly so I'd rather he just do the Perry shuffle near the drums or whatever when he is at a lost for what to do.

Uuugh! That is SO annoying and he does it more that just during ad-lib fills...it comes out when he sings words with long 'aaaaa' sounds. This is why I say he is doing his best impression of a lead singer. It's not an insult...he's an impressionist. What is karaoke but doing impressions of songs we've heard? It's very mechanical and it's like someone who is nervous and fills in with a lot of 'uhs' during a speech.

I respect everyone's personal opinions and preferences. Me, those types of things don't even register to me. What I saw this weekend was some great friends who came here facing some incredibly difficult personal situations including illness and very recent loss. To see them smiling and even shedding some tears when AP sang directly and so particularly to them -- there was nothing more moving. They needed that, and so did I. AP reaches people, plain and simple. Last night he gave people exactly what they needed, and it made the difference. I don't mean to disrespect anyone... it's just that all this other just stuff seems so trivial to me.

That's why they're called opinions. It's not even a strong critique. Just a simple observation. Rip, you know what to expect here, not everyone is going to be overboard as you in your idolization of the band but then again, this isn't a fansite so it shouldn't be expected. A lot of people are going through tough trials in their life right now. If Arnel helped some people forget their troubles for a few moments it's all good. Just please, don't act like you are surprised by what people are saying around here. That's what makes this unique and different from all the other music sites, including the one you moderate at; Here, everyone gets to be heard, not just the ones towing the company line.

Most of us here are not surprised at the critiques, as they generally come from the same individuals. These individuals' opinions are not representative of the fanbase as a whole and the concert attendance proves that. That's fine with me. Negative sewering is just best left ignored, for those that don't like it. People who jumped ship, just don't like this band anymore and they all have their own reasons.

[Jana]

Put on my earphones and listened. Resonate is so amazing. Chain of Love is absolutely epic and has some keys there. Arnel tears it up, as does Neal. City of Hope I love the absolute moodiness to the song. I love Jon's keys, too, and was worried about the lack of them, but I'm sure they will show up on the album here and there. This is definitely more of a guitar album, but I love the creativity and the vibe of the album. I can't wait to hear these songs off an album with a great sound system, and sonically I think they will be stunning.

Wow - you're hearing a lot of things that I'm simply missing. I didn't hear anything that made me think about any of those adjectives you used.

I can't tell you for the whole album if I will like it. I love keys more in Journey's music. I happened to love Resonate and Chain of Love. Love the energy of the songs.

City of Hope I like the vibe of the song but I can't tell enough if I will love it. I don't have a feel for it. The other songs I don't have a feel for from the clips. But the two, Resonate and Chain of Love, are catchy and grabbed me from the start. And it definitely doesn't sound like a cookie-cutter album from the songs posted.

[kgdjpubs]

Better question......since you have heard songs outside of Journey. What is "Gotthard"? Is it G, Open, Homerun, Lipservice, Domino Effect, Need to Believe? They might as well be another band as much as they change style. Same for Magnum. Even discounting the reunion material, is Magnum Chase the Dragon, Storyteller's Night, Vigilante, Wings of Heaven, Sleepwalking? Yet again, might as well be another band. Where do you draw the line? Both of those bands have even had a very stable lineup through all the changes. Bon Jovi would be another example that have changed sound a bunch of times.

I'm glad you asked....Since I discovered Gotthard around Homerun, I'll have to say that the style that suits that band best is some of Homerun, but mostly Human Zoo-Domino Effect...they do Melodic better than straight rock, IMHO. Need to Believe is them going back to their straight rock roots again...

I started at Homerun also, interestingly enough. I tend to agree with you, even though Domino Effect is pretty much straight rock also. The songs are still good though, so it's hard to complain. Simply the most consistent band out there. Did you hear the new song (What Am I) on the Ballads cd? Sounds like something that would have fit on Open/Homerun.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the new singer, whoever that may be.

Journey has become a charicature of themselves. They chose to move on after Perry, and are suffering the consequnces. Now they picked up a whole country of new fans, but at what cost? They have the mindset of most dinosaur acts, which is - we are going to do what WE want. We have a large enough fanbase that will buy anything we release(think Kiss, Bon Jovi), even if it isn't up to standards. Sort of like that NHL team that puts a sub-standard product on the ice - and ownership doesn't care because people still come to see them, win or lose....their legacy will be the thing that suffers.

