Not impressed

by **Matthew** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:55 am

Just seen the Chile clips....and am surprised to hear a slightly annoying quality to Arnel's voice. A bit strained and whiney. I really want to get enthusiastic about this line-up but I can't help thinking that I need to stick to the Perry era once and for all.

by **StyxCollector** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:07 am

bluejeangirl76 wrote:YOU are the one who keeps dragging Perry's name into this and bashing people and calling them names for not liking Arnel. I was not impressed, period. That's my opinion and I have as much right to it as you have to enjoy him. I wasn't impressed much with Augeri on the old Journey material either. But I did like JSS. It's not about fucking Perry, leave him out of it. I have the ability to appreciate other singers individually and this one didn't do much for me.

Chain Reaction sounded like he spent two hours with an iPod replaying it over and over and it came out like note for note impression with nothing individual about it. Open Arms was alright except for the diction problems. Stone In Love was horrible. What I was able to catch of Lights was okay. Sure, there were moments of "Well okat it's not bad lets see where it goes..." but not enough of them to make me fall in love and want to blow him on the spot like you. Chill the fuck out. If you don't want to hear or read unfavorable opinions then get off this board, stop reading threads and go find an "Arnholio" message board. Or start one.

I have to agree for the most part. For a first gig, it wasn't bad, but I wasn't knocked out. Your impression of OA is exactly what I thought, and his voice does not have depth to me. He's got the upper tenor of Perry, but not the depth (if you know what I mean). I'm sure he'll improve, but to me, JSS (and I didn't get to see them live with him) had the personality, range, and power.

A good example of Arnel's voice not being like Perry's is "Only The Young". It was kinda thin and reedy a bit, and it didn't really have personality. It felt more like what you said - an iPod-esque rendition. Some of his phrasing seemed a bit off on some songs as well.

Although I will say, Arnel had much better stage presence than I would have thought. Given the other videos we've seen, I thought he'd be planted and not interact much. "Wheel In The Sky" is a good example of decent stage presence.

Slightly off topic: Ross was using a black MusicMan. That's new. Is he an endorser now? It looks due to the dual pickup config to be possibly an old Sabre. It's not a new dual pickup Bongo since it's got the "standard" MM headstock.

by **Voyager** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:32 am

Matthew wrote:Just seen the Chile clips....and am surprised to hear a slightly annoying quality to Arnel's voice. A bit strained and whiney. I really want to get enthusiastic about this line-up but I can't help thinking that I need to stick to the Perry era once and for all.

I have to agree. Although I think Arnel does better than Augeri in trying to emulate Steve Perry, it still reeks of impersonation. Perry is the standard that people try to reach, but I don't think it's possible. However, I know many here will disagree and parade Arnel around as the second coming of Steve Perry.

Some think that Perry fans are stuck in the past and won't move forward. The same could be said about Elvis fans when they are disappointed with an Elvis impersonator show. "It's just not as good as Elvis." No shit. It never will be. You cannot recreate the past, only mimic it.

by **RockitRide** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:36 am

I emailed the video to my secretary in the next office. She doesn't know Arnel from Adam. I just cut and paste her exact reply below:

"He sounds really good.........an Asian Steve Perry.

"

by **WalrusOct9** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:36 am

Matthew wrote:Just seen the Chile clips....and am surprised to hear a slightly annoying quality to Arnel's voice. A bit strained and whiney.

Yeah, when he strains, especially on the heavier tunes, it ain't pretty, even when he gets the notes.

It's weird...the videos I saw of the band with JSS, Neal and even Friga were into it, he really brought out some life in the rest of the guys....in this show the band (except for Deen, who just always looks awesome when he plays) is back to Augeri-era auto-pilot, or so it feels like to me. I just remember seeing some of those JSS vids, and Neal had this huge shit-eating grin on his face, you'd have never thought there were any problems in the band. The band definitely coasted through this Chile show, IMO.

I think the job of a frontman is not just to sing and talk to the crowd, but to pull the band into it and keep them excited and into the show. Think of the chemistry between Bruce and Steven Van Zant, or Jon Bon Jovi and Richie, or Tyler and Perry. I don't see that happening here, but that's just me.

by **Deb** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:41 am

Voyager wrote:
Matthew wrote:Just seen the Chile clips....and am surprised to hear a slightly annoying quality to Arnel's voice. A bit strained and whiney. I really want to get enthusiastic about this line-up but I can't help thinking that I need to stick to the Perry era once and for all.

