Objective Review of current Journey lineup

[Glenn]

Journey as we knew it, died once Perry left. died, thats right! dead - fact.

Wrong....That era of Journey died...Journey continues in this era....

there is no need to compare the two (or three if you count the Pre Perry days) as the Perry era rules all.

the new era is what it is. It's Journey minus Perry.

some folks seem to think the new era Journey is pretty damn good.

Let's face it, Journey has some damned good talent or we wouldn't all be here! Tactics and business practices I have issues with but their talent has never been in question and that is with no SP, SP, SA, JSS and AP! Neal is unbelievably fun to watch. The only other guitarist that makes me drop my jaw when I see him play in person is Howie Simon of the JSSB.

Journey has had many eras, many changes and I'm amazed at the latest success - I really am. Not because I thought it would be bad, but because I'm not used to seeing all this promotion!

word!


Howie is awesome!

[Matthew]

And another ass-kicker is that none of the Revelation material, all Schon/Cain or Schon or Cain brianchildren could have been concieved with perry in the band.

The opening track is a direct rip-off of a Perry era track, Red...as is Like A Sunshower....but you're right about some of the others...Perry would never have allowed the Survivor vibe to creep in.

Also would never have great melodic, urgent, tension-filled songs like Remember Me, Higher Place, WGW, WWMA, The Time, FITH, TPIYH or OOHW.

No - we just had to make do with Don't Stop Believin', Escape, Chain Reaction, Separate Ways, Edge of The Blade, Be Good To Yourself....etc...etc...etc...

[Michigan Girl]

[RedWingFan]

And another ass-kicker is that none of the Revelation material, all Schon/Cain or Schon or Cain brianchildren could have been concieved with perry in the band.

The opening track is a direct rip-off of a Perry era track, Red...as is Like A Sunshower....but you're right about some of the others...Perry would never have allowed the Survivor vibe to creep in.

Also would never have great melodic, urgent, tension-filled songs like Remember Me, Higher Place, WGW, WWMA, The Time, FITH, TPIYH or OOHW.

No - we just had to make do with Don't Stop Believin', Escape, Chain Reaction, Separate Ways, Edge of The Blade, Be Good To Yourself....etc...etc...etc...

Smartass!!!

[ForceInfinity]

Actually Matthew just brought up something that had me thinking and he's definitely on to something. Change for the Better does have that Survivor vibe to it as well as What it Takes to Win. Not that this is a bad thing necessarily because I happen to like Survivor, but there was that ... vibe to it. Still, I enjoyed the heck out of it

[Rick]

Actually Matthew just brought up something that had me thinking and he's definitely on to something. Change for the Better does have that Survivor vibe to it as well as What it Takes to Win. Not that this is a bad thing necessarily because I happen to like Survivor, but there was that ... vibe to it. Still, I enjoyed the heck out of it

They do sound like Survivor, only better.

[Vladan]

Journey as we knew it, died once Perry left. died, thats right! dead - fact.

Wrong....That era of Journey died...Journey continues in this era....

there is no need to compare the two (or three if you count the Pre Perry days) as the Perry era rules all.

the new era is what it is. It's Journey minus Perry.

some folks seem to think the new era Journey is pretty damn good.

Well I wouldn't say i'm completely incorrent. Some former Journey frontman would actually agree with me. But look, yes the name Jourmey is still there, sure that's fine. And you know, I am digging the new era! I think it's awesome, I listen to Revelations at work everyday, it's kickass! But the Journey we all grew up with, has died... you know, Journey minus Perry, is like Queen minus Freddie - while still very good! but not LEGENDARY.

[Glenn]

Journey as we knew it, died once Perry left. died, thats right! dead - fact.

Wrong....That era of Journey died...Journey continues in this era....

there is no need to compare the two (or three if you count the Pre Perry days) as the Perry era rules all.

the new era is what it is. It's Journey minus Perry.

some folks seem to think the new era Journey is pretty damn good.

Well I wouldn't say i'm completely incorrent. Some former Journey frontman would actually agree with me. But look, yes the name Jourmey is still there, sure that's fine. And you know, I am digging the new era! I think it's awesome, I listen to Revelations at work everyday, it's kickass! But the Journey we all grew up with, has died... you know, Journey minus Perry, is like Queen minus Freddie - while still very good! but not LEGENDARY.

