My 2 cents on the new Manila DVD

[carleysdad]

1) Neal was on fire during this concert. His playing seems so effortless.
2) Did anyone else happen to notice the lick from one of Neal's HSAS songs that they played in the middle of Wheel In The Sky? That was awesome. They didn't play that when they played in Cincinnati last summer.
3) Did anyone else notice Neal's screwup at the beginning of Separate Ways? He started playing before the synth intro by Jon.
4) Personally, I think Arnel did an incredible job. Although I normally enjoy Journey's more uptempo songs, I thought the band (and especially Arnel) sounded great on WYLAW and AATY.
5) I thought the camerawork and production of this DVD was first rate....especially when you consider the DVD only cost $10. (Note: I've read some of the other posts who complained that Friga didn't seem to care if he was there or not. Who cares if Friga wasn't smiling? Personally, I would rather he just act normal onstage instead of doing some of the cheesy things he normally does in concert.)

[fightingilliniJRNY]

1) Neal was on fire during this concert. His playing seems so effortless.
2) Did anyone else happen to notice the lick from one of Neal's HSAS songs that they played in the middle of Wheel In The Sky? That was awesome. They didn't play that when they played in Cincinnati last summer.
3) Did anyone else notice Neal's screwup at the beginning of Separate Ways? He started playing before the synth intro by Jon.
4) Personally, I think Arnel did an incredible job. Although I normally enjoy Journey's more uptempo songs, I thought the band (and especially Arnel) sounded great on WYLAW and AATY.
5) I thought the camerawork and production of this DVD was first rate....especially when you consider the DVD only cost $10. (Note: I've read some of the other posts who complained that Friga didn't seem to care if he was there or not. Who cares if Friga wasn't smiling? Personally, I would rather he just act normal onstage instead of doing some of the cheesy things he normally does in concert.)

1) Agreed. He and Deen are the stars of the DVD.

2) They added that in for the Manila concert and at all shows this summer. It's a great instrumental breakdown that fits the middle of WITS perfectly.

3) I don't think he messed up - I think he played that as a little bit of a transition from the slower When You Love A Woman to Separate Ways. Which is why Separate Ways should never be mid-set - especially in between two slow tunes with WYLAW and What I Needed. Separate Ways should open the show, close the main set, open the encore or close the show.

4) I think overall Arnel was solid. But you are right - he shines on slower songs like WYLAW and AATY.

5) Camerawork is solid, a little dark on some shots. And some of the transitions were really scattered. But overall, very good.

[YoungJRNY]

(Note: I've read some of the other posts who complained that Friga didn't seem to care if he was there or not. Who cares if Friga wasn't smiling? Personally, I would rather he just act normal onstage instead of doing some of the cheesy things he normally does in concert.)

I don't really care either, esp on a tour that lasts a lifetime for performers on a night to night basis, let alone, in his case, playing like this for the past 20+ years! I can understand the falling into the pit of bordem if you will. Still, there's no excuse when you know you're filming a DVD in the home palace of your new, sensation that is your lead singer and knowing you will be releasing this DVD to fans and audiences alike to try to get them on board for years to come and stick it to the critics that they still got it. Acting like a stiff maybe isn't the way to go. He should of at least pretend or smile along the way to and act like he's enjoying rocking out with his own band mates, something a musician should NEVER get tired of in the first place. Just my .2cents., but it IS Cain we're talking about.

[SultanOfSwing]

(Note: I've read some of the other posts who complained that Friga didn't seem to care if he was there or not. Who cares if Friga wasn't smiling? Personally, I would rather he just act normal onstage instead of doing some of the cheesy things he normally does in concert.)

