Ladies & Gentlemen - My Review

[TRAGChick]

I received Deano's CD in today's mail (no, your handwriting is NOT sloppy; mine's much worse )

So, here's the good, the bad, and....Ross:

1. TFITH - Nice synth chords in the intro; almost sounds like "Enigma", IMO. The opening melodic phrase on guitar is a direct crib of U2's "Pride (In the Name of Love)". Neal's tone is crystal clear and SINGS!! However, SA is very much in the background, IMO. At 7 minutes, it rivals a song length on OUR CD.

2. TPIYH - Opening chord progression is a crib of Foreigner's "That Was Yesterday". Again, Neal's guitar sings.

3. ABL (Deen) - NOW we're talking! IMO Deen captures the SP sound....intentional? Who knows...but it's what I picked up on. Personally, I think they should have him sing everything. Nice "driving" beat...the "aahs" kill me in a good way....I REALLY LIKE THIS SONG...my eyes bugged out at the high note he hits 3+ mins. in....nice reverb on the guitar...This is the first song that really grabbed me...."We were allowed to flllyyyy...."....beautiful.

4. EJ (Jon) - Walked around to find more writing paper.....nope....1:40 mins
in....NEXT...

5. Butterfly - Trying too hard to be "dramatic"....again, SA fades into the background...I didn't expect to hear a GUY sing about a Butterfly....1:25...NEXT...

6. Believe - Is this trying to be a "progressive" song??? BOR-ING...1:40 mins. in....NEXT....

7. KTYLM - 1,2,3....2,2,3....3,2,3....and Waltz....SA again in background....losing attention....2:15 mins in....NEXT....

8. OOHW - Driving rock....Neal doin' his thang....SA again in background....well, he CAN hit the higher notes with strength...slams on the brakes at the end...well alrighty, then!

9. ISD (Neal) - Nice "80s Rock" bounce...SA's "answer" vocals are nice!...Neal & SA harmonize well...Neal (again) SHREDS!!....3:05 time - just right.

10. BT - Can't understand SA...again, he's in the background....nothing stands out...2:55...NEXT...

11. GC (Ross) - HARMONICA?!...Nice "Rock Swing"....Oh LORD - ROSS SOUNDS LIKE IGGY POP!! ("Ya gotta lust for life...")
Well, it's......uh......different...

12. BTC - Pretty, but uneventful....2:30...NEXT...

13. NTL (Deen) - Deen's voice really grabs me....this is the 2nd time he's on lead vox, and I'm very interested - at 55 seconds in. It reminds me of "80s Pinnacle Journey".
Ooh....flange effect on the vocals...very nice! Neal's great, as usual....this song is somewhere between "Escape" & "Frontiers", IMO. Nice "counter-melody" on background vox....5 min. duration.....I was hooked every second.

14. TPOTF (Jon) - Jon has to follow DEEN?! Ack....too "Hallmark Card" for me....1:20 in....NEXT....

15. SSB (Neal Guitar solo) - NIce tone, but the melody gets lost between the ambient sound of live concert and his 16th note runs....kinda confused me.

Well, there you have it.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I'd play tracks #3, #9, and #13 only, and skip the rest.

[Abitaman]

Vocals in background, you mean production wise, or how hw sings?-ERIC

[TRAGChick]

Vocals in background, you mean production wise, or how hw sings?-ERIC

sorry....I meant that his vocals did not sound "up front" to me - they're very much "mixed in" with everything else.

[Abitaman]

I have that problem with a lot of music nowadays. It's a bummer too. I think that the mix was alittle rough for the band. Better than RED 13.-ERIC

[Fernando Ramirez]

Nora, I'm sorry, but my first impression of your reviews makes me feel like you have been colored too much by being a fan of Steve Perry. I think it's affected your objectivity. The only songs you like are the SP songs that Deen sings?

I also don't think first impressions are totally reliable. A lot of my favorites I grew into liking over time. A lot of stuff I liked a lot in the beginning I ended up growing tired of later... because it didn't have any staying power.

You had seven NEXTs. Does that mean you skipped listening to the rest of the song at that point? If you did do that, then your review is incomplete and without any credibility.

[amaron]

You had seven NEXTs. Does that mean you skipped listening to the rest of the song at that point? If you did do that, then your review is incomplete and without any credibility.

