New Album

[Art Vandelay]

That is merely your opinion.

No shit. That's what message boards are for.

Do you think Randy had anything to do with the writing of those songs? If so, you're sadly mistaken. ROR was written by Cain, Perry and Schon, and that's it.

Who cares? Jackson isn't just the ebonics spouting judge on American Idol. His session work is the stuff of legend. Again, I'd take his career over Ross any day.

Most bands write songs with the main instruments (piano, guitars or keyboards), then just fill in the drums and bass. I'm not saying they aren't as important, but they help move along the vocals and the rest of the instruments.

As I said above, fans like you are pretty much giving the OK to what Perry did during ROR. Fire the rhythm section and do their jobs for them. It was lame then. It is equally lame now.

To knock Ross, because he's not sitting there writing the songs is retarded.

Expecting a band to be a real band is not an unrealistic expectation.

Randy Jackson is a legendary bass player? Where is this written? I'm no bass player, and this is just a guess, but I'll bet my toothbrush that he's not on anyone's top ten, twentyfive or one hundred list. Although you might not find Ross there, either. While I love Randy's bass lines on the Journey tracks he contributed to, I'll take Ross, every day.

Well respected in the music business is probably more accurate. He has recorded a decent amount of work for some great artists and has done some decent producing as well. It may not all be top 10 material, but solid music nonetheless.

[Art Vandelay]

As a bass player, I've been on different sides of the fence when it comes to both recording and playing live. I've played with artists/bands who wanted it the exact way it was written. I've also been given guidelines and told to "do something like <x>" or "figure out something" to allow me to be creative. The pre-Perry albums were certainly more adventurous bass-wise, but a big ability of a good bass player - not necessarily a great one - is to do what is required for the song, even if it's just chunking along playing eighth notes. You don't need histrionics in every song.

While it may seem Ross' playing has atrophied, it may not have. When you're playing hits and not involved in the creative writing process AND you basically know you want to keep your job, I'm not sure how much of a say he actually gets. Put another way: he could be a Stanley Clarke (doubtful), but you'd never know it because he's either hiding it to serve the song, keep his paycheck, or some combination thereof. Marco is arguably a better bass player than Ross, and I'm sure that Neal prefers him to Ross, but in Journey, whether it's Ross, Randy, or Bass Player Unknown, most compentent folks could fit the bill. Heck, I could lol

Good post. I don't know diddly about playing the bass, so I can't comment on how talented a player is based simply on what they are asked to play. Always good to get feedback from someone in the trenches. On the flip side, how much input does the bass player usually have in a rock band, or any band for that matter? It's only fair to compare Ross's input to most other players in his position, no?

[parfait]

That is merely your opinion.

No shit. That's what message boards are for.

Do you think Randy had anything to do with the writing of those songs? If so, you're sadly mistaken. ROR was written by Cain, Perry and Schon, and that's it.

Who cares? Jackson isn't just the ebonics spouting judge on American Idol. His session work is the stuff of legend. Again, I'd take his career over Ross any day.

Most bands write songs with the main instruments (piano, guitars or keyboards), then just fill in the drums and bass. I'm not saying they aren't as important, but they help move along the vocals and the rest of the instruments.

As I said above, fans like you are pretty much giving the OK to what Perry did during ROR. Fire the rhythm section and do their jobs for them. It was lame then. It is equally lame now.

To knock Ross, because he's not sitting there writing the songs is retarded.

Expecting a band to be a real band is not an unrealistic expectation.

Bingo!

Ross Valory sucks balls. He's one of the most unimaginative, anonymous bass players ever. I wonder what a Entwistle, Sklar, Porcaro or East could have done with the songs. You couldn't even hear Valory in the mix on the latest J-boiz tour.

Randy Jackson is for the record a much better bass player than Valory.

