Well, it looks like Neal meant it this time!

[Escape Artist]

Finally! The Caveman says:

"Well, we're deep into the bowels of recording the new Journey record. Seven slamming tracks and nary a ballad in sight yet. I won't lie and say it's plain sailing - but that's the way they go sometimes! There's been a little illness and the odd wrench in the works - but the music really kicks butt. And that's it - now" ...

[Escape Artist]

When I first read this I thought it said odd wench in the works!

[Ehwmatt]

:lol: When I first read this I thought it said odd wench in the works!

Neal's new girlfriend is Yoko Ono?

Yeah I know, that was a bad joke

[Escape Artist]

:lol: When I first read this I thought it said odd wench in the works!

Neal's new girlfriend is Yoko Ono?

Yeah I know, that was a bad joke

Ono would qualify!

[RumTumJM]

The Caveman has given more information on it all!

"Work on Journey continues..... seven slamming tracks thus far, and nary a ballad in sight, and a few more due today. Neal is hell bent on rockin' out and he's quite a force to reckon with when he sets his mind on something! Poor Ross has been quite ill, but hopefully he's getting to the back end of it now and will be on top of his game next week. Jon is off to DC next week to sit on a panel before Congress on the importance of music in a kids development, Deen is a tattooed chipmunk - literally jumping off the walls, and Arnel has been writing and singing up a storm. For the tech-minded, some of Neal's setup below. Guitars: the Andersen (When You Love A Woman), PRS, Fernandes (Neal Schon), Charvel"

[Michigan Girl]

The Caveman has given more information on it all!
Arnel has been writing and singing up a storm.

This certainly sounds impressive ...has he ever done this, written?!?!
I'm anxious to hear what he's got!!

[Jana]

The Caveman has given more information on it all!

"Work on Journey continues..... seven slamming tracks thus far, and nary a ballad in sight, and a few more due today. Neal is hell bent on rockin' out and he's quite a force to reckon with when he sets his mind on something! Poor Ross has been quite ill, but hopefully he's getting to the back end of it now and will be on top of his game next week. Jon is off to DC next week to sit on a panel before Congress on the importance of music in a kids development, Deen is a tattooed chipmunk - literally jumping off the walls, and Arnel has been writing and singing up a storm. For the tech-minded, some of Neal's setup below. Guitars: the Andersen (When You Love A Woman), PRS, Fernandes (Neal Schon), Charvel"

Jon, stand your ground. Give me some ballads or mid-tempo ballads, or it won't be Journey.

[SF-Dano]

The Caveman has given more information on it all!

"Work on Journey continues..... seven slamming tracks thus far, and nary a ballad in sight, and a few more due today. Neal is hell bent on rockin' out and he's quite a force to reckon with when he sets his mind on something! Poor Ross has been quite ill, but hopefully he's getting to the back end of it now and will be on top of his game next week. Jon is off to DC next week to sit on a panel before Congress on the importance of music in a kids development, Deen is a tattooed chipmunk - literally jumping off the walls, and Arnel has been writing and singing up a storm. For the tech-minded, some of Neal's setup below. Guitars: the Andersen (When You Love A Woman), PRS, Fernandes (Neal Schon), Charvel"

Jon, stand your ground. Give me some ballads or mid-tempo ballads, or it won't be Journey.

I wouldn't worry. I am sure at least a couple ballads will be on the release. Nothing wrong with the majority of the tunes being rockers though.

[brywool]

The Caveman has given more information on it all!

"Work on Journey continues..... seven slamming tracks thus far, and nary a ballad in sight, and a few more due today. Neal is hell bent on rockin' out and he's quite a force to reckon with when he sets his mind on something! Poor Ross has been quite ill, but hopefully he's getting to the back end of it now and will be on top of his game next week. Jon is off to DC next week to sit on a panel before Congress on the importance of music in a kids development, Deen is a tattooed chipmunk - literally jumping off the walls, and Arnel has been writing and singing up a storm. For the tech-minded, some of Neal's setup below. Guitars: the Andersen (When You Love A Woman), PRS, Fernandes (Neal Schon), Charvel"

Jon, stand your ground. Give me some ballads or mid-tempo ballads, or it won't be Journey.