The question then becomes what is Journey supposed to do? Considering the number of tickets being sold compared to the contemporaries (discounting someone like Bon Jovi, who are in a different league), they are doing pretty well, and better than most.

I prefer new music to be made as opposed to just touring endlessly, and overall, I have enjoyed most of post-ROR albums. Love? Probably not, but maybe a few tracks. Like? Yes. I certainly wasn't enamored with all the Perry material either, be it solo or Journey.

I'll be the first to call out if a band sounds tired (see most of the recent Bon Jovi albums), but I'd say Journey has been generally treading water (much like post-reunion Magnum). Doesn't really add anything to the legacy, but doesn't subtract either. Of course, Magnum just put out an album that finally got them back up to the level they once were, so maybe the studio version of these songs will do the same for Journey. Does it translate to massive chart success? Highly unlikely, but nothing shy of Perry returning would and that isn't going to happen.

[Don]

If there are no critiques, that would imply perfection and that's simply not the case and never has bee no matter who has been the lead singer of the group.

If people can explain their position be it negative or positive, other than saying Something simply sucks, it should be encouraged.

[Behshad]

One thing I DIDN'T like was the continued Waaaaaaaah that Arnel does sometimes, sort of like an ad-lib Banshee wail. He did it on Revelations too. I had the window minimized and was listening only but when I heard it, it just grated on me. He obviously isn't very good at improvising on the fly so I'd rather he just do the Perry shuffle near the drums or whatever when he is at a lost for what to do.

Uuugh! That is SO annoying and he does it more that just during ad-lib fills...it comes out when he sings words with long 'aaaaa' sounds. This is why I say he is doing his best impression of a lead singer. It's not an insult...he's an impressionist. What is karaoke but doing impressions of songs we've heard? It's very mechanical and it's like someone who is nervous and fills in with a lot of 'uhs' during a speech.

I respect everyone's personal opinions and preferences. Me, those types of things don't even register to me. What I saw this weekend was some great friends who came here facing some incredibly difficult personal situations including illness and very recent loss. To see them smiling and even shedding some tears when AP sang directly and so particularly to them -- there was nothing more moving. They needed that, and so did I. AP reaches people, plain and simple. Last night he gave people exactly what they needed, and it made the difference. I don't mean to disrespect anyone... it's just that all this other just stuff seems so trivial to me.

That's why they're called opinions. It's not even a strong critique. Just a simple observation. Rip, you know what to expect here, not everyone is going to be overboard as you in your idolization of the band but then again, this isn't a fansite so it shouldn't be expected. A lot of people are going through tough trials in their life right now. If Arnel helped some people forget their troubles for a few moments it's all good. Just please, don't act like you are surprised by what people are saying around here. That's what makes this unique and different from all the other music sites, including the one you moderate at; Here, everyone gets to be heard, not just the ones towing the company line.

Most of us here are not surprised at the critiques, as they generally come from the same individuals. These individuals' opinions are not representative of the fanbase as a whole and the concert attendance proves that. That's fine with me. Negative sewering is just best left ignored, for those that don't like it. People who jumped ship, just don't like this band anymore and they all have their own reasons.

At the same token as those who had tears listening to Arnel, arent the true fanbase of Journey either. You can not say that if people dont like the new stuff theyre not representing the fanbase. Fans have the rights to like OR dislike new material. What YOU see as negative in your eyes, is someone else's take on the new material and it doesnt make you more of a fan just cause you will enjoy anything thrown at you as long as its from the band

[Don]

Better question......since you have heard songs outside of Journey. What is "Gotthard"? Is it G, Open, Homerun, Lipservice, Domino Effect, Need to Believe? They might as well be another band as much as they change style. Same for Magnum. Even discounting the reunion material, is Magnum Chase the Dragon, Storyteller's Night, Vigilante, Wings of Heaven, Sleepwalking? Yet again, might as well be another band. Where do you draw the line? Both of those bands have even had a very stable lineup through all the changes. Bon Jovi would be another example that have changed sound a bunch of times.

