The Journey Thread

[theseoafs]

I'll Be Alright Without You is a beautiful song.

[bosk1]

You saw it. 

Oh.  I forgot! 

And, reading through that thread again, for the love for the Wheel In The Sky live rythm guitar riff in the second half of the solo. 

[yorost]

...and a few from the first three albums.

I'm curious, which ones?

[yorost]

Schon and Cain talk about Separate Ways video!

Cain: ...I had trepidation about playing the "air" stuff. Really? We're going to "air" perform? So I was like, "Oh, Jeeze, we're going to get killed. They're going to kill us." And Beavis and Butthead kicked us for two years.

Schon: I think they're version is the best.

[yorost]

Some really cool info on how Neal Schon and Steve Smith put together Schon's upcoming album.  Jan Hammer guests on a couple tracks, too.

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/journeys-neal-schon-reveals-plans-for-two-new-solo-albums/

Here’s how the album was created — Smith would come in and lay down some initial tracks for Schon to work off of. “And then I’d say ‘can you go have lunch or something for half an hour and then come back and I’ll be done.’ So I’d map it out and put a rhythm guitar down, arrange the thing the way I heard it in my head and then Steve would come back and he’d listen to it.”

“He’d write down my arrangement and then he’d go out and replay the drums to my new arrangement and a click and play it like it was a full band playing. He’s just amazing like that. And then I went back and I replayed some of the rhythm guitar [parts], some of them I kept. And then I’d start playing solos, even without bass, just freelance soloing and then I played the bass on it to go with the solos, so it came about in a different kind of way, but when you listen to it, it sounds like a really connected trio with keys here and there.“

Seems like a cool approach, add one piece at a time until complete.

[jingle.boy]

Resurrecting to continue the discussion on Journey 2001 DVD.

I have the Journey 2001 DVD, and man, that was painful the watch.  Not so much the performances, but Steve trying to be more Perry than Augeri; the crowd acting and looking like a bunch of '80s teenagers, when they were '00 adults.  It was comical, and I just have trouble taking that lineup seriously.

Wait, what?  Just...what? 

Let me reiterate... painful to watch.  It really scarred my impression of Augeri-led Journey.  I say that with complete sincerity.



^ This guy was Jersey Shore before there was Jersey Shore.



And if THAT isn't the exact opposite of the look a rock 'n' roll drummer should be going for, I don't know what is.

And the crowd!!!  Can't remember which ballad (likely Faithfully), but I don't need to watch 40 year-olds making out like their sucking face for the first time.

Maybe I need rip just the audio of that DVD.

[Bolsters]

I checked Youtube after we had that little discussion in your roulette thread, and I pretty much agree. Augeri's look and mannerisms are a little strange and funny, and Castronovo looks like he showed up in his pyjamas.

You still need to listen to Arrival though.

[bosk1]

Let me reiterate... painful to watch.  It really scarred my impression of Augeri-led Journey.  I say that with complete sincerity.

Wow.  I'm just...shocked, actually.  I've never met anyone who thought anything similar, and it's one of my all-time favorite DVDs by any band.  (well, I agree about Deen's outfit, but whatever.  That was only ever a minor distraction)  But...okay.

[jingle.boy]

I checked Youtube after we had that little discussion in your roulette thread, and I pretty much agree. Augeri's look and mannerisms are a little strange and funny, and Castronovo looks like he showed up in his pyjamas.

You still need to listen to Arrival though.

Alright then... I guess it's 9 albums then. 

[BlobVanDam]

I forgot all about Arrival even existing. One of the few Journey albums I don't own, and have no interest in hearing. Generations was painful for the most part due to Augeri's vocals, so I'm done with that era of the band.

[Bolsters]

I forgot all about Arrival even existing. One of the few Journey albums I don't own, and have no interest in hearing. Generations was painful for the most part due to Augeri's vocals, so I'm done with that era of the band.

There's really no comparison between Arrival and Generations, in terms of the vocals or the songwriting, or even the production. They are two very different albums, and Arrival is better in every conceivable way.

[BlobVanDam]

I forgot all about Arrival even existing. One of the few Journey albums I don't own, and have no interest in hearing. Generations was painful for the most part due to Augeri's vocals, so I'm done with that era of the band.

There's really no comparison between Arrival and Generations, in terms of the vocals or the songwriting, or even the production. They are two very different albums, and Arrival is better in every conceivable way.

Hm maybe I shouldn't have dismissed it so easily then. How would you compare the style to other Journey albums?

[Bolsters]

That's a tough one, it doesn't really sound too similar to their other albums, but it still sounds like Journey. I can't really think of one to compare it to. Maybe Trial of Fire, but I think that's an unfair comparison since it has so few redeeming qualities.

