The_Noble_Cause wrote:You're entitled to your opinion. I don't think I need to argue that the band has done increasingly better year after year, with Revelation/DSB prolly being the post-Perry era high point. Even now, they are doing steady, if not spectacular business, especially given that they are w/out their most recognizable member.
You're certainly entitled to your opinion as well, and I certainly agree with you in terms of Revelation (despite the weird double count on the album.) However, it's a bit comical to lump DSB in with post-Perry success, when that isn't really success the band has achieved post Steve Perry. With that said, I do understand where you're coming from with your view of post Steve Perry success.
However, as I see it, Journey started the upward trend when JSS came aboard and bailed them out on the tour with Def Leppard, and then soon after, the Revelation success with Arnel. However, once the DSB craze had died down (and it did shortly after the Glee thing,) I don't really see where Journey has gotten better and better. Eclipse did poorly, the band doesn't even play new songs (or very limited if any) on tour, and they have been touring in a three band package deal, all the while, having reports of bad sound, sickness, and dropping attendance numbers. So, I can't really agree that Journey has been spectacular these last couple of years.
I could come closer to agreeing that they have been steady, although that can be a bit of a reach as well. Most have been able to see that the band's popularity is probably starting to die down a bit. What does seem interesting is that when there is something that sparks interest in the band, it's usually because of a past classic hit, and then we hear a bunch of Steve Perry interviews.
The_Noble_Cause wrote: As for Cain...he made the exact same "we're done with albums" comment after Arrival. How did that turn out?
Well, they did the Red 13 EP, so they were pretty much doing what Cain had spoken about. Generations, certain an album, but a poorly done album with a couple gems, but mostly rushed. Was that Cain's call, Augeri's call, or Schon's call on that? If left up to Cain, they probably would have continued the EP route, which probably would have been more beneficial in retrospect. I do think the turn of events with Augeri leaving the band, JSS coming aboard, gave them a shot in the arm to be excited over doing another album with yet another singer - and eventually doing that album with Arnel. Not to mention the Walmart deal - that's where Journey showed their capitalist tendencies and it paid off. The last album was definitely all Schon's baby, so we can't blame that on Cain. Besides, you're comparing over a decade ago to now. We're not talking about a member of the band who was once 30 years old, now he's 40. We're talking about a man who's pretty close to retirement age, and I'm sure Cain would like to settle down and spend more time writing for younger artists and taking it easy. That is why I believe Cain more now in terms of dialing back the songwriting than what he stated a decade ago.
The_Noble_Cause wrote:Neal is a road dog and likes to have new tunes to tour behind. I wouldn't be surprised if the band announced a new EP within 6 months.
Absolutely true in regards to Neal being a road dog, but now you're talking about a new EP - not a whole new album. Which is exactly what I have been saying. Certainly I could see Journey putting out an EP every once in awhile, but writing a few songs for an EP is LIGHT YEARS different from writing a bunch of songs for an entire album, especially when one guy is writing the bulk of those songs.
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 8:05 am