I'm glad you asked....Since I discovered Gotthard around Homerun, I'll have to say that the style that suits that band best is some of Homerun, but mostly Human Zoo-Domino Effect...they do Melodic better than straight rock, IMHO. Need to Believe is them going back to their straight rock roots again...

I started at Homerun also, interestingly enough. I tend to agree with you, even though Domino Effect is pretty much straight rock also. The songs are still good though, so it's hard to complain. Simply the most consistent band out there. Did you hear the new song (What Am I) on the Ballads cd? Sounds like something that would have fit on Open/Homerun.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the new singer, whoever that may be.

Journey has become a charicature of themselves. They chose to move on after Perry, and are suffering the consequnces. Now they picked up a whole country of new fans, but at what cost? They have the mindset of most dinosaur acts, which is - we are going to do what WE want. We have a large enough fanbase that will buy anything we release(think Kiss, Bon Jovi), even if it isn't up to standards. Sort of like that NHL team that puts a sub-standard product on the ice - and ownership doesn't care because people still come to see them, win or lose....their legacy will be the thing that suffers.

The question then becomes what is Journey supposed to do? Considering the number of tickets being sold compared to the contemporaries (discounting someone like Bon Jovi, who are in a different league), they are doing pretty well, and better than most.

I prefer new music to be made as opposed to just touring endlessly, and overall, I have enjoyed most of post-ROR albums. Love? Probably not, but maybe a few tracks. Like? Yes. I certainly wasn't enamored with all the Perry material either, be it solo or Journey.

I'll be the first to call out if a band sounds tired (see most of the recent Bon Jovi albums), but I'd say Journey has been generally treading water (much like post-reunion Magnum). Doesn't really add anything to the legacy, but doesn't subtract either. Of course, Magnum just put out an album that finally got them back up to the level they once were, so maybe the studio version of these songs will do the same for Journey. Does it translate to massive chart success? Highly unlikely, but nothing shy of Perry returning would and that isn't going to happen.

Well said.

[conversationpc]

I don't really know how anyone form much of an opinion at all based on the audio quality. They may sound quite a bit different once the actual album is released.

[steveo777]

One thing I DIDN'T like was the continued Waaaaaaaah that Arnel does sometimes, sort of like an ad-lib Banshee wail. He did it on Revelations too. I had the window minimized and was listening only but when I heard it, it just grated on me. He obviously isn't very good at improvising on the fly so I'd rather he just do the Perry shuffle near the drums or whatever when he is at a lost for what to do.

Uuugh! That is SO annoying and he does it more that just during ad-lib fills...it comes out when he sings words with long 'aaaaa' sounds. This is why I say he is doing his best impression of a lead singer. It's not an insult...he's an impressionist. What is karaoke but doing impressions of songs we've heard? It's very mechanical and it's like someone who is nervous and fills in with a lot of 'uhs' during a speech.

I respect everyone's personal opinions and preferences. Me, those types of things don't even register to me. What I saw this weekend was some great friends who came here facing some incredibly difficult personal situations including illness and very recent loss. To see them smiling and even shedding some tears when AP sang directly and so particularly to them -- there was nothing more moving. They needed that, and so did I. AP reaches people, plain and simple. Last night he gave people exactly what they needed, and it made the difference. I don't mean to disrespect anyone... it's just that all this other just stuff seems so trivial to me.

That's why they're called opinions. It's not even a strong critique. Just a simple observation. Rip, you know what to expect here, not everyone is going to be overboard as you in your idolization of the band but then again, this isn't a fansite so it shouldn't be expected. A lot of people are going through tough trials in their life right now. If Arnel helped some people forget their troubles for a few moments it's all good. Just please, don't act like you are surprised by what people are saying around here. That's what makes this unique and different from all the other music sites, including the one you moderate at; Here, everyone gets to be heard, not just the ones towing the company line.

Most of us here are not surprised at the critiques, as they generally come from the same individuals. These individuals' opinions are not representative of the fanbase as a whole and the concert attendance proves that. That's fine with me. Negative sewering is just best left ignored, for those that don't like it. People who jumped ship, just don't like this band anymore and they all have their own reasons.

