Journey Live in Manila

[brandonx76]

I liked some of the DVD, and didn't mind venturing into the most ghetto Walmart I have ever been to (Pittsburg, CA) to pick it up.

A couple of notes:

1. Jonathan Cain's synths just sound so cheezy at this point...I'm surprised he still hasn't updated his 'sound' at this point in the game.

2. Arnel is definitely having some fun - and it is good to hear him after a year on the road with the band.

3. Deen Castronovo seems tired, but puts in a great vocal performance when he sings on Keep on Running, Mother Father, and Still They Ride.

4. What is up with the crowd? Most of them look like they're at a bad insurance seminar...I think the crowd was more amped at the Vegas show,.

5. That Don/ Rip Rokken guy got more screen time than Ross Valory...no bs, he's there throwing the 'Hey Arnel, shake my hand' moments, on every tune!!' Dude you totally impacted the vibe of the show...WTF..lol

6. They seemed to be more rocking on the 'Download' festival show than this one, with the new arrangements..

7. Neal never disappoints.

That's it for now. I'll watch it again in a couple of weeks, hopefully at a loud volume.

cheers,

- Brandon

[Don]

I liked some of the DVD, and didn't mind venturing into the most ghetto Walmart I have ever been to (Pittsburg, CA) to pick it up.



- Brandon

The City of Los Angeles theoretically has only one Wal-Mart (I guess it got snuck in before the city decided they didn't want any in the city limits).
It's a three floor version in a mall on Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Blvd. I read an L.A. Times article awhile back sayinging this store has the highest pilferage loss rate of any Wal-Mart in the country. This store is what a ghetto Wal-Mart looks like.
J-Boyz in the hood, yo!

[Ehwmatt]

I think the crowd has to do with Asian culture, which is usually polite to the point of fault, more than not being into the show. They just generally don't get all loud and boisterous like others do.

[kgdjpubs]

I think the crowd has to do with Asian culture, which is usually polite to the point of fault, more than not being into the show. They just generally don't get all loud and boisterous like others do.

They are louder than you think they are. They are just mixed down to the point of barely being heard. Listen to the youtube videos.

[Ehwmatt]

I think the crowd has to do with Asian culture, which is usually polite to the point of fault, more than not being into the show. They just generally don't get all loud and boisterous like others do.

They are louder than you think they are. They are just mixed down to the point of barely being heard. Listen to the youtube videos.

I was gonna come back and post that, I forgot though. Thanks for pointing that out. Yeah, crowd noise is definitely at the mixers' discretion on a live album - look at Rush in Rio vs R30, for example.

[Don]

The youtube videos should have louder crowd sound. That's where they're being recorded from. I don't consider it a reliable gauge on crowd noise.

[Ehwmatt]

The youtube videos should have louder crowd sound. That's where they're being recorded from. I don't consider it a reliable gauge on crowd noise.

Maybe, maybe not. But the point is, crowd noise can always be mixed louder or softer in a live recording. If you're listening to a bootleg, it's one thing, but a polished final product, it can be impossible to tell how loud/quiet they really were.

[Don]

The youtube videos should have louder crowd sound. That's where they're being recorded from. I don't consider it a reliable gauge on crowd noise.

Maybe, maybe not. But the point is, crowd noise can always be mixed louder or softer in a live recording. If you're listening to a bootleg, it's one thing, but a polished final product, it can be impossible to tell how loud/quiet they really were.

I agree with the mix issue. I'm saying I can't sit here and honestly say the crowd was raucous or quiet based on the youtube videos.The first few rows, sure. But from a lot of the pictures and reviews right after the concert, many people from 10to 20 rows back and beyond were pretty muted during a lot of the show, many of the plokkers that went to the show even reported this, and there were tons of empty lawn chairs in the back also which won't be noticeable on the DVD either. It was a 90,000 Seat venue cut in half and even then, the crowd was only half of the 45k available seats. A lot of open space to try and fill with noise.

[Ehwmatt]

The youtube videos should have louder crowd sound. That's where they're being recorded from. I don't consider it a reliable gauge on crowd noise.