I don't really care either, esp on a tour that lasts a lifetime for performers on a night to night basis, let alone, in his case, playing like this for the past 20+ years! I can understand the falling into the pit of bordem if you will. Still, there's no excuse when you know you're filming a DVD in the home palace of your new, sensation that is your lead singer and knowing you will be releasing this DVD to fans and audiences alike to try to get them on board for years to come and stick it to the critics that they still got it. Acting like a stiff maybe isn't the way to go. He should of at least pretend or smile along the way to and act like he's enjoying rocking out with his own band mates, something a musician should NEVER get tired of in the first place. Just my .2cents., but it IS Cain we're talking about.

I think that's Cain's nature, he never smile on stage.

[YoungJRNY]

(Note: I've read some of the other posts who complained that Friga didn't seem to care if he was there or not. Who cares if Friga wasn't smiling? Personally, I would rather he just act normal onstage instead of doing some of the cheesy things he normally does in concert.)

I don't really care either, esp on a tour that lasts a lifetime for performers on a night to night basis, let alone, in his case, playing like this for the past 20+ years! I can understand the falling into the pit of bordem if you will. Still, there's no excuse when you know you're filming a DVD in the home palace of your new, sensation that is your lead singer and knowing you will be releasing this DVD to fans and audiences alike to try to get them on board for years to come and stick it to the critics that they still got it. Acting like a stiff maybe isn't the way to go. He should of at least pretend or smile along the way to and act like he's enjoying rocking out with his own band mates, something a musician should NEVER get tired of in the first place. Just my .2cents., but it IS Cain we're talking about.

I think that's Cain's nature, he never smile on stage.

No doubt, and it's easy to sense.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-85ymiD ... L&index=30

:09 seconds.

This is the ONLY TIME I've seen Cain acknowledge ANYTHING & the fact that Steve Augeri was apart of the band. He even made it known to Neal, who responds back with a smile. Neal, and the rest of the band are up-beat EVERY NIGHT with this new lineup, and have taking a highly new liking to Arnel. With that said, having this kind of response during the Augeri years was eye opening and you notice it right away.

[texafana]

"This is the ONLY TIME I've seen Cain acknowledge ANYTHING & the fact that Steve Augeri was apart of the band. He even made it known to Neal, who responds back with a smile...."

no,no,no.... you missed what truely happened. They almost missed the cue for "Anyway" and Deen had to 4 count them in again, it was very close to being a total melt down on stage. Watch the end of "Be good to yourself", Deen clearly starts a 4 count, then quickly realizes no one is paying attention (or he mis heard his cue in his ear monitor) and suddenly stops, does a quick hihat roll, then starts the 4 count again. Neal looks at Deen and goes "that was close..." and Cain also acknowlages the possible gaff.

[YoungJRNY]

"This is the ONLY TIME I've seen Cain acknowledge ANYTHING & the fact that Steve Augeri was apart of the band. He even made it known to Neal, who responds back with a smile...."

no,no,no.... you missed what truely happened. They almost missed the cue for "Anyway" and Deen had to 4 count them in again, it was very close to being a total melt down on stage. Watch the end of "Be good to yourself", Deen clearly starts a 4 count, then quickly realizes no one is paying attention (or he mis heard his cue in his ear monitor) and suddenly stops, does a quick hihat roll, then starts the 4 count again. Neal looks at Deen and goes "that was close..." and Cain also acknowlages the possible gaff.

Holy SHIT I never even realized that, and I watched this DVD countless number of times. GREAT observation and this looks to be right on the money. It creates an illusion since BGTY is an uplifting song and that the crowd was spazzing at this point going into ANOTHER uplifting song to AYWI. Hmm, good work my friend, good work. I guess I take back whatever I just said. HAH!

[texafana]

"This is the ONLY TIME I've seen Cain acknowledge ANYTHING & the fact that Steve Augeri was apart of the band. He even made it known to Neal, who responds back with a smile...."

no,no,no.... you missed what truely happened. They almost missed the cue for "Anyway" and Deen had to 4 count them in again, it was very close to being a total melt down on stage. Watch the end of "Be good to yourself", Deen clearly starts a 4 count, then quickly realizes no one is paying attention (or he mis heard his cue in his ear monitor) and suddenly stops, does a quick hihat roll, then starts the 4 count again. Neal looks at Deen and goes "that was close..." and Cain also acknowlages the possible gaff.