[Art Vandelay]

Here's a funny Ross story for ya..he was on The Don & Mike show a few years back. They were two horrible, douche bag "shockjock" Stern wanna-be's out of the DC area. They had Ross on when Journey was touring with Styx and REO. They spent the entire segment complimenting Ross on their favorite Journey songs....all of them being from the ROR album!!! Then they wanted to prank call Kevin Cronin and pretend that they were Steve Perry. Ross almost dropped a brick in his shorts and said "um...NO! Let's not go there."

I don't know what was worse....Ross trying uncomfortably over and over again to tell them that he had nothing to do with ROR, or the fact that these two jackasses did ZERO preparation for this interview.

[Red13JoePa]

Neal said he came up with the basic bass parts for some of Revelation.
Valory learned then played them on the record.

No big deal.


Perry wrote songs using a bass but never played bass for Journey.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Neal said he came up with the basic bass parts for some of Revelation.
Valory learned then played them on the record.

No big deal.


Perry wrote songs using a bass but never played bass for Journey.

As the band's ultimate "good little german" during the height of Tapegate-mania, you have no moral authority to comment on this matter whatsover. None.

[Red13JoePa]

Neal said he came up with the basic bass parts for some of Revelation.
Valory learned then played them on the record.

No big deal.


Perry wrote songs using a bass but never played bass for Journey.

As the band's ultimate "good little german" during the height of Tapegate-mania, you have no moral authority to comment on this matter whatsover. None.

Still not a shred of proof about what you rode deano's coattails on (queue the Svante "blog. ").
Why are you making a federal case out of Neal supposedly writing some base lines on one album? No big deal if so.

[weatherman90]

Is there a thread on tour possibilities next year?

I think Def Leppard & Journey as a co-headlining tour could be even more successful than '06.

[Red13JoePa]

And I'll add that regarding tapegate (and you owe me a quarter for saying my trademarked word) neither I nor most people give a shit what they did or didn't do.

It's only talked about by you and Dean now. I'll grant the rights to "Bassgate" to you though, looks like you're ready for the next attempt at a synthetic Journey scandal.

Queue the Svante "blog."

[steveo777]

Neal said he came up with the basic bass parts for some of Revelation.
Valory learned then played them on the record.

No big deal.


Perry wrote songs using a bass but never played bass for Journey.

As the band's ultimate "good little german" during the height of Tapegate-mania, you have no moral authority to comment on this matter whatsover. None.

It's funny how a couple fans no more constantly post as if their small drop in a bucket opinions nobody else gives a shit about are gonna bring Journey to their demise. The Journey train will keep rolling along with or without. It's actually good comedy on a Sunday afternoon.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Still not a shred of proof about what you rode deano's coattails on (queue the Svante "blog. ").
Why are you making a federal case out of Neal supposedly writing some base lines on one album? No big deal if so.

You, and other sheeple fans, are suffering from a severe case of battered wife syndrome. No matter how many times this band shits on you, you're squarely lined up for more. And I never rode Deano's coattails. In fact, out of respect for SA and the band, I refrained from comment during that entire fiasco.

[The_Noble_Cause]

It's funny how a couple fans no more constantly post as if their small drop in a bucket opinions nobody else gives a shit about are gonna bring Journey to their demise. The Journey train will keep rolling along with or without. It's actually good comedy on a Sunday afternoon.

Deano's tireless crusade of truth caused the band to do a full media blackout and eventually fire their lead singer. The only person who brought the band closer to the brink of extinction was Steve Perry.

[steveo777]

It's funny how a couple fans no more constantly post as if their small drop in a bucket opinions nobody else gives a shit about are gonna bring Journey to their demise. The Journey train will keep rolling along with or without. It's actually good comedy on a Sunday afternoon.

Deano's tireless crusade of truth caused the band to do a full media blackout and eventually fire their lead singer. The only person who brought the band closer to the brink of extinction was Steve Perry.

You give both of them entirely too much credit!

[The_Noble_Cause]

And I'll add that regarding tapegate (and you owe me a quarter for saying my trademarked word) neither I nor most people give a shit what they did or didn't do.