ONE is all he's allowed.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Shirley expands a little bit more on the concept album's theme, and internal creative problems (???) in his April 3rd diary entry.
His site won't let you copy and paste, so just click the link.

http://www.cavemanproductions.com/cavediary.htm

[Since 78]

Shirley expands a little bit more on the concept album's theme, and internal creative problems (???) in his April 3rd diary entry.
His site won't let you copy and paste, so just click the link.

http://www.cavemanproductions.com/cavediary.htm

Very sexy??

[Since 78]

The Caveman has given more information on it all!

"Work on Journey continues..... seven slamming tracks thus far, and nary a ballad in sight, and a few more due today. Neal is hell bent on rockin' out and he's quite a force to reckon with when he sets his mind on something! Poor Ross has been quite ill, but hopefully he's getting to the back end of it now and will be on top of his game next week. Jon is off to DC next week to sit on a panel before Congress on the importance of music in a kids development, Deen is a tattooed chipmunk - literally jumping off the walls, and Arnel has been writing and singing up a storm. For the tech-minded, some of Neal's setup below. Guitars: the Andersen (When You Love A Woman), PRS, Fernandes (Neal Schon), Charvel"

Jon, stand your ground. Give me some ballads or mid-tempo ballads, or it won't be Journey.

We've all agreed, just one, they have enough ballads already.

[RumTumJM]

I'd say 2 or 3 GOOD ballads are what they need. They can't forget about ballads, they're Journey! But if they do even three, and have 10-12 songs on the album, then we still get 7-9 killer rockers!

[wednesday's child]

His site won't let you copy and paste, so just click the link.

http://www.cavemanproductions.com/cavediary.htm

For future reference: if you're using IE, just click on View, Source.
That'll take you to a textfile of the html code, and you can rummage for the
actual article-text in that, for easy copying and pasting.

Cheers,
wech

[The_Noble_Cause]

Very sexy??

Yeh. Didn't Neal say something similar to that? Describing the concept as "spiritual, sexy etc."

[Jana]

The Caveman has given more information on it all!

"Work on Journey continues..... seven slamming tracks thus far, and nary a ballad in sight, and a few more due today. Neal is hell bent on rockin' out and he's quite a force to reckon with when he sets his mind on something! Poor Ross has been quite ill, but hopefully he's getting to the back end of it now and will be on top of his game next week. Jon is off to DC next week to sit on a panel before Congress on the importance of music in a kids development, Deen is a tattooed chipmunk - literally jumping off the walls, and Arnel has been writing and singing up a storm. For the tech-minded, some of Neal's setup below. Guitars: the Andersen (When You Love A Woman), PRS, Fernandes (Neal Schon), Charvel"

Jon, stand your ground. Give me some ballads or mid-tempo ballads, or it won't be Journey.

We've all agreed, just one, they have enough ballads already.

who is "we"?

[The_Noble_Cause]

For future reference: if you're using IE, just click on View, Source.
That'll take you to a textfile of the html code, and you can rummage for the
actual article-text in that, for easy copying and pasting.

Cheers,
wech

Damn. Never knew that. Thanks Wed!
In that case, here's the full Caveman quote -

"...and then biked up to San Francisco where I am at present working on the new Journey album. It's the same deal, recording-wise, the difference is in the details. The new songs are very, very creative and rocking, and I like the creativity within Journey, but (like every other band) there are internal rubs (after 30 years in the business) which makes the days not necessarily as much fun as hard work. That said, we are six songs into it - and after two weeks that is quite a workload we've been through. There is a theme to the entire album, which is very sexy and very rocking - more will be revealed."

[Since 78]

The Caveman has given more information on it all!

"Work on Journey continues..... seven slamming tracks thus far, and nary a ballad in sight, and a few more due today. Neal is hell bent on rockin' out and he's quite a force to reckon with when he sets his mind on something! Poor Ross has been quite ill, but hopefully he's getting to the back end of it now and will be on top of his game next week. Jon is off to DC next week to sit on a panel before Congress on the importance of music in a kids development, Deen is a tattooed chipmunk - literally jumping off the walls, and Arnel has been writing and singing up a storm. For the tech-minded, some of Neal's setup below. Guitars: the Andersen (When You Love A Woman), PRS, Fernandes (Neal Schon), Charvel"

Jon, stand your ground. Give me some ballads or mid-tempo ballads, or it won't be Journey.

We've all agreed, just one, they have enough ballads already.

who is "we"?

Me and GB. Nuff said!

