Track By Track - From Someone with an EXTREMELY Critical Ear
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:00 amRevelation has had me thinking since I first saw the corrugate at wal mart two days before it was supposed to go out (They actually had the big cardboard display selling it in TWO different stores here on Saturday). Was this Album rushed to beat the summer tour scene? Some of the production on it makes me think they got in too much of a hurry. Yet...It makes me go "wow..this sounds like Journey again". Vocal is great...production is great...but I'm left with the following impressions.
Disc 1
1) "Never Walk Away" – This is an awesome track..save for one thing….the fact that the guitar at the beginning sounds like the theme to “Beverly Hills 90210” – but hey – maybe that’s just me. This one kinda picks up where “Higher Place” left off. Not too shabby…I have to say. Vocally, it’s one HELL of a first impression of Pineda. I also have to send a small bit of props out...I was reading through this liner book....and it says "J. Hunsicker" right there in the credits. FINALLY....nice to see someone getting due credit for his work....and I’d give good money to hear the demo with Jeremey singing…
2) “Like A Sunshower” – anyone else hearing “Lights” here? And I swear to you, when I heard that opening vocal…”Girl tell me whats wrong” – I think he was channeling Augeri there… I don’t know the origins of this song, but I can definitely feel the “Arrival” era in this one.
3) “Change for the better “ If “Don’t Stop Believin” was the band’s theme song according to Augeri…..this one kinda leads the way now, in my opinion. Initial guitar reminds me of mid-90’s Edward Van Halen….and the vocal at points reminds me of Whitesnake….but that’s just me.
4) “Wildest Dream” – I was impressed it made it on the album. It’s kinda like a “jam” type song…..and I was more impressed that it made it on the DVD. The synth undercurrent sounds like “Separate ways” to me…but still a great track
5) "Faith In The Heartland" – First off. This belongs on disc 2. It’s a re-record…and I dare say…it’s a re-recorded classic. It’s one of only TWO songs on “Generations” I actually like. Furthermore. I cannot and will not believe they didn't use the Augeri vocal in some part of it...I have stripped it down...and listened again and again....but I swear I can hear Augeri's background vocal there. I just can't hear it being Deen-O...and it's damn sure not Arnel. ANYONE offer me an explanation worth accepting and I'm liable to do it...but I'm STILL Hearing Steve Augeri here...
6) After All These Years" - Anyone find it an amazing coincidence that 25 years after Frontiers broke "Faithfully" - this one hits the waves? I think they've done it again....I really do....but now I have to ask about production on this song. There's a distinct break after "Faith In the Heartland" - and it sounds, to my ears, just for a split second, like the intro to the song is wrong..like the first note got cut off or something. Despite...an awesome song.
7) “Where Did I Lose Your Love” – there’s a very dark feel to this initially…and immediately stares “Message of Love” right in the face and goes “HA!!!”– In fact, with the fact that all but ONE of the new tracks is credited to Schon-Cain…..there’s no Pineda credit…I’d be willing to be this might have been a track FROM those sessions, can anyone confirm it? A beautiful song…..at this point…my favorite of the new tracks…
8 ) “What I Needed” – I’m hearing a click track? TELL ME I’m NOT hearing a CLICK Track?? PLEASE. Okay – that click track just turned into the “Salt Shakers” – Forgiven….maybe. Beautiful song. Another “dark” track to me…..it’s got a sense about it I can’t really pinpoint… again, I’d stack this up against “Trial By Fire” any day….it holds it’s own. Now….realize that when I say that, it’s a pretty bold statement….I’m THE biggest proponent of “Trial By Fire” out there…to a fault….so that’s a hell of a statement…
9) “What it takes to win” - Neal’s guitar sounds like he borrowed a pedal from U2’s “The Edge” – Very cool. A different sound for him….lately anyway. I’m diggin it. The harmonies are hard to identify here. Which one of them’s got that deep voice like that? And when does Rocky 7 come out, because I’m anticipating this being the theme.
10) “Turn Down The World Tonight” – Hmm…..That’s odd. Sounds like filler to me. I could hear Elton John signing this….ick. I’m willing to bet that there was at LEAST one other song in the vault that could have been better than this. But…it serves its purpose as a closer track (I never consider an instrumental a ‘closer’). Decent..but I don’t care for it…
11) "The Revelation" - Great instrumental. My ears are hearing a lot of influences....but strangely...I'm hearing Brian May in it too...and I don't know why. Sounds like Neal played on the opening track of the 2001 Vegas DVD….and I’m betting this one’s for the same purpose…lol…cool intro to the show??