Maybe, maybe not. But the point is, crowd noise can always be mixed louder or softer in a live recording. If you're listening to a bootleg, it's one thing, but a polished final product, it can be impossible to tell how loud/quiet they really were.

I agree with the mix issue. I'm saying I can't sit here and honestly say the crowd was raucous or quiet based on the youtube videos.The first few rows, sure. But from a lot of the pictures and reviews right after the concert, many people from 10to 20 rows back and beyond were pretty muted during a lot of the show. and there were tons of empty lawn chairs in the back also which won't be noticeable on the DVD either. It was a 90,000 Seat venue cut in half and even then, the crowd was only half of the 45k available seats. A lot of open space to try and fill with noise.

Yep, I couldn't tell you either. I do hate when producers/mixers mix the crowd nearly completely out of a live recording - I want to hear the crowd going nuts at some points. Now, too much can be bad too, but I'd always rather err on the side of having a little noise on a genuine live document that had a lot of energy.

The overall strength of the crowd at Manila is open to debate unless you were there, which I know some here were. Rip?

[Don]

The youtube videos should have louder crowd sound. That's where they're being recorded from. I don't consider it a reliable gauge on crowd noise.

Maybe, maybe not. But the point is, crowd noise can always be mixed louder or softer in a live recording. If you're listening to a bootleg, it's one thing, but a polished final product, it can be impossible to tell how loud/quiet they really were.

I agree with the mix issue. I'm saying I can't sit here and honestly say the crowd was raucous or quiet based on the youtube videos.The first few rows, sure. But from a lot of the pictures and reviews right after the concert, many people from 10to 20 rows back and beyond were pretty muted during a lot of the show. and there were tons of empty lawn chairs in the back also which won't be noticeable on the DVD either. It was a 90,000 Seat venue cut in half and even then, the crowd was only half of the 45k available seats. A lot of open space to try and fill with noise.

Yep, I couldn't tell you either. I do hate when producers/mixers mix the crowd nearly completely out of a live recording - I want to hear the crowd going nuts at some points. Now, too much can be bad too, but I'd always rather err on the side of having a little noise on a genuine live document that had a lot of energy.

The overall strength of the crowd at Manila is open to debate unless you were there, which I know some here were. Rip?

I vote for mixing the crowd at a higher setting. it's supposed to be a live concert, not an MTV video.

[kgdjpubs]

Yep, I couldn't tell you either. I do hate when producers/mixers mix the crowd nearly completely out of a live recording - I want to hear the crowd going nuts at some points. Now, too much can be bad too, but I'd always rather err on the side of having a little noise on a genuine live document that had a lot of energy.

That seems to be a Kevin Shirley thing. He apparently doesn't like crowd noise. The Greatest Hits Live release suffered from the same problem. There comes a point where it can be too much of a good thing, but if I wanted it to sound like the studio recording, I'd buy the studio recording!

[steveo777]

The youtube videos should have louder crowd sound. That's where they're being recorded from. I don't consider it a reliable gauge on crowd noise.

Maybe, maybe not. But the point is, crowd noise can always be mixed louder or softer in a live recording. If you're listening to a bootleg, it's one thing, but a polished final product, it can be impossible to tell how loud/quiet they really were.

I agree with the mix issue. I'm saying I can't sit here and honestly say the crowd was raucous or quiet based on the youtube videos.The first few rows, sure. But from a lot of the pictures and reviews right after the concert, many people from 10to 20 rows back and beyond were pretty muted during a lot of the show. and there were tons of empty lawn chairs in the back also which won't be noticeable on the DVD either. It was a 90,000 Seat venue cut in half and even then, the crowd was only half of the 45k available seats. A lot of open space to try and fill with noise.

Yep, I couldn't tell you either. I do hate when producers/mixers mix the crowd nearly completely out of a live recording - I want to hear the crowd going nuts at some points. Now, too much can be bad too, but I'd always rather err on the side of having a little noise on a genuine live document that had a lot of energy.

The overall strength of the crowd at Manila is open to debate unless you were there, which I know some here were. Rip?

I vote for mixing the crowd at a higher setting. it's supposed to be a live concert, not an MTV video.