I have to agree. Although I think Arnel does better than Augeri in trying to emulate Steve Perry, it still reeks of impersonation. Perry is the standard that people try to reach, but I don't think it's possible. However, I know many here will disagree and parade Arnel around as the second coming of Steve Perry.

Some think that Perry fans are stuck in the past and won't move forward. The same could be said about Elvis fans when they are disappointed with an Elvis impersonator show. "It's just not as good as Elvis." No shit. It never will be. You cannot recreate the past, only mimic it.

Pretty much agree with your post! Oh and looky, wait.......just a minute......here comes JoePa to nail us for those opinions. :lol:

Welcome back Matty. Long time no see. Hope life's treating you well.

by **belar** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:55 am

OK, I just listened to the whole show, and my initial response is, "Meh". He did OK - there was some screaming/straining in some of the rockers and unfortunately a little bit of a diction problem weaving throughout the whole show. He did do a nice job on the slower numbers, Open Arms and Only The Young notably. I don't know - I guess I expect to be blown away by Journey, 'cause for me, they've always been the pinnacle. Of course, everyone loves Perry, and I was actually blown away by Augeri and JSS on different occasions. I'm sure Arnel will improve with a few shows under his belt, and I'll give him a listen when more boots pop up. For now though, I'm disappointed. For me, personally, "meh" isn't good enough for Journey.

by **ttango1** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:57 am

It's strange in the sense that for the last 15 years, the stages he's played on could fit in the salon of any celebrity whose house is on MTV's Cribs. Now he has an extension bridge to meet the crowd that he has to run to and he's hoppin' around, adrenaline pumping, and some breathing issues that became a non-issue as he got more comfortable. Some people said the guy's music stand was his best friend and now, he's animated, he's engaged, and the crowd there absolutely was digging Journey live and in color.

By the time we get to Vegas, I'm thinking he'll be lots more comfortable.

by **Tomulator** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:58 am

Voyager wrote:
...
Some think that Perry fans are stuck in the past and won't move forward. The same could be said about Elvis fans when they are disappointed with an Elvis impersonator show. "It's just not as good as Elvis." No shit. It never will be. You cannot recreate the past, only mimic it.

Or...you could just LET IT REST IN PEACE and do something "creative" and "different".

This is all just so sad and pathetic really...

:roll:

by **Lori Jo** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:00 am

Rick wrote:
stevew2 wrote:It sucked and you you know it did

No, it didn't. It was damn good for his first performance with Journey. He had to be a nervous wreck, that's to be expected. He blew the lines to Faithfully, a song he's probably sang 500+ times. That tells me he was scared shitless. He will not only do better, he'll do much better.

Very well put, Rick. Thanks. This was Arnel's FIRST performance. I'm sure everyone bashing him right now has done everything perfectly their FIRST time in their own lives. And what lucky, special folks they must be.

by **ohsherrie** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:13 am

Matthew wrote:Just seen the Chile clips....and am surprised to hear a slightly annoying quality to Arnel's voice. A bit strained and whiney. I really want to get enthusiastic about this line-up but I can't help thinking that I need to stick to the Perry era once and for all.

That "whiney", sort of squeaky hinge, sound is exactly what I hear in his voice Matt. I haven't listened to the Chile show and have no desire to, but I heard it enough in previous YouTube videos to know that I don't think having Jon, Neal and Ross playing behind him is gonna make him sound(or look, so why watch him) any better to me.

by **conversationpc** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:16 am

ohsherrie wrote:
Matthew wrote:Just seen the Chile clips....and am surprised to hear a slightly annoying quality to Arnel's voice. A bit strained and whiney. I really want to get enthusiastic about this line-up but I can't help thinking that I need to stick to the Perry era once and for all.

That "whiney", sort of squeaky hinge, sound is exactly what I hear in his voice Matt. I haven't listened to the Chile show and have no desire to, but I heard it enough in previous YouTube videos to know that I don't think having Jon, Neal and Ross playing behind him is gonna make him sound(or look, so why watch him) any better to me.

The whiney noise in his voice is exactly why there are some who don't like a young Perry's voice.

by **Deb** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:22 am

conversationpc wrote:
ohsherrie wrote:
Matthew wrote:Just seen the Chile clips....and am surprised to hear a slightly annoying quality to Arnel's voice. A bit strained and whiney. I really want to get enthusiastic about this line-up but I can't help thinking that I need to stick to the Perry era once and for all.

