Pretty Cool SP/AP Video

[S2M]

Nobody repsond, PLEASE.....I cannot bear to see ONE more post with James Spader's mug attached to it....

[texafana]

Ok, how about these?

OTY 86 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrJYoxie-U8


OTY 08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv9QMMfmPLU

Probably better to compare this version of SP with Arnel of today. I think they are close to the same age in these vids:

Steve Perry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY1LSm9K ... re=related

[Gideon]

Arnel is singing stepped down on the shows now, how can we do comparisons under those conditions unless we compare against a 45 year SP on his solo tour?

You have to objectively factor the variables.

In 1986, Perry was the beneficiary of a 2-3 year gap between tours; he hadn't toured with Journey since '83 for Frontiers. Meanwhile, he was, what? 37 at the time? Arnel wasn't the beneficiary of such a vacation.

Now, on the other hand, Perry's touring regimen in the '70s was obscene. Far greater and more demanding than Arnel's. But then we have to factor that Perry was at least ten years younger than Arnel with (presumably) shorter setlists and singing songs crafted around his range. Based on all accounts, Arnel is not a countertenor. He has enough range and power to do the songs well, but not the extent that Perry could, since he ultimately is no match for Perry.

Then, of course, you have to factor in Arnel's health, which is comparably inferior to Perry's. Perry's vocal degradation is due to essential wear 'n tear, and protracted misuse of it. As Dan points out, the man scheduled six shows during '94 in a row. Not the brightest move.

Meanwhile, Arnel had a serious health issue (like Augeri [on steroids]) that caused severe vocal damage. He had to rehabilitate his voice.

All things considered, both of them have had some advantages (Perry didn't have the health issues and was younger, Arnel didn't have the ridiculous touring regimen) and disadvantages. Perry was better overall, but Arnel has done outstanding. And yes, he has done better live than the recordings of Perry suggest.

[Gideon]

Nobody repsond, PLEASE.....I cannot bear to see ONE more post with James Spader's mug attached to it....

Did... you just diss James Spader?

[Jana]

Actually, in this particular comparison Steve P comes out a little too soft voiced, while Arnel is really strong sounding. And yes, Arnel sounds ALOT better currently.

I think Steve nails it.
Now, almost 30 years later, we are getting people saying how SP's voice is too velvety and lacks the power of AP's. That didn't stop millions of people from buying the albums though so it must not have been that much of a bother.
Has anyone tossed their original Greatest hits CD in favor of the Revelation two disc because of this purported lack of vocal power?

I realize you fulfill the role of Perry's champion against the rising tide of Plokkers, but let's be fair here: Texafana wasn't comparing Perry in his prime to Arnel, he was comparing Perry of late to Arnel.

Loons, SPoons, or whatever else they call themselves seem to have trouble drawing that rather obvious distinction. And therein is where Texafana has a point: Arnel pretty much kicks the [insert your word of choice here] out of modern Perry as we know it.

Of course, as I write this, I predict a backlash of people not being able to read or comprehend the difference, and more Perry worship will be espoused, which only encourages me to write more.

Such a vicious cycle.

No, Giddy, Texafana was talking about that particular video, which had Perry back in his prime. Texafana said, "in this particular comparison."

[Gideon]

And yes, Arnel sounds ALOT better currently.

I took that to mean that he thinks Arnel is better than Steve Perry is "currently" (which I would agree wholeheartedly). And I'm not sure '86 qualifies as Perry in his prime.

[Jana]

And yes, Arnel sounds ALOT better currently.

I took that to mean that he thinks Arnel is better than Steve Perry is "currently" (which I would agree wholeheartedly). And I'm not sure '86 qualifies as Perry in his prime.

Oh, I took that to mean Arnel was a lot better currently compared to the Chile video. I guess we need clarification from Texafana.

[mdaemon]

Arnel is singing stepped down on the shows now, how can we do comparisons under those conditions unless we compare against a 45 year SP on his solo tour?

You have to objectively factor the variables.