Disc Two - Time to be really critical - Having had my presence requested at the mixing board on several occasions just because of my ears....I can be that way.
1) "Only The Young" - Again...maybe I'm too picky...maybe it's just my ears....but I immediately heard SOMETHING under the first note of the song...sounded like what you get when a streaming mp3 ''blips' - I dont know what it was...but I can hear it - like a bubble popping - put on headphones - listen to your right ear - you'll hear it.
2) "Don't Stop Believin" - Nice re-do of the song. I’ll give it that Amped up the guitar – but the initial “whirring guitar”undercurrent sounds a little like they got carried away with the balance knob on it though....and there's something off with the harmony vocals..... “strangers..Waiting”……”shadows…searching” “street lights…people” – Sounds like there’s too much bass in someone’s voice…. – And come on…even “I” know to take the sound of someone breathing out of the track…(listen right before “some will will…some will lose). And what the hell is that starting at the 4:36 mark. You hear the backing vocals…but it’s like the lead vocal didn’t make the mix or something…. I must..absolutely MUST….give due props…for ending the song “the soprano way”….I know it’s not originally that way…and the “soprano way” originated in early live performances…I can dig that.
3) “Wheel in the sky”. Hey Neal…you just whizzed on a picasso. The opening guitar tone is way off, to me…..but I can see you made up for it…with a little bit harder edge. And for GOD’S SAKE…will you pick a tempo…it almost sounds to me like you changed tempo for the chorus, and I don’t recall the original doing that. I hear keyboard parts that weren’t in the original…maybe that’s because Cain wasn’t ON the original…and he added his little “take” on it – that’s’ understood. I’ve yet to criticize Arnel’s vocal…but I will say on this one, I think he could’ve done better. Now, the plus side…..is that they KINDA took the LIVE version…and put it to studio, with that little jam….but the DOWN SIDE is that they cut off the jam??? Let it run boys..
4) “Faithfully” – Okay – what the HELL is THAT? Yeah…..that ticking in my right ear. Wait. Let me switch headphones. Hmm…still there…okay…try it on speakers….yeah. Still there. Okay boys. If you’re going to do this…TAKE THE FRICKIN METRONOME CLICKS OUT OF THE TRACK!!!!!! Ugh…that just spoiled the illusion. I have a hard time believing that you could not just push a button and take that out of there..... Vocally….strong performance from Pineda….but is it just me, or does the rest of the track overrun what COULD be very ‘’front-and-center’ guitars on this track?
5) “Any Way You Want It” – I don’t like it. No sir. And you wanna know why? There’s an annoying high-pitched whistle to the beginning of the lyric…when he sings the word “She” – and it’s annoying as hell….like tigger….I think it’s tigger from Winnie the Pooh….he whistles the “SH”…call it diction, call it whatever….but it could be eliminated. I’m also hearing what sounds like more organ or keyboard or some type of synth under the guitar solo…. If I wanted organ..I’d go to church. Lowlight of the album for me..but I haven’t reviewed the rest…
6) “Who’s Crying Now” – sadly, one of the few of the dirty dozen I don’t really care about one way or the other…is the one that I can listen to and find no technical flaws…and damn near no audible flaws… That’s about how that one goes..
7) ”Separate ways” – Holy shit, this one came out of left field! I’m impressed. Schon’s guitars are front and center, like I wish they were in the original. They just kinda reach out and grab you buy the throat and go “here I am, motherf*cker”….and I like it…..the original lacked that….and Arnel’s vocal is pretty well spot-on.. Three thumbs up –
8 ) “Lights” – someone tell Neal that his guitar effects work well live…but that they’re overkill on studio tracks.. There’s a hiss to his guitar that I hear on this one. And Deen is likely one of the best drummers out there today…but the rhythm “beat keeper” sounds computerized. Good vocal…but I’m VERY VERY partial to the original. How can anyone but someone FROM San Francisco sing “my city”….buddy…you’re great…but that’s not your song. At least Augeri was working for the Gap in a city that HAD a bay when they plucked him from obscurity….. I do, however, like the increased guitar presence on the solo.
9) “Open Arms” - I’m hearing that metronome again! DAMN GUYS. Can you NOT keep a tempo on your own? I have to say, I was skeptical of this one……and I wish when he starts to sing “we sailed on together” that the guitars would pick up and run then, like they do in some of the live versions….that would have been good…..but alas..no. The vocal….not too shabby. BUT THAT DAMN CLICK TRACK IS PISSING ME OFF…and what’s bad…is it’s SO evident, that when I run it through the “Click” filter in Audition…it removes it… And what is this Piano improv he’s doing? It’s FIVE NOTES….that made that song what it was….why stray from them?