That's not the point. You defended your rock n' roll heros in the face of overwhelming evidence that they were screwing people. You have no credibility when it comes to discussing this band. You are a preening BackTalk fanboy.

It's only talked about by you and Dean now.

Who cares? It happened. You still talk about Perry's hip problems - as if his lies are any more offensive than the wholesale fraud that this band pulled off on two continents.

Queue the Svante "blog."

Not sure what you're implying. Svante is a real person. If you have proof to the contrary, let's hear it. Deano's sources were much higher than some low level audio engineer. I have no reason to lie on this forum. I can vouche that Deano's info was 100% rock solid.

[Saint John]

It's funny how a couple fans no more constantly post as if their small drop in a bucket opinions nobody else gives a shit about are gonna bring Journey to their demise. The Journey train will keep rolling along with or without. It's actually good comedy on a Sunday afternoon.

Deano's tireless crusade of truth caused the band to do a full media blackout and eventually fire their lead singer. The only person who brought the band closer to the brink of extinction was Steve Perry.

I think Journey has Deano to thank, in part, for their recent success. I've long felt that Neal's loyalty or inability to fire problematic or egomaniacal members (with the exception of the last no-brainer) has been one of his weaknesses. Steve Augeri simply couldn't front the band anymore. Heck, he really couldn't do it from roughly 2004 on. Dean helped facilitate a much needed change that the band seemed unwilling to address. Perry should have been gone in about 1988 and, arguably, Castronovo should have been (at least temporarily) shelved a few years ago when he was going through some really tough times.

[Red13JoePa]

Still not a shred of proof about what you rode deano's coattails on (queue the Svante "blog. ").
Why are you making a federal case out of Neal supposedly writing some base lines on one album? No big deal if so.

You, and other sheeple fans, are suffering from a severe case of battered wife syndrome. No matter how many times this band shits on you, you're squarely lined up for more. And I never rode Deano's coattails. In fact, out of respect for SA and the band, I refrained from comment during that entire fiasco.

That's right, you did hang mostly in the background, only occasionally feeding Dean posting fodder when he (understandably with a 5.3 post per page average during the height of tapegate) occasionally developed poster's block.

But don't pretend it was for ANY reason as NOBLE as respect for Augeri who you badmouthed from pillar to post when you DID post, no it was because you were seeing Azoff goons in your pot plants, as though you and your muffly scratchy barely audible audience bootlegs were a glint their eyes

[The_Noble_Cause]

That's right, you did hang mostly in the background,...

Hold up. You just previously said I was riding Deano's coattails. Now you are admitting I did not publicly take part in the Augeri witchhunt. Well, which is it? Clearly you are just saying anything at this point. In fact, if i recall correctly, YOU were the one commingling with JSS in Atlantic City. Unlike you, my integrity and silence can't be bought like a dimestore whore.

...only occasionally feeding Dean posting fodder when he (understandably with a 5.3 post per page average during the height of tapegate) occasionally developed poster's block.

That's a laugh. Deano does quite well for himself.

But don't pretend it was for ANY reason as NOBLE as respect for Augeri who you badmouthed from pillar to post when you DID post, no it was because you were seeing Azoff goons in your pot plants, as though you and your muffly scratchy barely audible audience bootlegs were a glint their eyes

Again, those "barely audible bootlegs" were enough to derail the Journey gravy train, and cause mngt. to impose a media blackout. You bet they were worried. I'd even go so far to say they were in full defcon 4 lockdown panic mode at one point. Especially when word of the lipping reached Sony records. You can laugh if you want. At this point, I really don't give a shit.

[Red13JoePa]

You hung in the BG because you didn't have HALF Deano's sack to make your case public, but full well took part in the thing, and have admitted as much.

I was not in AC, never have hung with JSS might want to fact check that one a little closer than you did your lipsynching every show since the Main Event tour allegations.

[The_Noble_Cause]

You hung in the BG because you didn't have HALF Deano's sack to make your case public, but full well took part in the thing, and have admitted as much.