On Arrival...Cain mostly only uses piano with very little deviation, so it lacks the syth sound that most of the Cain era albums have. But despite having so much piano, I can't really say it compares to the style of the Rolie stuff at all. A couple of songs even have string sections. Most of the album is slower tempo, and there are more ballad-type songs than a typical Jouney album.

Signs of Life and To Be Alive Again probably best exemplify what a lot of the album sounds like, if you care to Spotify/Youtube them.

[KevShmev]

[gazinwales]

La Raza Del Sol - such a forgotten gem and one of my all time fave Journey songs.
Good to see they are still playing it live, Deen's drums are great on this version and so it the extended jam 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjLErX19VMY

[wolfking]

I didn't mind Generations.  Place in Your Heart is one of my fav Journey songs.

[yorost]

That's a tough one, it doesn't really sound too similar to their other albums, but it still sounds like Journey. I can't really think of one to compare it to. Maybe Trial of Fire, but I think that's an unfair comparison since it has so few redeeming qualities.

On Arrival...Cain mostly only uses piano with very little deviation, so it lacks the syth sound that most of the Cain era albums have. But despite having so much piano, I can't really say it compares to the style of the Rolie stuff at all. A couple of songs even have string sections. Most of the album is slower tempo, and there are more ballad-type songs than a typical Jouney album.

Signs of Life and To Be Alive Again probably best exemplify what a lot of the album sounds like, if you care to Spotify/Youtube them.

Signs of Life is misplaced on Arrival, if you ask me. Sounds like it's trying to be 80's material unlike most of the album, so while not bad, I don't see it representing the album. My overall take on Arrival is that it's one of their best albums (Generations is bottom 3 with Revelations and Raised on Radio), probably just missing the top 5. It's too long and drags a little too slow in parts, but I've long listened to a condensed version of the album which I think would lift it to my top tier for the band (with Journey, Infinity, Eclipse).

Higher Place
All the Things
Loved by You
Livin' to Do
World Gone Wild
Live and Breathe
Nothin' Comes Close
To Be Alive Again
Kiss Me Softly
We Will Meet Again

That removes the bleh in All the Way and With Your Love and removes Signs of Life and I Got a Reason, which I think deter from the album's vibe. It also removes Lifetime of Dreams, which I just doesn't flow well in the album, and despite the big guitar solo is still another song slowing the album down. ...as I understand it, Sony had a lot of say on the tracking for the album, i.e. lots of slower songs hoping for a hit. As far as eras of the band, Arrival fits with Trial by Fire better than part of an Auger' era. Arrival was still part of the reunion Sony was playing with, It's the closest album it compares to in their catalog (though blows it away). Trial by Fire needs the same treatment I gave Arrival, only there's less to work with (I Can See it in Your Eyes being put back in really helps, for starters).

[emtee]

BVD if you are a long time fan of Journey you will greatly enjoy Arrival. It is a very good Journey album. Very good.

[Lowdz]

I forgot all about Arrival even existing. One of the few Journey albums I don't own, and have no interest in hearing. Generations was painful for the most part due to Augeri's vocals, so I'm done with that era of the band.

There's really no comparison between Arrival and Generations, in terms of the vocals or the songwriting, or even the production. They are two very different albums, and Arrival is better in every conceivable way.

Yeah true. Generations is dire. Demo quality production at best. Crap songs too.
Still say Raised on Radio is mostly shit.

[Bolsters]

Signs of Life is misplaced on Arrival, if you ask me. Sounds like it's trying to be 80's material unlike most of the album, so while not bad, I don't see it representing the album.

I don't know, I can't really agree with that at all, I think Signs of Life fits in perfectly fine on the album. It has the same sound and style as most of the other tracks on Arrival. Different strokes and all I guess.

My overall take on Arrival is that it's one of their best albums (Generations is bottom 3 (with Revelations and Raised on Radio), probably just missing the top 5.

Although I like Revelation and Raised on Radio (that's right ), I can get on board with this. Arrival is a favourite of mine aswell and I rank Generations pretty much near, or even at, the bottom.

[Mebert78]

Steve Perry to rejoin Journey?

Link: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/is-steve-perry-ready-to-rejoin-journey/

[yorost]

No. It's just wishful thinking on some political answers. Watch the video, it's a jumbled remark. Schon reached out to Perry recently because he found out Perry had dealt with cancer, he probably just meant they chatted or were trying to chat. Andrew over at Melodicrock (who is well connected with Journey) has insisted there is absolutely no cross discussion about Perry coming back.

The article also states he is prepping an album, which is a far stretch, too. As for the last 15 years, he has talked about working on music but nothing has come, yet. If he wanted an album out, he would have it out.