10) “Be Good To Yourself” – If memory serves, this will be the first time Ross is actually recognized for playing bass on this track, right? I must say, vocally, musically…and technically…..this one’s a high point of the re-records. It’s just musically great…..the harmonies are there…..the drums are really powerful…..and the guitar is just running along just beautifully. Other than “Separate Ways” - this is my favorite of the re-makes.
11) “Stone In Love” – Why this one? Why do they have to go “there”. I know it’s a concert favorite and all, but it’s not really one of those I’d consider the “Dirty Dozen” or anything like that. That having been said….I can dig this…musically… but Arnel was not meant to sing this song. This is the first time it’s BLATANTLY evident he’s not Steve Perry. He’s struggling too much…
Overall – I must say- more positive than negative. I won’t give “general” opinion after giving one on each song…
Thoughts From the DVD
I was impressed with Arnel’s stage presence. It does not and WILL Not, despite the arguments to the contrary, rival that of the Great one….but it by FAR blows Augeri away… Why so much video effect on the dvd? It’s a concert video for Chrissakes….show the concert…. I’m heartily impressed that they FINALLY put a REAL acknowledgement out that Deen can sing…..and Mother-Father is the obvious choice…but we’re going for DVD here…where’s the rest of it? 24 songs that night….14 made it to DVD. I want to HEAR him sing “Faith in the Heartland” – “Only the Young” (even though it was only 2 minutes) is what the fans WANT to hear….”Ask the lonely” is a great showcase…but it’s missing…as is “Who’s Crying Now” – I’d KILL to see a DVD performance of “After the Fall “ With Deen on vocals…which happened that night, but sadly didn’t make the DVD…and if they’re going to go riding claims it’s the ‘best Journey since Escape” (and I agree to a certain extent) then why the hell don’t they put “Escape” On the DVD? I could live without “Lovin Touchin Squeezin” – but my final thought begs the question…what happened to “Edge of the Blade” and “Rubicon” – they broke those out in Chile…but left them in the dressing room for Vegas. OY…
Total investment…11.88 plus tax. I consider myself having paid 10 bucks for a NEW Journey CD…1.88 for the Re-Do CD, and they gave away this crap DVD for free. I refuse to acknowledge that I paid money for it… But 11.88 for the two cd’s…yeah..well worth it..
Disc 1
1) "Never Walk Away" – This is an awesome track..save for one thing….the fact that the guitar at the beginning sounds like the theme to “Beverly Hills 90210” – but hey – maybe that’s just me. This one kinda picks up where “Higher Place” left off. Not too shabby…I have to say. Vocally, it’s one HELL of a first impression of Pineda. I also have to send a small bit of props out...I was reading through this liner book....and it says "J. Hunsicker" right there in the credits. FINALLY....nice to see someone getting due credit for his work....and I’d give good money to hear the demo with Jeremey singing…
2) “Like A Sunshower” – anyone else hearing “Lights” here? And I swear to you, when I heard that opening vocal…”Girl tell me whats wrong” – I think he was channeling Augeri there… I don’t know the origins of this song, but I can definitely feel the “Arrival” era in this one.
3) “Change for the better “ If “Don’t Stop Believin” was the band’s theme song according to Augeri…..this one kinda leads the way now, in my opinion. Initial guitar reminds me of mid-90’s Edward Van Halen….and the vocal at points reminds me of Whitesnake….but that’s just me.
4) “Wildest Dream” – I was impressed it made it on the album. It’s kinda like a “jam” type song…..and I was more impressed that it made it on the DVD. The synth undercurrent sounds like “Separate ways” to me…but still a great track
5) "Faith In The Heartland" – First off. This belongs on disc 2. It’s a re-record…and I dare say…it’s a re-recorded classic. It’s one of only TWO songs on “Generations” I actually like. Furthermore. I cannot and will not believe they didn't use the Augeri vocal in some part of it...I have stripped it down...and listened again and again....but I swear I can hear Augeri's background vocal there. I just can't hear it being Deen-O...and it's damn sure not Arnel. ANYONE offer me an explanation worth accepting and I'm liable to do it...but I'm STILL Hearing Steve Augeri here...