I'm not sure what you're arguing anymore. At one point, you say I was riding Deano's coattails for personal gain (whatever the hell that means). The next, I was the mastermind cowardly hiding behind the curtain. Nobody gives a shit about any of this. I WILL freely admit that Deano had the support of many to stop the deceit. Some within the industry and even close to the Journey camp themselves. The reeking stench of their actions had managed to turn some of their closest supporters against them.

I was not in AC, never have hung with JSS

Ok, so I got you confused with NIG. Sue me.

..might want to fact check that one a little closer than you did your lipsynching every show since the Main Event tour allegations.

Never made any allegation of the sort. Quote me or go get fucked.

[Andrew]

It's funny how a couple fans no more constantly post as if their small drop in a bucket opinions nobody else gives a shit about are gonna bring Journey to their demise. The Journey train will keep rolling along with or without. It's actually good comedy on a Sunday afternoon.

Deano's tireless crusade of truth caused the band to do a full media blackout and eventually fire their lead singer. The only person who brought the band closer to the brink of extinction was Steve Perry.

I think Journey has Deano to thank, in part, for their recent success. I've long felt that Neal's loyalty or inability to fire problematic or egomaniacal members (with the exception of the last no-brainer) has been one of his weaknesses. Steve Augeri simply couldn't front the band anymore. Heck, he really couldn't do it from roughly 2004 on. Dean helped facilitate a much needed change that the band seemed unwilling to address. Perry should have been gone in about 1988 and, arguably, Castronovo should have been (at least temporarily) shelved a few years ago when he was going through some really tough times.

Mgmt did not want to rock the boat. They were forced to in the end and hated every minute of it. Lucky for them it worked out...with thanks to JSS for saving their ass on the DL tour.

[RobbieG]

It's funny how a couple fans no more constantly post as if their small drop in a bucket opinions nobody else gives a shit about are gonna bring Journey to their demise. The Journey train will keep rolling along with or without. It's actually good comedy on a Sunday afternoon.

Deano's tireless crusade of truth caused the band to do a full media blackout and eventually fire their lead singer. The only person who brought the band closer to the brink of extinction was Steve Perry.

I think Journey has Deano to thank, in part, for their recent success. I've long felt that Neal's loyalty or inability to fire problematic or egomaniacal members (with the exception of the last no-brainer) has been one of his weaknesses. Steve Augeri simply couldn't front the band anymore. Heck, he really couldn't do it from roughly 2004 on. Dean helped facilitate a much needed change that the band seemed unwilling to address. Perry should have been gone in about 1988 and, arguably, Castronovo should have been (at least temporarily) shelved a few years ago when he was going through some really tough times.

Mgmt did not want to rock the boat. They were forced to in the end and hated every minute of it. Lucky for them it worked out...with thanks to JSS for saving their ass on the DL tour.

JSS did not save their ass. It would have worked with Chalfant fronting the band. JSS was in the right place at the right time.

[steveo777]

JSS might have saved a few nights of the tour but canning him is really what saved Journey's ass. He wasn't the right fit for Journey.

[The_Noble_Cause]

JSS might have saved a few nights of the tour but canning him is really what saved Journey's ass. He wasn't the right fit for Journey.

Based on what? The JSS-fronted tour earned the band more critical raves and buzz than they had in years. There's more to Journey than hitting high notes. Wanna talk about a fish out of water? Look no further than Arnel. Dude can't even speak the language.

[Andrew]

Mgmt did not want to rock the boat. They were forced to in the end and hated every minute of it. Lucky for them it worked out...with thanks to JSS for saving their ass on the DL tour.

JSS did not save their ass. It would have worked with Chalfant fronting the band. JSS was in the right place at the right time.[/quote]

Predictable response. Cut and pasted for the 417th time. He saved their ass. Period. There was vitality on that stage for that tour that they hadn't seen in 20 years. Even Neal's step dad said the same thing - to me personally! It just didn't pan out long term.

[RobbieG]

JSS might have saved a few nights of the tour but canning him is really what saved Journey's ass. He wasn't the right fit for Journey.