At the same token as those who had tears listening to Arnel, arent the true fanbase of Journey either. You can not say that if people dont like the new stuff theyre not representing the fanbase. Fans have the rights to like OR dislike new material. What YOU see as negative in your eyes, is someone else's take on the new material and it doesnt make you more of a fan just cause you will enjoy anything thrown at you as long as its from the band

There are a few songs I hate from the band, in every incarnation. There are specifically 2 songs I hate off Revelation and about 3 each from Arrival and Generations, as well as pretty much all of the Red13 album, a couple from ROR and did not like much of Evolution.

[kgdjpubs]

I can definitely see the opinions of "nothing standing out"
or a lack of "hooks" right now. But think back to the days
of vinyl... usually side two was the side reserved for the
"Deep Tracks", the "Un-Hits", and in most instances
some of the best songs on the entire album.

I'm thinking, and hoping, that Eclipse is just that,
one, big, epic, Side-Two album from start to finish.

I think of all the past J-albums and all my fave cuts are the side-two tracks:
M/F, Escape, Troubled Child, We Will Meet Again, Rubicon,
Live & Breath, Good morning Girl, Homemade Love, Lovin You Is Easy,
Daydream, ALL of Infinity's side two, What I Needed, Turn Down the World...

Guess I'm just wierd

All those songs you listed have hooks and are mostly great songs. And you have to assume that the songs Journey played last night are the best cuts off the new record.

I'd say they probably played some songs most likely to be received well in concert, which may or may not translate to best songs. I don't remember What I Needed, Change for the Better or Turn Down the World being played at the pre-release Revelation show, and those were some of the better songs on the album. There was no ballad played, and you have to presume there is at least one on the album. We are also not getting the lyrics--just the general melody. That can have a MAJOR effect, at least for me, on how much I like the song.

On the subject of "side 2" records, I tend to agree with you. Bon Jovi's These Days is probably my favorite BJ album, that was pretty much a side 2 album. A lot of songs on the side 2 are the deeper lyrical songs. This album may well be the same. Generations was heading down the same road. Less commercial and "radio friendly", but not sure that really means much with a band like Journey that isn't going to get radio airplay anyway.

[kgdjpubs]

There are a few songs I hate from the band, in every incarnation. There are specifically 2 songs I hate off Revelation and about 3 each from Arrival and Generations, as well as pretty much all of the Red13 album, a couple from ROR and did not like much of Evolution.

that's just being normal. There have been a few lyrical abominations (What it Takes to Win), some tracks that were just plodding without going anywhere (I Got a Reason), and a few songs on Generations that never should have made a Journey record for style if nothing else. Red13 had some good ideas (and some good lyrics), but was desperately in need of some chorus re-writes. I could go back through most of the Perry albums similarly. For better or worse, there is always a filler or two on Journey albums.

[Escape Artist]

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.

Sorry Rip, thanks for the clips. it's youtube compressed audio not you... thanks again!

[kgdjpubs]

I don't really know how anyone form much of an opinion at all based on the audio quality. They may sound quite a bit different once the actual album is released.

same here. The lyrics are a total mumbled mess with the audio quality (not that I'm complaining, as it's great to have the recordings!). Add to it that the band is a bit rusty going for a while without playing live, and playing these songs for the first time, you don't expect them to be firing on all cylinders like you might expect in the middle of a tour. It's good enough to get a general feeling on style, but you are far from a studio version with perfect sound, not counting things like feel or tempo that may be slightly different.

[Carlitto H@kk]

]Journey has become a charicature of themselves. They chose to move on after Perry, and are suffering the consequnces. They have the mindset of most dinosaur acts, which is - we are going to do what WE want. We have a large enough fanbase that will buy anything we release(think Kiss, Bon Jovi), even if it isn't up to standards.

The question then becomes what is Journey supposed to do?

Exactly, what is Journey supposed to do?

And whose standards are they supposed to be living up to?
Yours? Mine? Every fan out there? Get real.
The standards they have to live up to are the standards
of the five guys making the music. How are they really suffering?
Record sales is a weak stat to use to determine whether a band is still
successful or relevant; that's just the way the entire music biz is these days.
Are they still touring strong? Yep, even if they have to do double or triple bills.