In 1986, Perry was the beneficiary of a 2-3 year gap between tours; he hadn't toured with Journey since '83 for Frontiers. Meanwhile, he was, what? 37 at the time? Arnel wasn't the beneficiary of such a vacation.

Now, on the other hand, Perry's touring regimen in the '70s was obscene. Far greater and more demanding than Arnel's. But then we have to factor that Perry was at least ten years younger than Arnel with (presumably) shorter setlists and singing songs crafted around his range. Based on all accounts, Arnel is not a countertenor. He has enough range and power to do the songs well, but not the extent that Perry could, since he ultimately is no match for Perry.

Then, of course, you have to factor in Arnel's health, which is comparably inferior to Perry's. Perry's vocal degradation is due to essential wear 'n tear, and protracted misuse of it. As Dan points out, the man scheduled six shows during '94 in a row. Not the brightest move.

Meanwhile, Arnel had a serious health issue (like Augeri [on steroids]) that caused severe vocal damage. He had to rehabilitate his voice.

All things considered, both of them have had some advantages (Perry didn't have the health issues and was younger, Arnel didn't have the ridiculous touring regimen) and disadvantages. Perry was better overall, but Arnel has done outstanding. And yes, he has done better live than the recordings of Perry suggest.

If I may add as well, my guess is that Arnel didn't have any formal vocal training prior to joining Journey.

[bluejeangirl76]

Nobody repsond, PLEASE.....I cannot bear to see ONE more post with James Spader's mug attached to it....

This from Mr. 1985?

Who the hell is that in your sig, by the way?

[Gideon]

If I may add as well, my guess is that Arnel didn't have any formal vocal training prior to joining Journey.

And with all due respect to Arnel, it sure as hell sounds like he hasn't. I admire his voice and he has all of the prerequisites in droves; he's got the range, the power, the lungs, ect. But his nuance, intonation, phrasing -- things that can only be taught are lacking.

[Don]

Actually, in this particular comparison Steve P comes out a little too soft voiced, while Arnel is really strong sounding. And yes, Arnel sounds ALOT better currently.

I think Steve nails it.
Now, almost 30 years later, we are getting people saying how SP's voice is too velvety and lacks the power of AP's. That didn't stop millions of people from buying the albums though so it must not have been that much of a bother.
Has anyone tossed their original Greatest hits CD in favor of the Revelation two disc because of this purported lack of vocal power?

I realize you fulfill the role of Perry's champion against the rising tide of Plokkers, but let's be fair here: Texafana wasn't comparing Perry in his prime to Arnel, he was comparing Perry of late to Arnel.

Loons, SPoons, or whatever else they call themselves seem to have trouble drawing that rather obvious distinction. And therein is where Texafana has a point: Arnel pretty much kicks the [insert your word of choice here] out of modern Perry as we know it.

Of course, as I write this, I predict a backlash of people not being able to read or comprehend the difference, and more Perry worship will be espoused, which only encourages me to write more.

Such a vicious cycle.

I took it as he was talking about the videos as that was the whole point of the thread. And even comparing that would be unfair as SP was in his early 30's then, where we have Arnel in his 40's.
The comparisons aren't going to sell records for either of them. Journey's Greatest Hits sits in the $6.99 bargain barrel and Revelation sits nowhere as the Wal-Mart machine has no further inclination towards putting it on the storeshelves.

I appreciate Arnel for the new stuff he has given to the fans and I'll leave it at that.

[S2M]

Nobody repsond, PLEASE.....I cannot bear to see ONE more post with James Spader's mug attached to it....

This from Mr. 1985?

Who the hell is that in your sig, by the way?

You like mysteries.....figure it out for youself!

[Gideon]

Actually, in this particular comparison Steve P comes out a little too soft voiced, while Arnel is really strong sounding. And yes, Arnel sounds ALOT better currently.

I think Steve nails it.
Now, almost 30 years later, we are getting people saying how SP's voice is too velvety and lacks the power of AP's. That didn't stop millions of people from buying the albums though so it must not have been that much of a bother.
Has anyone tossed their original Greatest hits CD in favor of the Revelation two disc because of this purported lack of vocal power?