That's exactly what the 'Next' is. Listening to 1:25 of a 5 minute song is nowhere near giving it a chance or being 'fair' in a review.

[Rockindeano]

I wasted postage money for sure.

trag, you did a crap review.. Want to know why?

Because SA doesn't sound like Perry.

By the way, just to let you know how full of shit you are on this review..

In Self Defence, was Neal on lead vox and Deen on BG's, NOT Steve Augeri.

I am disappointed you didn't give it a fair ear. Christ, if you wanted Perry, you should have told me. Again, I am disappointed in you.

Shitty, review..Why? because it's totally biased and unfair.

This CD smokes anything Perry solo, and TBF, and ROR, as well.

PS- Beyond the Clouds= "uneventful." Ok it's about 9/11..you're right on with that one.


Good God..

I suppose that Street Talk is a ten out of ten? LOL,,,dont quit your day job. I am not hurt, just embarrassed I sent you the damned thing.

Like I believe Amaron said..."Next." WTF is that?

[Rockindeano]

From now on, no more wasted postage money for "Perry people" who want to give it a shot, because frankly, you never were ever going to give it a fair listen, and you know it.

Augeri does excellent on FITH, TPIYH. Butterfly..trag, seriously, did you listen to the words? He isn't singing about a butterfly..it's an analogy!

By the way, why do you need to say they "cribbed every song?" I hardly think Journey needs to steal from U2....I sincerely hate that shit. You always are trying to say a certain song sounds like another one...


Fuck it, I am going to have a stroke if I keep trying to rationalize with you Loons..

Trag, I tried to be nice, BUT..

If Perry were the singer on here, I am sure it would be a Masterpiece.

You are a LOON..

[Kaj]

Reviewing an album like this is like going out from a movie after halftime and then say how you felt about it....????????
It takes 2-3 times at least to get into an album and in the case with Generations,I know that is the truth coz I was also disappointed the first time I heard it but love the album now.

[Rockindeano]

TNC-

You were correct. I should have listened to you. I will never doubt you again.

[Greg]

I've heard some good things about 'Pride In The Family' but of course, I have the US version of Generations. I kind of grown tired of Cain's vocals on Every Generation, but the music is top notch on the song. With that said, do you believe Cain's vocals on POTF are better than EG?

[Rockindeano]

I've heard some good things about 'Pride In The Family' but of course, I have the US version of Generations. I kind of grown tired of Cain's vocals on Every Generation, but the music is top notch on the song. With that said, do you believe Cain's vocals on POTF are better than EG?

Not really..same thing.

However, Neals acoustic guitar is so clean and sharp...awesome

I'll send it out to you greggie with your boots...Be patient

[NealIsGod]

I, too, was disappointed with that review. I don't care if you give every song an F. At least listen to them in their entirety. You're a singer, Nora -- would you like a reviewer to listen to a minute of your songs and then write a review? Kind of insulting to Deano for the effort and expense he went to.

[Abitaman]

I, too, was disappointed with that review. I don't care if you give every song an F. At least listen to them in their entirety. You're a singer, Nora -- would you like a reviewer to listen to a minute of your songs and then write a review? Kind of insulting to Deano for the effort and expense he went to.

Kind of like going to a 2 hour movie and watching only 30 minutes of it-ERIC

[Red13JoePa]

From now on, no more wasted postage money for "Perry people" who want to give it a shot, because frankly, you never were ever going to give it a fair listen, and you know it.

Augeri does excellent on FITH, TPIYH. Butterfly..trag, seriously, did you listen to the words? He isn't singing about a butterfly..it's an analogy!

By the way, why do you need to say they "cribbed every song?" I hardly think Journey needs to steal from U2....I sincerely hate that shit. You always are trying to say a certain song sounds like another one...


Fuck it, I am going to have a stroke if I keep trying to rationalize with you Loons..

Trag, I tried to be nice, BUT..

If Perry were the singer on here, I am sure it would be a Masterpiece.

You are a LOON..

Weak. Set up for an ambush. Deano, you got flim flammed.

[Rockindeano]

Weak. Set up for an ambush. Deano, you got flim flammed.

Yep I sure did. Nice work tragloon.

Never again will I ever offer a Loon anything.