Maybe they will fix that for you when they're ready with your blue ray disc.

[Don]

On a different note, am I the only one who prefers the old stage setups where the crowd completely encircled the stage? I was behind the stage when I saw them at the Spectrum but they had a catwalk that ran around the circumference of the stage so we got to see plenty of Perry and Neal regardless.

[Ehwmatt]

Yep, I couldn't tell you either. I do hate when producers/mixers mix the crowd nearly completely out of a live recording - I want to hear the crowd going nuts at some points. Now, too much can be bad too, but I'd always rather err on the side of having a little noise on a genuine live document that had a lot of energy.

That seems to be a Kevin Shirley thing. He apparently doesn't like crowd noise. The Greatest Hits Live release suffered from the same problem. There comes a point where it can be too much of a good thing, but if I wanted it to sound like the studio recording, I'd buy the studio recording!

Exactly! Especially with a band like Journey that has so many sing-along anthems and "Holy shit! It's Dirty Dozen X" reactions to the mere striking of the first chord in the song moments throughout a live show...

[Don]

The youtube videos should have louder crowd sound. That's where they're being recorded from. I don't consider it a reliable gauge on crowd noise.

Maybe, maybe not. But the point is, crowd noise can always be mixed louder or softer in a live recording. If you're listening to a bootleg, it's one thing, but a polished final product, it can be impossible to tell how loud/quiet they really were.

I agree with the mix issue. I'm saying I can't sit here and honestly say the crowd was raucous or quiet based on the youtube videos.The first few rows, sure. But from a lot of the pictures and reviews right after the concert, many people from 10to 20 rows back and beyond were pretty muted during a lot of the show. and there were tons of empty lawn chairs in the back also which won't be noticeable on the DVD either. It was a 90,000 Seat venue cut in half and even then, the crowd was only half of the 45k available seats. A lot of open space to try and fill with noise.

Yep, I couldn't tell you either. I do hate when producers/mixers mix the crowd nearly completely out of a live recording - I want to hear the crowd going nuts at some points. Now, too much can be bad too, but I'd always rather err on the side of having a little noise on a genuine live document that had a lot of energy.

The overall strength of the crowd at Manila is open to debate unless you were there, which I know some here were. Rip?

I vote for mixing the crowd at a higher setting. it's supposed to be a live concert, not an MTV video.

Maybe they will fix that for you when they're ready with your blue ray disc.

We'll see.

[Carlitto H@kk]

I finally bought it. The Walmart near me still had them all in
the storeroom; thought they couldn't be sold until Oct 6.

Not a bad deal at all for $10. Like most, I don't see anyhting
spectacular with the video (I have it upconverted to 1080I on a 71" screen)
but from what I have watched, it looks like a really good show.

Besides, for $10 and my ripping software, I got a pretty good concert DVD
and another Cool Live Show ripped to MP3 on my iPod so I can listen to
it everywhere Quite the bargain, I'd say.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

I finally bought it. The Walmart near me still had them all in
the storeroom; thought they couldn't be sold until Oct 6.

Not a bad deal at all for $10. Like most, I don't see anyhting
spectacular with the video (I have it upconverted to 1080I on a 71" screen)
but from what I have watched, it looks like a really good show.

Besides, for $10 and my ripping software, I got a pretty good concert DVD
and another Cool Live Show ripped to MP3 on my iPod so I can listen to
it everywhere Quite the bargain, I'd say.

I just picked it up as well. Had to have the electronics manager go to the back to find them after explaining the whole situation, but at least she was nice about it. And this is no joke - I got my one copy from the box and while I was standing in line someone else took three copies from the box to buy. No lie. I thought about introducing myself.

Carl, what ripping software do you use? Is it free? I got a new computer a while back and lost my DVD audio ripping software. Hoping for a recommendation of a good software that's free...

[Carlitto H@kk]

I downloaded a free version of FairUse to rip DVDs. During the rip, I copy&paste
the WAV audio track and then splice it/tweak it with Audacity.
Or you can use freeware like AOA Audio Extractor to shred video to MP3 and do it that way...
So many options.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

I downloaded a free version of FairUse to rip DVDs. During the rip, I copy&paste
the WAV audio track and then splice it/tweak it with Audacity.
Or you can use freeware like AOA Audio Extractor to shred video to MP3 and do it that way...
So many options.