[Jana]

For future reference: if you're using IE, just click on View, Source.
That'll take you to a textfile of the html code, and you can rummage for the
actual article-text in that, for easy copying and pasting.

Cheers,
wech

Damn. Never knew that. Thanks Wed!
In that case, here's the full Caveman quote -

"...and then biked up to San Francisco where I am at present working on the new Journey album. It's the same deal, recording-wise, the difference is in the details. The new songs are very, very creative and rocking, and I like the creativity within Journey, but (like every other band) there are internal rubs (after 30 years in the business) which makes the days not necessarily as much fun as hard work. That said, we are six songs into it - and after two weeks that is quite a workload we've been through. There is a theme to the entire album, which is very sexy and very rocking - more will be revealed."

internal rubs? Hmmm. Is that between Jon and Neal or Neal and Kevin, like before?

Like the sexy part to the music.

[steveo777]

For future reference: if you're using IE, just click on View, Source.
That'll take you to a textfile of the html code, and you can rummage for the
actual article-text in that, for easy copying and pasting.

Cheers,
wech

Damn. Never knew that. Thanks Wed!
In that case, here's the full Caveman quote -

"...and then biked up to San Francisco where I am at present working on the new Journey album. It's the same deal, recording-wise, the difference is in the details. The new songs are very, very creative and rocking, and I like the creativity within Journey, but (like every other band) there are internal rubs (after 30 years in the business) which makes the days not necessarily as much fun as hard work. That said, we are six songs into it - and after two weeks that is quite a workload we've been through. There is a theme to the entire album, which is very sexy and very rocking - more will be revealed."

internal rubs? Hmmm. Is that between Jon and Neal or Neal and Kevin, like before?

Like the sexy part to the music.

Maybe they've become like the Eagles where Neal and Jon hate each other but the almighty buck keeps the Journey machine going.

[fredinator]

The "30-year" mention by KS would mean to me Neal and Jon--maybe that's the rub between the two... I'm for all rockers, lol... I'm excited about how this is shaping up--I hope, hope, hope it has a 70s Journey-feel to it--if there is a rub I hope that's it and that Neal mows down all opposition. Maybe a bonus track could be a ballad... I'm in the mood for some rocking tunes from Journey... Arnel has written before; I remember listening to them and they were quite pretty--they were ballads and I remember enjoying both of them... Maybe 2 ballad bonus tracks, lol. Dang, this is going to be pretty awesome.

[steveo777]

I think it's cool that Arnel seems to be getting a pretty good slice of credit here. Maybe that will appease the people who have been saying that he doesn't contribute anything but a sound alike voice. I've been telling people for awhile to give Arnel a chance, he may have been underestimated. This album should tell all.

[Saint John]

internal rubs? Hmmm. Is that between Jon and Neal or Neal and Kevin, like before?

There are only really two people that have any say in the band when it comes to the studio and the band's direction ... Neal and Jon. I'd bet my house that Neal wants almost all rockers and Jon wants a bit of the general rockers, mid-tempo, and ballads "formula." Neal will win this battle. But I hope for 2 ballads on the album. Make them up-tempo ballads a la After The Fall and everybody wins.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I've only heard Shirley talk smack AFTER the creative process is over. The fact that he is going out of his way to mention it now while the album is being made strikes me as significant. It’s been mentioned before that Shirley likes to take multiple takes with Neal’s solos, while Neal just likes to tear it up from the gut.
Wonder if that could be the problem.

[steveo777]

I've only heard Shirley talk smack AFTER the creative process is over. The fact that he is going out of his way to mention it now while the album is being made strikes me as significant. It’s been mentioned before that Shirley likes to take multiple takes with Neal’s solos, while Neal just likes to tear it up from the gut.
Wonder if that could be the problem.

It seems from the outset that Neal has been pretty determined that this album is gonna be done his way. From what I understand he was a PITA during TBF too and was more compliant to what Shirley wanted during Revelation. He probably realizes this is one of his last hurrahs with Journey and just wants his way this time. Everybody needs their moment.

[Don]

I'm thinking this album is going to come off closer to a Neal Schon project than a Journey album, which I am totally cool with. As Neal said, He's tired of being on A/C setlists. They don't need to worry about having a hit on the radio anymore or even on the album charts for that matter. Just crank out something totally balls to wall as far as pace and energy and I'll be happy. Cain has gotten more mellow in his dotage and is probably miffed that he might not have another adult contempory hit ever again. I say good riddance. When rock groups intentionally aim for a hit on the A/C chart (Which Mick Jones admitted to with Foreigner's last release) it's time to hand in your balls and give up your title as a rock band and just admit that you're a pop act now.
Journey needs to chuck that yoke away one more time before it's all said and done so now is as good a time as any.