I realize you fulfill the role of Perry's champion against the rising tide of Plokkers, but let's be fair here: Texafana wasn't comparing Perry in his prime to Arnel, he was comparing Perry of late to Arnel.

Loons, SPoons, or whatever else they call themselves seem to have trouble drawing that rather obvious distinction. And therein is where Texafana has a point: Arnel pretty much kicks the [insert your word of choice here] out of modern Perry as we know it.

Of course, as I write this, I predict a backlash of people not being able to read or comprehend the difference, and more Perry worship will be espoused, which only encourages me to write more.

Such a vicious cycle.

I took it as he was talking about the videos as that was the whole point of the thread. And even comparing that would be unfair as SP was in his early 30's then, where we have Arnel in his 40's.
The comparisons aren't going to sell records for either of them. Journey's Greatest Hits sits in the $6.99 bargain barrel and Revelation sits nowhere as the Wal-Mart machine has no further inclination towards putting it on the storeshelves.

I appreciate Arnel for the new stuff he has given to the fans and I'll leave it at that.

Well, Jana (who is always right), agrees with you (as to what Texafana said). Should he clarify, I will apologize, wave my fingers... and this will have never happened...

[Don]

I forgot to add something I picked up on my (perceived to be) gay cruises around the plokker world (and no, it wasn't anything that requires shots).

PEACE!

[Snowblind]

Well, I finally got the link to work.... so here is my .02 cents. This video has some flaws in it. Everytime it went to Arnel's part the sound quality went down and when it was time for Perry's part the sound came back up... so I don't think this was the best one to compare the two. With that being said... I think Perry, (when he was in his prime could drag Arnel through the dirt), but as Perry is today? Well, who the hell knows, we haven't heard anything from him in like a trillion years. Arnel is a good singer. He was good before he joined Journey.

[journey361]

First of all, anyone who thinks AP is a better singer than the voice when both in their prime, is either being down right silly, or has no clue from vocal or a a musical standpoint what so ever. I have stated this long ago and it's now time that i'll write this again. SP was not only a mesmerizing vocalist, but a great singer (early before the wear and tear, circa, 1977-1981). AP is a dam good singer and probably the best fit to fill SP's shoes with that frick'en doomsday songbook Perry left behind. But here's what separates SP from any singer past or present. It's not the songs on all albums, Journey or solo, it's the ungodly way he drags mesmerizing vocals with upper end, lower end with falsetto while being a counter tenor, a knack to blend R&B, rock and jazz into intro's to songs before and during concerts (Oh, without screaming or yelling). You see, the one thing Journey (with SP) will always have till end of days is that they were actually better live than they ever were on recordings. And you may ask yourself, how could that be, no way. They were together for 7 or 8 years and it's now that some of the world (younger generation) is catching up to all these hits which are studio recorded. But if you look at early SP (circa, 1977-1981) he was all about this attitude (screw this shit, i'll blend in my own 02. cents and vocalize how i want without singing a wor). Well, it was unreal and truly a one-in-a-million trade that seemed to only last several years untill he got older with SONY and age teaming up to take away some of that live electricity. Yes, it was long ago, but Journey is still Journey, just not what i'm referring to LIVE.

[Saint John]

Until AP actualy helps write a top 10 hit, these comparisons are nothing more than magic mic karaoke where we put scores at the end of the performance.

It's quite possible that the Journey top 40 hits of the past would go just as flat as the current Journey releases. The musical landscape has changed so dramatically that it's completely unfair to make the criteria for comparison "top 10 hits." Pretty obvious that the type of music Journey makes was wildly more popular back then and it was much easier to get radio play. It's pure speculation, but I think Arrival and Revelation would have been radio staples back in the day. It's still fun to make comparisons but Perry and Pineda aren't on a level playing field as far as eras and the type of music that was "popular" is concerned.