These guys have been around long enuff that they should be able to do what they want.
Why keep rehashing the same type of vibe over and over again?
I think a lot of Perr-Era-Only fans have forgotten what this band used to be...
They were a guitar-driven, jam band, built around Schon.
If anything this direction could be considered an updated, pre-Escape era Journey.
I personally think Schon has been pretty laid back on the past few albums,
not putting in 100%, and letting Cain have a little more control on direction...
Maybe Schon is hellbent on taking this band back to its roots, but with an updated,
modern vibe that can compete with what else is out there today.

Trying to constantly re-create that Perry-sound or Legacy sound just isn't working.
Its time to move forward. They had a chance to do that back in 2007 w/JSS and, again,
figured trying to capture that Legacy sound was the best bet. Glad Schon is thinking differently these days.
Maybe these guys know they really don't have many years left with this machine;
why not go out on a limb, have some fun, be experimental again...

[Behshad]

While I think Neal is taking the band towards the right direction with a rockier & heavier sound, I'm predicting that the vocals will be a disappointment, because Arnel is still going to try to sound more like Perry than trying to sound like himself.
Hope Im wrong, but we might get one album filled with great guitar riffs yet vocals missing that soul and emotion needed to make this a perfect package....

[jrny10]

Yes, the last Journey album is Arrival.

[kgdjpubs]

While I think Neal is taking the band towards the right direction with a rockier & heavier sound, I'm predicting that the vocals will be a disappointment, because Arnel is still going to try to sound more like Perry than trying to sound like himself.
Hope Im wrong, but we might get one album filled with great guitar riffs yet vocals missing that soul and emotion needed to make this a perfect package....

I haven't heard much Perry/Sam Cooke in Arnel's vocal style at all, even on Revelation. You could make the argument that he didn't have a clearly defined vocal style and probably be close to the truth, but I didn't hear much if any Motown/R&B stylings that Perry was so famous for. Didn't hear those from Augeri either, for what it's worth. The only song I've heard recently that was even remotely Perry-ish was JSS' vocals on WET's If I Fall, who coincidentally, cites Sam Cooke as a major influence.

I hope Arnel finds a consistent vocal style on this album, but I'm not sure what his vocal style is. Considering the band knew they were writing for him (which probably wasn't the case for a lot of Revelation), the band should know how to maximize his vocal abilities.

[Don]

I don't really know how anyone form much of an opinion at all based on the audio quality. They may sound quite a bit different once the actual album is released.

That's what I'm saying. The real product needs to be the one that shines. That's going to get all the airplay for most people, not live freakin' concert audio that isn't meant to be recorded in the first place.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

I don't really know how anyone form much of an opinion at all based on the audio quality. They may sound quite a bit different once the actual album is released.

That's what I'm saying. The real product needs to be the one that shines. That's going to get all the airplay for most people, not live freakin' concert audio that isn't not to be recorded in the first place.

I myself wasn't all impressed by what I heard in the you-tube clips, but I ll buy the album when it comes out and make a judgement from there and not until then.

[Rip Rokken]

One thing I DIDN'T like was the continued Waaaaaaaah that Arnel does sometimes, sort of like an ad-lib Banshee wail. He did it on Revelations too. I had the window minimized and was listening only but when I heard it, it just grated on me. He obviously isn't very good at improvising on the fly so I'd rather he just do the Perry shuffle near the drums or whatever when he is at a lost for what to do.

Uuugh! That is SO annoying and he does it more that just during ad-lib fills...it comes out when he sings words with long 'aaaaa' sounds. This is why I say he is doing his best impression of a lead singer. It's not an insult...he's an impressionist. What is karaoke but doing impressions of songs we've heard? It's very mechanical and it's like someone who is nervous and fills in with a lot of 'uhs' during a speech.

I respect everyone's personal opinions and preferences. Me, those types of things don't even register to me. What I saw this weekend was some great friends who came here facing some incredibly difficult personal situations including illness and very recent loss. To see them smiling and even shedding some tears when AP sang directly and so particularly to them -- there was nothing more moving. They needed that, and so did I. AP reaches people, plain and simple. Last night he gave people exactly what they needed, and it made the difference. I don't mean to disrespect anyone... it's just that all this other just stuff seems so trivial to me.