[Hollywood]

All of this comments about no ballads or limiting the ballads or all rockers. I guess hindsight is 20-300.

Since Perry joined the band, Journey has been a melodic band with a lot of ballads/slower songs.

Infinity had 6 ballads out of 10 tracks and opens with a ballad

Evolution has 6 out of 11 and 7 if you count Too Late which is essentially a ballad with a monster guitar solo.

Departure has 6 out of 12 though this album's rockers are some really rocking stuff.

Escape has 4 out of 10. This is with Jon Cain who always takes it on the chin for ballads.

Frontiers has 4 out of 10.

After this Perry started to take control and it got more mellow than ever. Arrival brought it back into more balance for Journey and Revalation is about the same.

I think the variety and the way it all ties together to sound like Journey is the magic I love. I am confident with Shirley at the helm they will again put out good product.

[Don]

All of this comments about no ballads or limiting the ballads or all rockers. I guess hindsight is 20-300.

Since Perry joined the band, Journey has been a melodic band with a lot of ballads/slower songs.

Infinity had 6 ballads out of 10 tracks and opens with a ballad

Evolution has 6 out of 11 and 7 if you count Too Late which is essentially a ballad with a monster guitar solo.

Departure has 6 out of 12 though this album's rockers are some really rocking stuff.

Escape has 4 out of 10. This is with Jon Cain who always takes it on the chin for ballads.

Frontiers has 4 out of 10.

After this Perry started to take control and it got more mellow than ever. Arrival brought it back into more balance for Journey and Revalation is about the same.

I think the variety and the way it all ties together to sound like Journey is the magic I love. I am confident with Shirley at the helm they will again put out good product.

That was the Perry era of the band. Why not go with a different formula, now? Either way, they're still going to be playing Open Arms and Faithfully at their shows regardless. Why get stuck adding yet another slow song onto their setlist?

[Jana]

All of this comments about no ballads or limiting the ballads or all rockers. I guess hindsight is 20-300.

Since Perry joined the band, Journey has been a melodic band with a lot of ballads/slower songs.

Infinity had 6 ballads out of 10 tracks and opens with a ballad

Evolution has 6 out of 11 and 7 if you count Too Late which is essentially a ballad with a monster guitar solo.

Departure has 6 out of 12 though this album's rockers are some really rocking stuff.

Escape has 4 out of 10. This is with Jon Cain who always takes it on the chin for ballads.

Frontiers has 4 out of 10.

After this Perry started to take control and it got more mellow than ever. Arrival brought it back into more balance for Journey and Revalation is about the same.

I think the variety and the way it all ties together to sound like Journey is the magic I love. I am confident with Shirley at the helm they will again put out good product.

That was the Perry era of the band. Why not go with a different formula, now? Either way, they're still going to be playing Open Arms and Faithfully at their shows regardless. Why get stuck adding yet another slow song onto their setlist?

It's not about what they play in concerts. It's about an album that I will love. And without some midtempo ballads and ballads it won't be Journey for me. I loved the mixture. Sure, reduce it, but without some the album won't be great to me and won't have the magic like said above.

[brywool]

I don't think it has to be all 'balls to the wall'. I just don't want a mellow record like TBF, or the original version of Arrival. WAY too ballad heavy for me. Had Arrival not been updated at the end, I wouldn't have played it nearly as much as I did. I hardly play TBF at all, though there are tracks that I go back to a lot, some of those are ballads (Easy to Fall- love that song).

Revelation (the new stuff) was a pretty balanced record. Jon has had his share of ballads over the years, and then some. In the end, I'm sure it will be a pretty balanced effort. Maybe, at this point, it's leaning more towards a heavy feel and as they get to the end, they'll realize that a slow tune might be cool.

Look at the first Hardline album with Neal. THAT was a great mixture of tunes. Not TOO heavy, not TOO soft. That one was just right for me. And the ballads were heavier ballads. Also... the production on that Hardline album was GREAT. Didn't Neal do that? Maybe he should handle the new Journey album. That Hardline album, sonically, was a brilliant album. His guitar sound was also perfect on that record.