Based on what? The JSS-fronted tour earned the band more critical raves and buzz than they had in years. There's more to Journey than hitting high notes. Wanna talk about a fish out of water? Look no further than Arnel. Dude can't even speak the language.

Did you attend the JSS fronted tour??? Here in the midwest there was no "critical raves or buzz" about this tour. Majority of the fans were saying this guy is not the Journey sound. Everyone was unhappy that Augeri was not fronting the band.

So please explain how the band had soldout shows in the midwest in 2008 with Arnel fronting the band??

[RobbieG]

Mgmt did not want to rock the boat. They were forced to in the end and hated every minute of it. Lucky for them it worked out...with thanks to JSS for saving their ass on the DL tour.

JSS did not save their ass. It would have worked with Chalfant fronting the band. JSS was in the right place at the right time.

Predictable response. Cut and pasted for the 417th time. He saved their ass. Period. There was vitality on that stage for that tour that they hadn't seen in 20 years. Even Neal's step dad said the same thing - to me personally! It just didn't pan out long term.[/quote]

He did not save their ass. 417 times??? It did not pan out because Schon finally opened his eyes to what everyone was telling him.

[Andrew]

JSS might have saved a few nights of the tour but canning him is really what saved Journey's ass. He wasn't the right fit for Journey.

Zzzzz..... a great album and a killer hard luck story for media to latch onto is what saved them. And a geniunely likable guy in Arnel. THEY got lucky.

[Andrew]

Mgmt did not want to rock the boat. They were forced to in the end and hated every minute of it. Lucky for them it worked out...with thanks to JSS for saving their ass on the DL tour.

JSS did not save their ass. It would have worked with Chalfant fronting the band. JSS was in the right place at the right time.

Predictable response. Cut and pasted for the 417th time. He saved their ass. Period. There was vitality on that stage for that tour that they hadn't seen in 20 years. Even Neal's step dad said the same thing - to me personally! It just didn't pan out long term.

He did not save their ass. 417 times??? It did not pan out because Schon finally opened his eyes to what everyone was telling him.[/quote]

Please use quotes correctly. I said your response was the same as the 416 other times you've said the same thing. And I DID see the tour. One of the best shows I have ever seen.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Here in the midwest there was no "critical raves or buzz" about this tour. Majority of the fans were saying this guy is not the Journey sound. Everyone was unhappy that Augeri was not fronting the band.

Poll every concertgoer did you? Since you’re using meaningless non-empirical BS methods, allow me to do the same. With JSS at the helm, I actually started reading about Journey in the press again. I’m talking fawning coverage normally reserved for critical darlings like Bob Dylan, not corporate rock punching bags like Journey.

So please explain how the band had soldout shows in the midwest in 2008 with Arnel fronting the band??

Easy. The Sopranos finale and the OC, combined with Arnel’s rags-to-riches sob story, put the band back on the pop cultural radar. They reaped the media windfall. Nothing more, nothing less.

[RobbieG]

Mgmt did not want to rock the boat. They were forced to in the end and hated every minute of it. Lucky for them it worked out...with thanks to JSS for saving their ass on the DL tour.

JSS did not save their ass. It would have worked with Chalfant fronting the band. JSS was in the right place at the right time.

Predictable response. Cut and pasted for the 417th time. He saved their ass. Period. There was vitality on that stage for that tour that they hadn't seen in 20 years. Even Neal's step dad said the same thing - to me personally! It just didn't pan out long term.

He did not save their ass. 417 times??? It did not pan out because Schon finally opened his eyes to what everyone was telling him.

Please use quotes correctly. I said your response was the same as the 416 other times you've said the same thing. And I DID see the tour. One of the best shows I have ever seen.[/quote]

I did use it corrrectly. You saw an LA show. You should have come out to the midwest Chicago, Detroit, Ceveland all with a strong Journey fanbase. The majority of fans in Detroit and Chicago were not impressed with JSS. Just ask any of the true Journey fans there. You will not like the answer.