Holy SHIT I never even realized that, and I watched this DVD countless number of times. GREAT observation and this looks to be right on the money. It creates an illusion since BGTY is an uplifting song and that the crowd was spazzing at this point going into ANOTHER uplifting song to AYWI. Hmm, good work my friend, good work. I guess I take back whatever I just said. HAH!

Glad you like. It took a couple of times to verify it, but since I always tend to watch Deen with a fine tooth comb it kind of stood out. And Neal's face on this is priceless. lol..

[JRNYFan]

"This is the ONLY TIME I've seen Cain acknowledge ANYTHING & the fact that Steve Augeri was apart of the band. He even made it known to Neal, who responds back with a smile...."

no,no,no.... you missed what truely happened. They almost missed the cue for "Anyway" and Deen had to 4 count them in again, it was very close to being a total melt down on stage. Watch the end of "Be good to yourself", Deen clearly starts a 4 count, then quickly realizes no one is paying attention (or he mis heard his cue in his ear monitor) and suddenly stops, does a quick hihat roll, then starts the 4 count again. Neal looks at Deen and goes "that was close..." and Cain also acknowlages the possible gaff.

I never noticed that either! Good eye/ear!

[carleysdad]

I need to amend my original posting with one note regarding the audio of this DVD. The first 2x I watched it was on a computer with headphones. Over the weekend I finally had a chance to watch it at home in 5:1 surround. I've got to tell you....the mix on this DVD is awful. Kevin Shirley normally does a great job producing/mixing, but he struck out this time.

1) Neal was on fire during this concert. His playing seems so effortless.
2) Did anyone else happen to notice the lick from one of Neal's HSAS songs that they played in the middle of Wheel In The Sky? That was awesome. They didn't play that when they played in Cincinnati last summer.
3) Did anyone else notice Neal's screwup at the beginning of Separate Ways? He started playing before the synth intro by Jon.
4) Personally, I think Arnel did an incredible job. Although I normally enjoy Journey's more uptempo songs, I thought the band (and especially Arnel) sounded great on WYLAW and AATY.
5) I thought the camerawork and production of this DVD was first rate....especially when you consider the DVD only cost $10. (Note: I've read some of the other posts who complained that Friga didn't seem to care if he was there or not. Who cares if Friga wasn't smiling? Personally, I would rather he just act normal onstage instead of doing some of the cheesy things he normally does in concert.)

[Ehwmatt]

I need to amend my original posting with one note regarding the audio of this DVD. The first 2x I watched it was on a computer with headphones. Over the weekend I finally had a chance to watch it at home in 5:1 surround. I've got to tell you....the mix on this DVD is awful. Kevin Shirley normally does a great job producing/mixing, but he struck out this time.

It definitely leaves a lot to be desired.

[Abitaman]

(Note: I've read some of the other posts who complained that Friga didn't seem to care if he was there or not. Who cares if Friga wasn't smiling? Personally, I would rather he just act normal onstage instead of doing some of the cheesy things he normally does in concert.)

I don't really care either, esp on a tour that lasts a lifetime for performers on a night to night basis, let alone, in his case, playing like this for the past 20+ years! I can understand the falling into the pit of bordem if you will. Still, there's no excuse when you know you're filming a DVD in the home palace of your new, sensation that is your lead singer and knowing you will be releasing this DVD to fans and audiences alike to try to get them on board for years to come and stick it to the critics that they still got it. Acting like a stiff maybe isn't the way to go. He should of at least pretend or smile along the way to and act like he's enjoying rocking out with his own band mates, something a musician should NEVER get tired of in the first place. Just my .2cents., but it IS Cain we're talking about.

I think that's Cain's nature, he never smile on stage.