That "whiney", sort of squeaky hinge, sound is exactly what I hear in his voice Matt. I haven't listened to the Chile show and have no desire to, but I heard it enough in previous YouTube videos to know that I don't think having Jon, Neal and Ross playing behind him is gonna make him sound(or look, so why watch him) any better to me.

The whiney noise in his voice is exactly why there are some who don't like a young Perry's voice.

Actually that's true Dave. Believe you me, I'm a major Perry fan, but have to admit on some of the real early stuff the odd time I would hear a vocal here and there that was just too much.

by **Playitloudforme** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:23 am

Just because I didn't like what I heard & saw as much as you did does not make it bashing. Bashing would be calling him a POS, etc. That's not what's done here. Speaking for myself, I've only said the facts, I looked at this as objectively as possible. He was slow on the up-tempo songs, behind the music, and he screamed on the higher notes in those songs, as well as botched the lyrics. He clearly does better with slow tempo ballads (except for some lyrics), but I was concerned that he didn't have what it took to handle the entire catalog. How is that bashing?

Just because someone elects to criticize does not mean they assume they are perfect. That's a ludicrous statement. People can NOT like it, that simple. Please don't belittle us for not liking his performance. In my opinion it was substandard. End of story.

I know it was his first performance. So what. I've seen many a "first performance", and have been blown AWAY... Arnel didn't do that. Call it nerves, inexperience, or just plain not up to snuff, it doesn't matter. It didn't blow me away. In order to get me to bother, that's what was required. If you feel the need to give money to band that sees this as a step UP... go for it. When I plunk money down for a concert, I want to walk away going, FUCK YES.. not ah shit. This wasn't an Ah shit...more of a meh. Meh doesn't cut it for me to go back again.

by **ohsherrie** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:28 am

conversationpc wrote:
ohsherrie wrote:
Matthew wrote:Just seen the Chile clips....and am surprised to hear a slightly annoying quality to Arnel's voice. A bit strained and whiney. I really want to get enthusiastic about this line-up but I can't help thinking that I need to stick to the Perry era once and for all.

That "whiney", sort of squeaky hinge, sound is exactly what I hear in his voice Matt. I haven't listened to the Chile show and have no desire to, but I heard it enough in previous YouTube videos to know that I don't think having Jon, Neal and Ross playing behind him is gonna make him sound(or look, so why watch him) any better to me.

The whiney noise in his voice is exactly why there are some who don't like a young Perry's voice.

I know, and I personally prefer the deeper, richer, more mature Perry sound, but I never heard a whine or a squeak in his voice.

by **mriesenb** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:28 am

I was suprised that Arnel did most of the announcements.

by **ohsherrie** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:30 am

mriesenb wrote:I was suprised that Arnel did most of the announcements.

It's Chile, how many there are going to notice how bad his accent is?

by **mriesenb** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:38 am

ohsherrie wrote:
mriesenb wrote:I was suprised that Arnel did most of the announcements.

It's Chile, how many there are going to notice how bad his accent is?

I figured Neal and Jon would already take the helm. It gets harder to get it back once he's tasted the success as front man. Even in Chile they could have made
their statement, which they didn't. So I'm really curious to see what happens in the US.

by **WIX** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:43 am

What really troubles me about this post is this.

none of this really matters, Barry Fricken Manilow is still playing shows in Vegas. The king of Mandy is alive and well.

And Emilio Esteves "The Mighty Duckman" is still on video shelves everywhere.

by **atanarjuat** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:48 am

It wasn't that bad. Given time I think he'll just get better. Come what may, I have a feeling that we might be looking at Journey's last singer.

by **Playitloudforme** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:56 am

WIX wrote:What really troubles me about this post is this.

none of this really matters, Barry Fricken Manilow is still playing shows in Vegas. The king of Mandy is alive and well.

And Emilio Esteves "The Mighty Duckman" is still on video shelves everywhere.

Emiliooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

by **ttango1** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:01 am

Tomulator wrote:
Voyager wrote:
...
Some think that Perry fans are stuck in the past and won't move forward. The same could be said about Elvis fans when they are disappointed with an Elvis impersonator show. "It's just not as good as Elvis." No shit. It never will be. You cannot recreate the past, only mimic it.

Or...you could just LET IT REST IN PEACE and do something "creative" and "different".

This is all just so sad and pathetic really...