[Don]

Until AP actualy helps write a top 10 hit, these comparisons are nothing more than magic mic karaoke where we put scores at the end of the performance.

It's quite possible that the Journey top 40 hits of the past would go just as flat as the current Journey releases. The musical landscape has changed so dramatically that it's completely unfair to make the criteria for comparison "top 10 hits." Pretty obvious that the type of music Journey makes was wildly more popular back then and it was much easier to get radio play. It's pure speculation, but I think Arrival and Revelation would have been radio staples back in the day. It's still fun to make comparisons but Perry and Pineda aren't on a level playing field as far as eras and the type of music that was "popular" is concerned.

I agree with this.

PEACE!

[madsplash]

First of all, anyone who thinks AP is a better singer than the voice when both in their prime, is either being down right silly, or has no clue from vocal or a a musical standpoint what so ever. I have stated this long ago and it's now time that i'll write this again. SP was not only a mesmerizing vocalist, but a great singer (early before the wear and tear, circa, 1977-1981). AP is a dam good singer and probably the best fit to fill SP's shoes with that frick'en doomsday songbook Perry left behind. But here's what separates SP from any singer past or present. It's not the songs on all albums, Journey or solo, it's the ungodly way he drags mesmerizing vocals with upper end, lower end with falsetto while being a counter tenor, a knack to blend R&B, rock and jazz into intro's to songs before and during concerts (Oh, without screaming or yelling). You see, the one thing Journey (with SP) will always have till end of days is that they were actually better live than they ever were on recordings. And you may ask yourself, how could that be, no way. They were together for 7 or 8 years and it's now that some of the world (younger generation) is catching up to all these hits which are studio recorded. But if you look at early SP (circa, 1977-1981) he was all about this attitude (screw this shit, i'll blend in my own 02. cents and vocalize how i want without singing a wor). Well, it was unreal and truly a one-in-a-million trade that seemed to only last several years untill he got older with SONY and age teaming up to take away some of that live electricity. Yes, it was long ago, but Journey is still Journey, just not what i'm referring to LIVE.

I agree 100%. The man was a machine, technique-wise, and a magician at blending styles. Hard to believe the same person sang Why Can't this Night Go On Forever and Patiently. Ridiculous.

Arnel is a very good singer. Steve Perry is a vocal god.

[mdaemon]

Haven't you learned your lessons yet on these SP/AP comparisons? Every time you start a thread on MR, you will get thousands of posts on youtube against Perry from Arnel fans in retaliation to what you posted here. Bear in mind that Pinoys have plenty of bandwidth and time as job is scarce back home so you are not going to win the numbers game. So what do you do next, , you go back here and yak about the unfair posts you saw on youtube when you started the silly comparisons in the first place.

Why can't we just enjoy the music and appreciate the contributions of each member of this band past and present?

[DavidC]

Gunbot,

Wasn't that pic taken when AP was imitating Bryan Adams? So hard to keep all his impersonations straight...

Peace.

[journey361]

AP only studio release (Rev.) was last year (2008). SP's releases dated from 1978 through 1987 while not counting the dirty dozen project which some experts say was Journey's finest studio gig. Journey with SP recorded all their early music at a time when there was no DNA to speak of, the Internet was a baby and studio magic was not what it is today, bar none. Were talking some 25 years ago. Can you imagine SP's young voice from that era with all the electronic magic and sound technique we have today.

[Since 78]

Gunbot,

Wasn't that pic taken when AP was imitating Bryan Adams? So hard to keep all his impersonations straight...

Peace.

And this is your impersonation of a comedian right?

[madsplash]

Haven't you learned your lessons yet on these SP/AP comparisons? Every time you start a thread on MR, you will get thousands of posts on youtube against Perry from Arnel fans in retaliation to what you posted here. Bear in mind that Pinoys have plenty of bandwidth and time as job is scarce back home so you are not going to win the numbers game. So what do you do next, , you go back here and yak about the unfair posts you saw on youtube when you started the silly comparisons in the first place.