Have to agree, when I ahve seen the band, he wasn't smiling. Wasn't in a bad mood or anything, just wasn't smiling.

[Jana]

(Note: I've read some of the other posts who complained that Friga didn't seem to care if he was there or not. Who cares if Friga wasn't smiling? Personally, I would rather he just act normal onstage instead of doing some of the cheesy things he normally does in concert.)

I don't really care either, esp on a tour that lasts a lifetime for performers on a night to night basis, let alone, in his case, playing like this for the past 20+ years! I can understand the falling into the pit of bordem if you will. Still, there's no excuse when you know you're filming a DVD in the home palace of your new, sensation that is your lead singer and knowing you will be releasing this DVD to fans and audiences alike to try to get them on board for years to come and stick it to the critics that they still got it. Acting like a stiff maybe isn't the way to go. He should of at least pretend or smile along the way to and act like he's enjoying rocking out with his own band mates, something a musician should NEVER get tired of in the first place. Just my .2cents., but it IS Cain we're talking about.

I think that's Cain's nature, he never smile on stage.

Have to agree, when I ahve seen the band, he wasn't smiling. Wasn't in a bad mood or anything, just wasn't smiling.

He gave more of an effort in the Arrival DVD. They probably shouldn't have been shooting him from the left side of his setup, but more from the right side. Might not have seen as much of his nonexpression.

[Ehwmatt]

(Note: I've read some of the other posts who complained that Friga didn't seem to care if he was there or not. Who cares if Friga wasn't smiling? Personally, I would rather he just act normal onstage instead of doing some of the cheesy things he normally does in concert.)

I don't really care either, esp on a tour that lasts a lifetime for performers on a night to night basis, let alone, in his case, playing like this for the past 20+ years! I can understand the falling into the pit of bordem if you will. Still, there's no excuse when you know you're filming a DVD in the home palace of your new, sensation that is your lead singer and knowing you will be releasing this DVD to fans and audiences alike to try to get them on board for years to come and stick it to the critics that they still got it. Acting like a stiff maybe isn't the way to go. He should of at least pretend or smile along the way to and act like he's enjoying rocking out with his own band mates, something a musician should NEVER get tired of in the first place. Just my .2cents., but it IS Cain we're talking about.

I think that's Cain's nature, he never smile on stage.

Have to agree, when I ahve seen the band, he wasn't smiling. Wasn't in a bad mood or anything, just wasn't smiling.

He gave more of an effort in the Arrival DVD. They probably shouldn't have been shooting him from the left side of his setup, but more from the right side. Might not have seen as much of his nonexpression.

Yeah, for as much as people say he looked miserable during the Augeri years, and maybe that came later, he was havin fun on the Arrival DVD

[stevew2]

"This is the ONLY TIME I've seen Cain acknowledge ANYTHING & the fact that Steve Augeri was apart of the band. He even made it known to Neal, who responds back with a smile...."

no,no,no.... you missed what truely happened. They almost missed the cue for "Anyway" and Deen had to 4 count them in again, it was very close to being a total melt down on stage. Watch the end of "Be good to yourself", Deen clearly starts a 4 count, then quickly realizes no one is paying attention (or he mis heard his cue in his ear monitor) and suddenly stops, does a quick hihat roll, then starts the 4 count again. Neal looks at Deen and goes "that was close..." and Cain also acknowlages the possible gaff.

Holy SHIT I never even realized that, and I watched this DVD countless number of times. GREAT observation and this looks to be right on the money. It creates an illusion since BGTY is an uplifting song and that the crowd was spazzing at this point going into ANOTHER uplifting song to AYWI. Hmm, good work my friend, good work. I guess I take back whatever I just said. HAH!

Glad you like. It took a couple of times to verify it, but since I always tend to watch Deen with a fine tooth comb it kind of stood out. And Neal's face on this is priceless. lol..

Good eye, I never noticed