I completely agree.

Plus, the Queen thing...well...That was hard to accept....But it is what it is, and I do like it.

[Saint John]

The opening track is a direct rip-off of a Perry era track

Kind of like Message Of Love ripping off Separate Ways? You didn't see me running around like an infant with a shit-filled diaper when I heard MOL for the first time. I understood it was the same band keeping to a winning formula and reminding people of who they are. Any band with this many years is going to have similar songs. And Like A Sunshower does revisit the past. Just because Steve Platypus no longer wishes to sing doesn't mean Journey has to nix their entire history with him. They made the music...he sang the songs. They continue to make the same sort of music. If you don't like it get the fuck outta here.

Perry would never have allowed the Survivor vibe to creep in.

Probably right. It would be hard to rip off Sam Cooke's runs on Survivor songs.

No - we just had to make do with Don't Stop Believin', Escape, Chain Reaction, Separate Ways, Edge of The Blade, Be Good To Yourself....etc...etc...etc...

You act as if Perry recorded and arranged the entire songs of this era. He didn't.

[Big J]

Augeri did fine on the old stuff. Some people can't be pleased.

That said, I've lived with this new album since the day it came out and while Pineda's better on this DVD than he was on the Chile show - it's still just not quite there.

Wish they would have either kept JSS or brought Augeri back - Arnel deserved the break he got but the current lineup just isn't as good. Deen's working harder than ever.

[finalfight]

Augeri did fine on the old stuff. Some people can't be pleased.

That said, I've lived with this new album since the day it came out and while Pineda's better on this DVD than he was on the Chile show - it's still just not quite there.

Wish they would have either kept JSS or brought Augeri back - Arnel deserved the break he got but the current lineup just isn't as good. Deen's working harder than ever.

You have got to be kidding if you think Lou Ferr-Deeno is pitching in to make up for a deficit in Arnel's live singing ability. Seriously?

[Red13JoePa]

Lou Ferr-Deeno

Cha CHING

Another one is coined.

[finalfight]

Don't make him angry...

[stevew2]

Actually Matthew just brought up something that had me thinking and he's definitely on to something. Change for the Better does have that Survivor vibe to it as well as What it Takes to Win. Not that this is a bad thing necessarily because I happen to like Survivor, but there was that ... vibe to it. Still, I enjoyed the heck out of it

They do sound like Survivor, only better.

Its bettahh

[Tomulator]

Before I start, let me clarify:

1. No, I am not a "Perry loon"
2. I am not an Augeri nut
3. Although I enjoy listening to JSS, I do not think he was the right fit.

That said; on with the objectivity.

Like many who post here, I visited Youtube many times to get a glimpse of Arnel Pineda, as the initial rumours began back in late 2007.

I viewd the concert in Chile live.

And yes, I bought "Revelation" at my local Wal-Mart last weekend.

I popped in the new material disc on the way home to give it a listen, and although I wanted to be blown away, I was not.
I thought the new music was just "ok".

Secondly, I gave a listen to the rerecorded stuff---again, "ok"...still not sure why they felt they should do the rerecords in the first place.

Still hoping to be pleasantly surprised, I made it home and put on the DVD.
Understand, I am a Journey fan for 30+ years and I truly wanted a reason to remain in the fold, but I honestly was not
wowed by the ability of Arnel Pineda.

Although he has the ability to mimick Perry's sound...in very small bits and peices...he does not carry the "money notes" very well and already appears to be struggling to perform the back catalog.

I honestly do not anticipate a second CD with him in the line-up, nor do I envision him lasting more than 3 years on tour.

Sorry boys, after all the hype "I'm not feelin' it".

Well, you are a small minority then about the new stuff. Everyone Ive talked to loved it. And Im not even talking about Journey die hards, actually people who were skeptical to pay $11....people who wanted to hate it since God Perry wasnt there.

Count me in that "minority" then. I too have given the new discs some good listens and, while there are some good moments on there, the disc as a whole feels like a "2/3rds finished" Journey disc. with so-so production (muddy guitar tones, bass plosives audible, lacks overall "polish" of the mixes). I say "2/3rds" because most of the tunes have great potential but, lack what SP brought to the writing process. There's just something missing...

As for AP. I like the guy. I think he is very very talented. I am warmed by the thought of him hitting "the big time" but,...I HATE the fact that it is in a "Steve Perry-oke" role with a legendary band which really should have called it a day already.