6) After All These Years" - Anyone find it an amazing coincidence that 25 years after Frontiers broke "Faithfully" - this one hits the waves? I think they've done it again....I really do....but now I have to ask about production on this song. There's a distinct break after "Faith In the Heartland" - and it sounds, to my ears, just for a split second, like the intro to the song is wrong..like the first note got cut off or something. Despite...an awesome song.
7) “Where Did I Lose Your Love” – there’s a very dark feel to this initially…and immediately stares “Message of Love” right in the face and goes “HA!!!”– In fact, with the fact that all but ONE of the new tracks is credited to Schon-Cain…..there’s no Pineda credit…I’d be willing to be this might have been a track FROM those sessions, can anyone confirm it? A beautiful song…..at this point…my favorite of the new tracks…
8 ) “What I Needed” – I’m hearing a click track? TELL ME I’m NOT hearing a CLICK Track?? PLEASE. Okay – that click track just turned into the “Salt Shakers” – Forgiven….maybe. Beautiful song. Another “dark” track to me…..it’s got a sense about it I can’t really pinpoint… again, I’d stack this up against “Trial By Fire” any day….it holds it’s own. Now….realize that when I say that, it’s a pretty bold statement….I’m THE biggest proponent of “Trial By Fire” out there…to a fault….so that’s a hell of a statement…
9) “What it takes to win” - Neal’s guitar sounds like he borrowed a pedal from U2’s “The Edge” – Very cool. A different sound for him….lately anyway. I’m diggin it. The harmonies are hard to identify here. Which one of them’s got that deep voice like that? And when does Rocky 7 come out, because I’m anticipating this being the theme.
10) “Turn Down The World Tonight” – Hmm…..That’s odd. Sounds like filler to me. I could hear Elton John signing this….ick. I’m willing to bet that there was at LEAST one other song in the vault that could have been better than this. But…it serves its purpose as a closer track (I never consider an instrumental a ‘closer’). Decent..but I don’t care for it…
11) "The Revelation" - Great instrumental. My ears are hearing a lot of influences....but strangely...I'm hearing Brian May in it too...and I don't know why. Sounds like Neal played on the opening track of the 2001 Vegas DVD….and I’m betting this one’s for the same purpose…lol…cool intro to the show??
Disc Two - Time to be really critical - Having had my presence requested at the mixing board on several occasions just because of my ears....I can be that way.
1) "Only The Young" - Again...maybe I'm too picky...maybe it's just my ears....but I immediately heard SOMETHING under the first note of the song...sounded like what you get when a streaming mp3 ''blips' - I dont know what it was...but I can hear it - like a bubble popping - put on headphones - listen to your right ear - you'll hear it.
2) "Don't Stop Believin" - Nice re-do of the song. I’ll give it that Amped up the guitar – but the initial “whirring guitar”undercurrent sounds a little like they got carried away with the balance knob on it though....and there's something off with the harmony vocals..... “strangers..Waiting”……”shadows…searching” “street lights…people” – Sounds like there’s too much bass in someone’s voice…. – And come on…even “I” know to take the sound of someone breathing out of the track…(listen right before “some will will…some will lose). And what the hell is that starting at the 4:36 mark. You hear the backing vocals…but it’s like the lead vocal didn’t make the mix or something…. I must..absolutely MUST….give due props…for ending the song “the soprano way”….I know it’s not originally that way…and the “soprano way” originated in early live performances…I can dig that.
3) “Wheel in the sky”. Hey Neal…you just whizzed on a picasso. The opening guitar tone is way off, to me…..but I can see you made up for it…with a little bit harder edge. And for GOD’S SAKE…will you pick a tempo…it almost sounds to me like you changed tempo for the chorus, and I don’t recall the original doing that. I hear keyboard parts that weren’t in the original…maybe that’s because Cain wasn’t ON the original…and he added his little “take” on it – that’s’ understood. I’ve yet to criticize Arnel’s vocal…but I will say on this one, I think he could’ve done better. Now, the plus side…..is that they KINDA took the LIVE version…and put it to studio, with that little jam….but the DOWN SIDE is that they cut off the jam??? Let it run boys..
4) “Faithfully” – Okay – what the HELL is THAT? Yeah…..that ticking in my right ear. Wait. Let me switch headphones. Hmm…still there…okay…try it on speakers….yeah. Still there. Okay boys. If you’re going to do this…TAKE THE FRICKIN METRONOME CLICKS OUT OF THE TRACK!!!!!! Ugh…that just spoiled the illusion. I have a hard time believing that you could not just push a button and take that out of there..... Vocally….strong performance from Pineda….but is it just me, or does the rest of the track overrun what COULD be very ‘’front-and-center’ guitars on this track?