[ohsherrie]

I've heard some good things about 'Pride In The Family' but of course, I have the US version of Generations. I kind of grown tired of Cain's vocals on Every Generation, but the music is top notch on the song. With that said, do you believe Cain's vocals on POTF are better than EG?

Pride of The Family is a great song. I don't usually like Jon's singing voice, and I don't care that much for Every Generation, but POTF is such a good song that I don't even think about it being Jon singing.

[Jeremey]

Pride of The Family is a great song. I don't usually like Jon's singing voice, and I don't care that much for Every Generation, but POTF is such a good song that I don't even think about it being Jon singing.

I'll have to find that somewhere, it sounds like it may have been a B side on the Lion King soundtrack.

[Rockindeano]

Pride of The Family is a great song. I don't usually like Jon's singing voice, and I don't care that much for Every Generation, but POTF is such a good song that I don't even think about it being Jon singing.

I'll have to find that somewhere, it sounds like it may have been a B side on the Lion King soundtrack.

Quit being sheepish.

Everyone here knows I have it.

I will throw it onto one of your boots..I have an hour til the mail goes out..I will get it to you Jeremy.

[jrnyman28]

I admit I am also a little disappointed in the review. I get that there was no interest held in some of the songs, but agree that you should have stuck it out. Plus, as Kaj said, sometimes you do need to give something more than one listen. I know Andrew "lives" with a CD for a while before he writes his reviews. I know Kaj writes reviews as well, and I imagine it takes him some time as well. Be fair to the material, hear it all first.

On the flip side, I did not expect a glowing review from you Nora, I knew this was not quite up your alley. Nothing wrong with that at all. You asked if Deen's vocals intentionally harkened Perry...YES. He commented about "stealing from the best".

[Rockindeano]

Hey, a final note before I puke this thread up..

Nora, congratulations. I realize we are at war, and I must give you props for sandbagging me.

You clearly had no intention of liking it, because of the fact that Steve precious Perry wasn't on it. I am convinced of this. Your loyalty to him is amazing, being that you all(Loons), will blindly follow the leader, even though the leader is blind himself.

Too bad you wrote this. I think you are smarter than this.

To say Steve's vocals are not up front is simply untrue, regardless of what Abitaman says.he is a tard anyhow..even though I like him...

Kevin Elson made sure the vocals were up front.

I really have to question your ability to listen, or rather hear, music in a professional way. I KNOW Augeri's pipes were fine for this record.

O well, it won't happen again.

I got my ass played like a fiddle on this one.

[lshphrd]

I think Generations rocks compared to arrival. There were some good songs on arrival however I think they got buried with all the ballads.
Steve Augeri's voice in awesome on generations. It is agressive,
rocking and a tthe same time emotional/
The cd rocks. I am not sure about knowing that you love me,
however I think place in you heart has single written all over it.
It sounds like Journey yet it goes a little farther.
I am glad that didn;t do another open arms or lifetime of dreams or loved by you. Better together is awesome also.

[amaron]

Hey, a final note before I puke this thread up..

Nora, congratulations. I realize we are at war, and I must give you props for sandbagging me.

You clearly had no intention of liking it, because of the fact that Steve precious Perry wasn't on it. I am convinced of this. Your loyalty to him is amazing, being that you all(Loons), will blindly follow the leader, even though the leader is blind himself.

Too bad you wrote this. I think you are smarter than this.

To say Steve's vocals are not up front is simply untrue, regardless of what Abitaman says.he is a tard anyhow..even though I like him...

Kevin Elson made sure the vocals were up front.

I really have to question your ability to listen, or rather hear, music in a professional way. I KNOW Augeri's pipes were fine for this record.

O well, it won't happen again.

I got my ass played like a fiddle on this one.

That review kinda cements my reasoning for my thought that Journey will never have a platinum album again. Too many people are going to do just what this person did, listen to a minute of each song, remember it's not Steve Perry, and get rid of it.

Steve Augeri has done nothing but bust his ass for the fans and what does he get? Oh, he's not Steve Perry, so he's no good.

Sometimes it seems like murderers get more chances that SA will get trying to make this band a success again.

[Rockindeano]

That review kinda cements my reasoning for my thought that Journey will never have a platinum album again. Too many people are going to do just what this person did, listen to a minute of each song, remember it's not Steve Perry, and get rid of it.