I don't get you loons. if it's what got them notoriety in the 1st place, are they just supposed to walk away from it? Pathetic is not paying respect to past success. True I want new music but that's expected to be here soon enough. I saw a venue full of screaming Chileans who got what they wanted to see and then...for quite a long time, asked for more of it.

by **ohsherrie** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:02 am

OT: OMG Kate, I just noticed your avatar. Too funny.

by **ohsherrie** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:06 am

ttango1 wrote:I don't get you loons.

I don't get you morons who can't argue a point with a female Perry/Journey fan without trying to discredit us by playing the "loon" card.

We like what we like just like all the Schon "goons" do and this female Perry/Journey fan doesn't like Arnel Pineda regardless of who is playing the instruments behind him.

by **ttango1** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:09 am

It's Chile, how many there are going to notice how bad his accent is?

And when he continues to talk in Vegas, then what are you going to say?

I will say that he needs to say more than "Come On." but based on his first ever live performance in front of an arena of people, I give him a B- due to a weak start but he closed well and that's what matters to me.

For all you people who say you've been to a first show and that they killed it...it's rare when that happens, consider yourself lucky because times like that aren't the rule, they are the exception.

by **Eric** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:09 am

ohsherrie wrote: I haven't listened to the Chile show and have no desire to

I'm narrow minded though :roll:

You know you want to Sherrie...just watch and review...

by **Tomulator** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:11 am

ttango1 wrote:
Tomulator wrote:
Voyager wrote:
...
Some think that Perry fans are stuck in the past and won't move forward. The same could be said about Elvis fans when they are disappointed with an Elvis impersonator show. "It's just not as good as Elvis." No shit. It never will be. You cannot recreate the past, only mimic it.

Or...you could just LET IT REST IN PEACE and do something "creative" and "different".

This is all just so sad and pathetic really...

I don't get you loons. if it's what got them notoriety in the 1st place, are they just supposed to walk away from it? Pathetic is not paying respect to past success. True I want new music but that's expected to be here soon enough. I saw a venue full of screaming Chileans who got what they wanted to see and then...for quite a long time, asked for more of it.

Hey, the only thing I'm a "loon" about is preserving a legacy which is not a "run of the mill" legacy...it's LEGENDARY.

My opinion is not about anyone replacing SP...it's about GOOD TASTE and doing what is APPROPRIATE!

It's not at all hard to see if you open your eyes... :shock:

by **ttango1** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:11 am

If I'm using the term disparagingly I apologize, but I thought your loons moniker was something you guys accepted with honor. Some posts make it seem that way, even jokingly.

by **ttango1** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:14 am

Tomulator wrote:
ttango1 wrote:
Tomulator wrote:
Voyager wrote:
...
Some think that Perry fans are stuck in the past and won't move forward. The same could be said about Elvis fans when they are disappointed with an Elvis impersonator show. "It's just not as good as Elvis." No shit. It never will be. You cannot recreate the past, only mimic it.

Or...you could just LET IT REST IN PEACE and do something "creative" and "different".

This is all just so sad and pathetic really...

I don't get you loons. if it's what got them notoriety in the 1st place, are they just supposed to walk away from it? Pathetic is not paying respect to past success. True I want new music but that's expected to be here soon enough. I saw a venue full of screaming Chileans who got what they wanted to see and then...for quite a long time, asked for more of it.

Hey, the only thing I'm a "loon" about is preserving a legacy which is not a "run of the mill" legacy...it's LEGENDARY.

My opinion is not about anyone replacing SP...it's about GOOD TASTE and doing what is APPROPRIATE!

It's not at all hard to see if you open your eyes...

Here is another thing that irks me. WHAT IS THE LEGACY? Is it something you can touch? Is it a memory locked away in your individualism? What is it? Tell me...inform me, help me see what you see. I might not agree(STILL) but I'm open to investigation. I don't need to subject myself to GROUPTHINK. I'm an individual fan whose seen Perry live and am looking forward to the doing same thing with Pineda. SO what is the legacy, the songs? The rep? what exactly?

It's not at all hard to see if you open your eyes

If it's not hard to see, then it shouldn't be hard for you to explain. OPEN MY EYES THEN.

by **ohsherrie** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:14 am

Eric wrote:
ohsherrie wrote: I haven't listened to the Chile show and have no desire to

I'm narrow minded though

You know you want to Sherrie...just watch and review...

But I don't want to Eric. Why should I subject myself to something that I don't want to hear, let alone see, to satisfy someone else's curiosity?

MR

Not impressed

I guess Arnel passes the casual fan test with flying colors.

Meh

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