That's why they're called opinions. It's not even a strong critique. Just a simple observation. Rip, you know what to expect here, not everyone is going to be overboard as you in your idolization of the band but then again, this isn't a fansite so it shouldn't be expected. A lot of people are going through tough trials in their life right now. If Arnel helped some people forget their troubles for a few moments it's all good. Just please, don't act like you are surprised by what people are saying around here. That's what makes this unique and different from all the other music sites, including the one you moderate at; Here, everyone gets to be heard, not just the ones towing the company line.

Holy smokes, such defensiveness!



Let me digest this, and I'll roll out the red letter type for ya just like Jesus:

"That's why they're called opinions. It's not even a strong critique. Just a simple observation."
What he's saying: Rip, you're overreacting.
What he's really communicating: "I'm (Don) overreacting. By sharing your own perspective, you are directly challenging my opinions." (judgments really, looking back)

"Rip, you know what to expect here, not everyone is going to be overboard as you in your idolization of the band but then again, this isn't a fansite so it shouldn't be expected."
What he's saying: "Rip, you thin-skinned lemming, don't blow your smokestack! Let me educate you on how it works around here."
What he's really communicating: "I'm (Don) thin-skinned, and fear the impression of being dominated. When I precieve a threat, I feel the need to assert superiority through condescension." Umm, the word is perceive, btw...

"A lot of people are going through tough trials in their life right now. If Arnel helped some people forget their troubles for a few moments it's all good."
Ah, I'll just leave that one alone.

"Just please, don't act like you are surprised by what people are saying around here. That's what makes this unique and different from all the other music sites, including the one you moderate at; Here, everyone gets to be heard, not just the ones towing the company line."
What he's saying: more of the same
What he's really communicating: more of the same

Just a bunch of psychological projection, lol... What was your relationship with your mother like?



Seriously, dude... I think most people can tell my post was not confrontational, and respectful of everyone's right to an opinion. Of course I'm used to MR... enough to know a balance of perspectives, rather than just opinions, keeps things fresh. People see things from different vantage points is all.

[steveo777]

Some people belong to the Church Of The Rectum and when they go on their "mission", well, it's to become a full fledged asshole.

[Behshad]

Some people belong to the Church Of The Rectum and when they go on their "mission", well, it's to become a full fledged asshole.

You'd make the perfect priest for that church , thats for sure

[Don]

Thinned Skinned? not as thin as the lettuce on the top of your dome.
The oppression of being dominated? I'm sure you could tell us all about that Rip, or does Neal let you play the Pitcher every once in awhile?

All in fun, dude, all in fun.

[jrny10]

The bottomline is that Schon and Cain needs Perry as a counterweight. Even on Arrival, when they had Augeri (who successfully managed to have his own style going), there were quite a few fillers with the typical cliche filled Cain lyrics. With the departure of Perry, Journey became lightweight in a way they'd never been before. Compare with the real emotion/pain courtesy of Perry on Trial By Fire. So in a way, the last Journey album was Trial By Fire. For it to work, there must be Schon, Cain and a Perry. And one shouldn't understate Smith's importance either. Castronovo has mean pipes but his bashing style isn't really Journey.

The detoriation already started with Generations, but it first went pear shaped big time with Revelation where they really do sound like a cover band of themselves, trying to channel the sound they once had, but falling way off the mark. For lack of better words, they now sound like a run of the mill AOR band, whereas on Raised on Radio they sounded like a million bucks.

That's the best way I can put it.

[Eric]

The bottomline is that Schon and Cain needs Perry as a counterweight. Even on Arrival, when they had Augeri (who successfully managed to have his own style going), there were quite a few fillers with the typical cliche filled Cain lyrics. With the departure of Perry, Journey became lightweight in a way they'd never been before. Compare with the real emotion/pain courtesy of Perry on Trial By Fire. So in a way, the last Journey album was Trial By Fire. For it to work, there must be Schon, Cain and a Perry.

But, TBF did not work.

[Behshad]

Thinned Skinned? not as thin as the lettuce on the top of your dome.
The oppression of being dominated? I'm sure you could tell us all about that Rip, or does Neal let you play the Pitcher every once in awhile?

All in fun, dude, all in fun.

All in fun indeed. You two give eachother a hug and move on