Steve Augeri has done nothing but bust his ass for the fans and what does he get? Oh, he's not Steve Perry, so he's no good.

Sometimes it seems like murderers get more chances that SA will get trying to make this band a success again.

Sad isn't it? Hey, it's because of these Loons, that great bands like Journey simply don't have a chance.


These "people" are just an embarrassment.

[TRAGChick]

You had seven NEXTs. Does that mean you skipped listening to the rest of the song at that point? If you did do that, then your review is incomplete and without any credibility.

You know, you're right....it's just that the songs I skipped just didn't DO anything for me...I should've given them a fair trial...and for that I am sorry, whether you believe me or not...I did like a few of the songs; Neal's playing was TREMENDOUS.

Oh well - my head will be on the proverbial "chopping block" in April - so, feel free to fire away...

[Rockindeano]

Oh well - my head will be on the proverbial "chopping block" in April - so, feel free to fire away...

You're not worth it. next.

[TRAGChick]

You know what? this is getting unbelievable:

Did anyone READ ANYTHING POSITIVE I HAD TO SAY??

I TOLD YOU - if I DID NOT LIKE IT, YOU WOULD HEAR ABOUT IT.

Yes, I do make "snap" decisions about things.....but like Dave said - 5 years - I went from refusing to listen to ANYTHING by the "New Journey" to ACTUALLY LIKING SOME OF THE MATERIAL.

What - I'm gonna be PENALIZED because I don't like ALL of it??

READ AGAIN: The "positives":

AND SORRY IF YOU CAN'T ACCEPT MY APOLOGY

_________________________________________________________

1. Neal's tone is crystal clear and SINGS!!

2. Again, Neal's guitar sings.

3. ABL (Deen) - NOW we're talking! IMO Deen captures the SP sound....intentional? Who knows...but it's what I picked up on. Personally, I think they should have him sing everything. Nice "driving" beat...the "aahs" kill me in a good way....I REALLY LIKE THIS SONG...my eyes bugged out at the high note he hits 3+ mins. in....nice reverb on the guitar...This is the first song that really grabbed me...."We were allowed to flllyyyy...."....beautiful.

8. OOHW - Driving rock....Neal doin' his thang....SA again in background....well, he CAN hit the higher notes with strength...slams on the brakes at the end...well alrighty, then!

9. ISD (Neal) - Nice "80s Rock" bounce...SA's "answer" vocals are nice!...Neal & SA harmonize well...Neal (again) SHREDS!!....3:05 time - just right.

11. GC (Ross) - HARMONICA?!...Nice "Rock Swing"....Oh LORD - ROSS SOUNDS LIKE IGGY POP!! ("Ya gotta lust for life...")
Well, it's......uh......different...

13. NTL (Deen) - Deen's voice really grabs me....this is the 2nd time he's on lead vox, and I'm very interested - at 55 seconds in. It reminds me of "80s Pinnacle Journey".
Ooh....flange effect on the vocals...very nice! Neal's great, as usual....this song is somewhere between "Escape" & "Frontiers", IMO. Nice "counter-melody" on background vox....5 min. duration.....I was hooked every second.


FINAL THOUGHTS:

I'd play tracks #3, #9, and #13 only, and skip the rest.
_________________
http://www.noradalby.freewebspace.com

[amaron]

I'd play tracks #3, #9, and #13 only, and skip the rest.

The rest, other than one song by Ross and another by Jon, are Steve Augeri vocals. Coincidence? Hardly.

[Abitaman]

If you noticed I said vocals not being up front is a problem on a lot of music nowadays. Not just on this cd. I wish the vocals were more up front, because Augeri does an awesome job on them. I was not saying the production on the cd was bad, or the vocals were. Just my taste, I wish the vocals were more of a presents up front.

So if I'm a tard, does that make you a turd. So hay cousin-ERIC

[Rockindeano]

If you noticed I said vocals not being up front is a problem on a lot of music nowadays. Not just on this cd. I wish the vocals were more up front, because Augeri does an awesome job on them. I was not saying the production on the cd was bad, or the vocals were. Just my taste, I wish the vocals were more of a presents up front.

So if I'm a tard, does that make you a turd. So hay cousin-ERIC

Abs, you ever heard the word sarcasim?

whatever, fuck me...