Okay, thanks. I couldn't remember the name of the program I used to have. I'll figure something out. Thanks a lot.

[jrny84]

On a different note, am I the only one who prefers the old stage setups where the crowd completely encircled the stage? I was behind the stage when I saw them at the Spectrum but they had a catwalk that ran around the circumference of the stage so we got to see plenty of Perry and Neal regardless.

I totally agree with you. Journey used to have some awesome stage setups and really cool lighting. What happened?? The catwalk thing was awesome and I had never seen anyother band do that stage setup like that. Even the frontiers stage setup and lighting was really something to see. I remember the giant triangular screens that changed colors and moved on the ROR tour, man these were pretty unique too. It seems like over the years there stage setup to me has gotten boring and the lighting isnt as good. Although the lighting and stage setup for the dvd was much better.

[weatherman90]

Where is this thing at? I guess North Dakota Wal-Marts are a bit BEHIND!

[Carlitto H@kk]

Where is this thing at? I guess North Dakota Wal-Marts are a bit BEHIND!

If they are like some of the WalMarts here in UTARD,
then they are probably still sitting in a box in the
storeroom, waiting for that one fan with a mullet to ask for it

[epoy]

Where is this thing at? I guess North Dakota Wal-Marts are a bit BEHIND!

If they are like some of the WalMarts here in UTARD,
then they are probably still sitting in a box in the
storeroom, waiting for that one fan with a mullet to ask for it

I actually picked one up at Centerville today and no i don't have a mullet! DVD Audio Extractor works like a charm for me, just got done synching my iPod.

[Esc]

someone just uploaded the whole thing in youtube.
watching it right now.

i guess i had high expectations from it because of the 4xHD hype.
but judging by the camera work, its turning out to be a disappointment for me.
the transition between camera shots seem too random.

ok, i think i need to shut up and wait until i have my own copy and watch it on a big screen.

[Jana]

I wish now they had put in the Patiently/WCTNGOF melody. I would loved to have seen that on the DVD. Beautiful job by Arnel and Neal and love the way it goes back to Patiently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N88cW0zfDrk

[Chubby321]

someone just uploaded the whole thing in youtube.
watching it right now.

i guess i had high expectations from it because of the 4xHD hype.
but judging by the camera work, its turning out to be a disappointment for me.
the transition between camera shots seem too random.

ok, i think i need to shut up and wait until i have my own copy and watch it on a big screen.

Yes you should. You have no right to complain for free stuff. Watching it on a big screen without interruption makes a big difference.

[la michelona]

I think the crowd has to do with Asian culture, which is usually polite to the point of fault, more than not being into the show. They just generally don't get all loud and boisterous like others do.

Before the show had even started, the guy behind us asked us to sit down.

[Jana]

Agree with YoungJRNY, until I watch the whole DVD it may change on best songs, but Arnel real does a beautiful job on WYLAW in Manila. Background vocals aren't very strong. But it may just be the sound on the youtube copy. And love What I Needed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WSpaS1pqEY


What I Needed Extended Version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vie1hfr3L3g

[Rick]

Agree with YoungJRNY, until I watch the whole DVD it may change on best songs, but Arnel real does a beautiful job on WYLAW in Manila. Background vocals aren't very strong. But it may just be the sound on the youtube copy.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WSpaS1pqEY

I agree the backing vocals were down in the mix, but he sang the shit out of that one.

I haven't gotten the DVD yet, but I sure liked this one.

[Jana]

Agree with YoungJRNY, until I watch the whole DVD it may change on best songs, but Arnel real does a beautiful job on WYLAW in Manila. Background vocals aren't very strong. But it may just be the sound on the youtube copy.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WSpaS1pqEY

I agree the backing vocals were down in the mix, but he sang the shit out of that one.

I haven't gotten the DVD yet, but I sure liked this one.

Go back and listen to the WIN I added on and posted too. Arnel's voice was amazing. And Neal's solo at the end just adds to that whole song.