5) “Any Way You Want It” – I don’t like it. No sir. And you wanna know why? There’s an annoying high-pitched whistle to the beginning of the lyric…when he sings the word “She” – and it’s annoying as hell….like tigger….I think it’s tigger from Winnie the Pooh….he whistles the “SH”…call it diction, call it whatever….but it could be eliminated. I’m also hearing what sounds like more organ or keyboard or some type of synth under the guitar solo…. If I wanted organ..I’d go to church. Lowlight of the album for me..but I haven’t reviewed the rest…
6) “Who’s Crying Now” – sadly, one of the few of the dirty dozen I don’t really care about one way or the other…is the one that I can listen to and find no technical flaws…and damn near no audible flaws… That’s about how that one goes..
7) ”Separate ways” – Holy shit, this one came out of left field! I’m impressed. Schon’s guitars are front and center, like I wish they were in the original. They just kinda reach out and grab you buy the throat and go “here I am, motherf*cker”….and I like it…..the original lacked that….and Arnel’s vocal is pretty well spot-on.. Three thumbs up –
8 ) “Lights” – someone tell Neal that his guitar effects work well live…but that they’re overkill on studio tracks.. There’s a hiss to his guitar that I hear on this one. And Deen is likely one of the best drummers out there today…but the rhythm “beat keeper” sounds computerized. Good vocal…but I’m VERY VERY partial to the original. How can anyone but someone FROM San Francisco sing “my city”….buddy…you’re great…but that’s not your song. At least Augeri was working for the Gap in a city that HAD a bay when they plucked him from obscurity….. I do, however, like the increased guitar presence on the solo.
9) “Open Arms” - I’m hearing that metronome again! DAMN GUYS. Can you NOT keep a tempo on your own? I have to say, I was skeptical of this one……and I wish when he starts to sing “we sailed on together” that the guitars would pick up and run then, like they do in some of the live versions….that would have been good…..but alas..no. The vocal….not too shabby. BUT THAT DAMN CLICK TRACK IS PISSING ME OFF…and what’s bad…is it’s SO evident, that when I run it through the “Click” filter in Audition…it removes it… And what is this Piano improv he’s doing? It’s FIVE NOTES….that made that song what it was….why stray from them?
10) “Be Good To Yourself” – If memory serves, this will be the first time Ross is actually recognized for playing bass on this track, right? I must say, vocally, musically…and technically…..this one’s a high point of the re-records. It’s just musically great…..the harmonies are there…..the drums are really powerful…..and the guitar is just running along just beautifully. Other than “Separate Ways” - this is my favorite of the re-makes.
11) “Stone In Love” – Why this one? Why do they have to go “there”. I know it’s a concert favorite and all, but it’s not really one of those I’d consider the “Dirty Dozen” or anything like that. That having been said….I can dig this…musically… but Arnel was not meant to sing this song. This is the first time it’s BLATANTLY evident he’s not Steve Perry. He’s struggling too much…
Overall – I must say- more positive than negative. I won’t give “general” opinion after giving one on each song…
Thoughts From the DVD
I was impressed with Arnel’s stage presence. It does not and WILL Not, despite the arguments to the contrary, rival that of the Great one….but it by FAR blows Augeri away… Why so much video effect on the dvd? It’s a concert video for Chrissakes….show the concert…. I’m heartily impressed that they FINALLY put a REAL acknowledgement out that Deen can sing…..and Mother-Father is the obvious choice…but we’re going for DVD here…where’s the rest of it? 24 songs that night….14 made it to DVD. I want to HEAR him sing “Faith in the Heartland” – “Only the Young” (even though it was only 2 minutes) is what the fans WANT to hear….”Ask the lonely” is a great showcase…but it’s missing…as is “Who’s Crying Now” – I’d KILL to see a DVD performance of “After the Fall “ With Deen on vocals…which happened that night, but sadly didn’t make the DVD…and if they’re going to go riding claims it’s the ‘best Journey since Escape” (and I agree to a certain extent) then why the hell don’t they put “Escape” On the DVD? I could live without “Lovin Touchin Squeezin” – but my final thought begs the question…what happened to “Edge of the Blade” and “Rubicon” – they broke those out in Chile…but left them in the dressing room for Vegas. OY…
Total investment…11.88 plus tax. I consider myself having paid 10 bucks for a NEW Journey CD…1.88 for the Re-Do CD, and they gave away this crap DVD for free. I refuse to acknowledge that I paid money for it… But 11.88 for the two cd’s…yeah..well worth it..