[King Postwhore]

Besides, Steve Perry is like that crazy ex girlfriend.  Great in the sack but the next day she's smashing your favorite TV because you had to go to work.

[BlobVanDam]

Am I the only person who has no interest in Perry rejoining?
Don't get me wrong, I love those Perry albums, especially the Escape lineup, but long in the past. Can Steve Perry even sing anymore? What's he done in the past 15 years?
Arnel Pineda is a great fit for the band, and the last two albums have been great, and I think he deserves a little more respect than being treated like a placeholder.

I would like him to return to making good music, but not with Journey.

[KevShmev]

Even if that is true, Blob (I don't know the last two Journey albums), a reunion tour with Perry would make the band a killing, so if it could be worked out, I am sure they'd have no problem telling the new guy to kindly take a hike.  Judas Priest did it with Ripper Owens when Rob Halford was ready to rejoin the band, and I am sure Journey would do the same IF they could work it all out and get along (which would be the dilemma, since Perry sounds like he's got the Dennis DeYoung syndrome ).

[bl5150]

I would like him to return to making good music, but not with Journey.

Pretty much this...................get some sort of all star lineup together , some good songs and away you go.  He is obviously a massive procrastinator/perfectionist so I won't be holding my breath for anything soon.  Apparently he still has a decent voice to work with ..............that would last about 5 minutes on a Journey tour though.

[BlobVanDam]

Even if that is true, Blob (I don't know the last two Journey albums), a reunion tour with Perry would make the band a killing, so if it could be worked out, I am sure they'd have no problem telling the new guy to kindly take a hike.  Judas Priest did it with Ripper Owens when Rob Halford was ready to rejoin the band, and I am sure Journey would do the same IF they could work it all out and get along (which would be the dilemma, since Perry sounds like he's got the Dennis DeYoung syndrome ).

Oh of course they'd make a shitload of money, no doubt! It's a no brainer why they'd want to do it, but musically I just don't need to see it.
If it was a one-off thing, awesome, but it's sad to see the lack of respect for Arnel Pineda. From interviews, he'd probably be totally ok with Perry rejoining too.

But as I said, I do want Steve Perry to be making music again, because I'm a huge fan of those Journey albums, just not enough for the nostalgia trip.

I would like him to return to making good music, but not with Journey.

Pretty much this...................get some sort of all star lineup together , some good songs and away you go.  He is obviously a massive procrastinator/perfectionist so I won't be holding my breath for anything soon.  Apparently he still has a decent voice to work with ..............that would last about 5 minutes on a Journey tour though.

If he's been taking care of himself and keeping up with it, there's no reason he shouldn't still have some good pipes, but could it hold up to touring those songs? There aren't many vocalists of his age that could do that consistently.

[bl5150]

That was what I was getting at - there aren't many vocalists of any age that could tour those songs.  They buggered up Augeri's voice for an extended period and Perry would be no different at his age.

[BlobVanDam]

Once rock vocalists hit 60, it seem to go downhill quickly, unless you're Mick Jagger, and set the bar extremely low to begin with. But this isn't Mick Jagger, it's Steve friggin' Perry! That's a high standard for any age, let alone 65.

[wolfking]

I'm not really a big fan of Arnel, but the last album was pretty good.  I'd would be interesting to see what Perry can come up with, but really, he is all talk.  I don't see it happening anyway, and if for some reason it did, the band would have no problem telling Arnel to piss off.  Yes, it's a little disrepectful, but Iron Maiden and Judas Priest had no problem doing the same thing.  You can't blame them, look at what happened with both reunions.

[King Postwhore]

Steve Perry would fracture this.

*Waits for Kev to get the pun*

[jingle.boy]

Perry sounds like he's got the Dennis DeYoung syndrome

get some sort of all star lineup together

A Perry/DeYoung duet!  Imagine the diva-drama!!   

[bosk1]

I'm not really a big fan of Arnel, but the last album was pretty good. 

Same here.

But whatever happens with the band in the future, I don't see Perry rejoining.  Yeah, it could happen.  But the thing is, by all accounts, he can't sing anymore.  At all.  You could doctor it up all you like in the studio, but it would be atrocious live. 

But then again, Joe Elliott, so... 

...and if for some reason it did, the band would have no problem telling Arnel to piss off.  Yes, it's a little disrepectful, but Iron Maiden and Judas Priest had no problem doing the same thing.  You can't blame them, look at what happened with both reunions.

All true, but you left off the most obvious point:  Schon and Cain are total mercenaries.  They'd do it just for the $$$. 

[KevShmev]

Steve Perry would fracture this.

*Waits for Kev to get the pun*

I don't get it.

[bosk1]