Why can't we just enjoy the music and appreciate the contributions of each member of this band past and present?

I couldn't care less what the uneducated masses on Youtube say. I've never said anything about what people say on youtube, so rethink your thoughts on that.

If any comparisons are silly, why would you feel the need to respond to them? Hmm......

[annpea]

Haven't you learned your lessons yet on these SP/AP comparisons? Every time you start a thread on MR, you will get thousands of posts on youtube against Perry from Arnel fans in retaliation to what you posted here. Bear in mind that Pinoys have plenty of bandwidth and time as job is scarce back home so you are not going to win the numbers game. So what do you do next, , you go back here and yak about the unfair posts you saw on youtube when you started the silly comparisons in the first place.

Why can't we just enjoy the music and appreciate the contributions of each member of this band past and present?[/

quote] That, would be great but it's not likely going to happen as long as the so called AP fans keep posting negative comments about SP... they have to understand they never will change what was because what was ,was too great to ever forget... so making negative posts will only cause hard feelings among some long term fans toward AP. JMO

[portland]

Haven't you learned your lessons yet on these SP/AP comparisons? Every time you start a thread on MR, you will get thousands of posts on youtube against Perry from Arnel fans in retaliation to what you posted here. Bear in mind that Pinoys have plenty of bandwidth and time as job is scarce back home so you are not going to win the numbers game. So what do you do next, , you go back here and yak about the unfair posts you saw on youtube when you started the silly comparisons in the first place.

Why can't we just enjoy the music and appreciate the contributions of each member of this band past and present?

I couldn't care less what the uneducated masses on Youtube say. I've never said anything about what people say on youtube, so rethink your thoughts on that.

If any comparisons are silly, why would you feel the need to respond to them? Hmm......

I don't think there is a comparison anyway.....AP would not be around without SP...plain and simple...SP was/is the voice and although some here may try to deny it....it does not matter.

Each replacement singer was just that a replacement...and yes I know that SP was not the first frontman for Journey...but he was the one who had the success.....like it or not.

Neal and SP could not work it out and for that I am sad....they were much better together than apart, and I for one miss it.

[Saint John]

AP only studio release (Rev.) was last year (2008). SP's releases dated from 1978 through 1987 while not counting the dirty dozen project which some experts say was Journey's finest studio gig. Journey with SP recorded all their early music at a time when there was no DNA to speak of, the Internet was a baby and studio magic was not what it is today, bar none. Were talking some 25 years ago. Can you imagine SP's young voice from that era with all the electronic magic and sound technique we have today.

Good points, but it's also a double-edged sword. You were afforded the luxury of a bad performance back then, but these days every show is recorded and every performance scrutinized. Add the internet, message boards, blogs, etc. and one could argue that the archaic times of the 70's and 80's had advantages that today's artists aren't afforded.

And I'm not sure what the difference in today's technology is other than Pro Tools but, to me, Escape and Frontiers sound as good as any album ever produced. I actually prefer the old recording sound. Much of today's music has a compressed sound that is far less full sounding than that of yesteryear.

[Don]

Gunbot,

Wasn't that pic taken when AP was imitating Bryan Adams? So hard to keep all his impersonations straight...

Peace.

I think that was the cover from his solo album. I was of the opinion that they should do a re-release, strike while the iron's hot so to say but it doesn't look like that will happen.

PEACE!

[portland]

Gunbot,

Wasn't that pic taken when AP was imitating Bryan Adams? So hard to keep all his impersonations straight...

Peace.

I think that was the cover from his solo album. I was of the opinion that they should do a re-release, strike while the iron's hot so to say but it doesn't look like that will happen.

PEACE!

Man that's quite a picture!!!

[Jana]

Gunbot,

Wasn't that pic taken when AP was imitating Bryan Adams? So hard to keep all his impersonations straight...

Peace.

I think that was the cover from his solo album. I was of the opinion that they should do a re-release, strike while the iron's hot so to say but it doesn't look like that will happen.

PEACE!

Glad to see you're finally picking up some good traits.