My opinions. Bite me if you don't like them.

[Tomulator]

I like Arnel Pineda. He does not sound like Steve Perry at all though.

Did you even LISTEN to the re-records???!!!!

He sounds EXACTLY like SP.

Sad.

[Tomulator]

I believe that most (if not, every) Journey fan would love this album if Perry was singing on it.

Ditto for Arrival also.

I'd buy that statement...not only for SP's voice on the tracks but, for what he would have brought to the creative writing of the songs, arrangements, etc.

[finalfight]

I like Arnel Pineda. He does not sound like Steve Perry at all though.

Did you even LISTEN to the re-records???!!!!

He sounds EXACTLY like SP.

Sad.

I'm guessing that was the purpose. Its a different story on the original material though.

[Tomulator]

And another ass-kicker is that none of the Revelation material, all Schon/Cain or Schon or Cain brianchildren could have been concieved with perry in the band.

Also would never have great melodic, urgent, tension-filled songs like Remember Me, Higher Place, WGW, WWMA, The Time, FITH, TPIYH or OOHW.

Utter BS.

Rubbish.

[Red13JoePa]

Die.

[Tomulator]

Die.

no.

[Saint John]

He sounds EXACTLY like SP.

He supposed to, moron. Would you have preferred Lemmy from Motorhead?

Sad.

It's actually quite a compliment that he even has the capability to sound a lot like Perry. He sounds like Perry on the re-records and he sounds like himself on the new material. The album provided the perfect bridge between the past and the present...something neither Augeri nor Soto could have dreamt of doing. The general buying public seems to agree.

[Tomulator]

He sounds EXACTLY like SP.

He supposed to, moron. Would you have preferred Lemmy from Motorhead?

Sad.

It's actually quite a compliment that he even has the capability to sound a lot like Perry. He sounds like Perry on the re-records and he sounds like himself on the new material. The album provided the perfect bridge between the past and the present...something neither Augeri nor Soto could have dreamt of doing. The general buying public seems to agree.

Explain to me what is "complimentary" about ripping off someone's voice tonality and inflections as part of a blatant rip-off of past commercial successes. Successes, I remind you, that certain past band member worked their butts off creating and performing.

If anyone here is a MORON...it would be you. Does "art" even come into play in your mind? Or, is it all about "feel good" "beer drinking" music on a Friday night?

Simpleton.

[Red13JoePa]

The other singer isn't there by choice and he was given one.

[Tomulator]

The other singer isn't there by choice and he was given one.

Yes...but he really had NO CHOICE.

His voice could not cut it anymore.

[Saint John]

Explain to me what is "complimentary" about ripping off someone's voice tonality and inflections as part of a blatant rip-off of past commercial successes.

The re-records pay homage to that era, celebrate Perry's vocal contributions and let fans know that the catalog is in good hands.

Successes, I remind you, that certain past band member worked their butts off creating and performing.

Agreed. NEWSFLASH, asshole...some of those very same members are still in the band!!!

Does "art" even come into play in your mind?

It sure does and Revelation provides some glimpses of the past, but more importantly, a look into what appears to be a very bright future.

Or, is it all about "feel good" "beer drinking" music on a Friday night?

Well...excuse me. Playing Electronic Battleship, watching Star Trek reruns and playing "push the poop" with my boyfriend isn't my idea of a Friday night. Fag.

[Rick]

Does "art" even come into play in your mind? Or, is it all about "feel good" "beer drinking" music on a Friday night?

I'm leaning toward the latter.

[Tomulator]

Just needed to know where you all stand...as if it needed confirmation.

SJ, btw...I think your description of fun on a weekend night is EXACTLY what you like.

I'm so relieved I can't prove it though.

[Deb]

Does "art" even come into play in your mind? Or, is it all about "feel good" "beer drinking" music on a Friday night?

I'm leaning toward the latter.

Me too. Dan wouldn't know what soul was if it cuffed him upside the head. Have had that damn argument with him more times than I can count.

[Rick]

Just needed to know where you all stand...as if it needed confirmation.

SJ, btw...I think your description of fun on a weekend night is EXACTLY what you like.

I'm so relieved I can't prove it though.

The only thing you've proven is that you can't discern sarcasm from reality.