MR

Gave it a listen after a long absence, its still great!!!

SteveForever wrote:Gave it a listen after a long absence, its still great!!!

Yes it is.. Total Journey! Love the rock!

you got that right! I listened to it again heading to Atlanta yesterday, love it!!

"didn't arrive"

Yep, Arrival was good shit for sure. Augeri took the pipe big time ...

Very nice indeed. Love "All The Way", simple, elegant, nice hook, etc.

The musicianship on this album is so good that it's hard not to wonder "What if Perry had been the singer on this album?" I think it would have been a huge success. Augeri's vocals are only slightly better than average and the fact that the label made him try so hard to be Steve Perry is showcased as he struggles mightily on several of the songs. Kiss Me Softly is the one song where I think he's completely being Steve Augeri, and it's a great song......unbelievable live. Best song I've ever heard him sing live.

Its worth noting, (especially in light of another Shirley produced disc headed our way), that the Shirley-produced Arrival initially left ALOT to be desired.
It wasn’t until Andrew panned it here on MR, that Neal reached out, and agreed to definately up the rock ante (the Napster leak was a contributing influence, as well).
The result was the addition of two of the disc's strongest tracks: "World Gone Wild", as well as the Japan bonus track, "To Be Alive Again".
"Nothin Comes Close", was also included.


With this in mind, maybe its in the bands’ best interest to see that Andrew is always supplied with an advanced copy before the ink dries on the liner notes.
It confounds me that with all the ears involved (Azoff Inc., the band) no one had the good sense to tell the guys to leave "Its Never Too Late" on "Generations", in addition to redressing some other instances of really bad track listing judgement (see Believe, Butterfly, Gone Crazy etc) .

The_Noble_Cause wrote:Its worth noting, (especially in light of another Shirley produced disc headed our way), that the Shirley-produced Arrival initially left ALOT to be desired.
It wasn’t until Andrew panned it here on MR, that Neal reached out, and agreed to definately up the rock ante (the Napster leak was a contributing influence, as well).
The result was the addition of two of the disc's strongest tracks: "World Gone Wild", as well as the Japan bonus track, "To Be Alive Again".
"Nothin Comes Close", was also included.


With this in mind, maybe its in the bands’ best interest to see that Andrew is always supplied with an advanced copy before the ink dries on the liner notes.
It confounds me that with all the ears involved (Azoff Inc., the band) no one had the good sense to tell the guys to leave "Its Never Too Late" on "Generations", in addition to redressing some other instances of really bad track listing judgement (see Believe, Butterfly, Gone Crazy etc) .

With that said, what are your thoughts on the newest incarnation of the band. Alright, culling all bullshit, what do you think of Arnel?

The_Noble_Cause wrote:Its worth noting, (especially in light of another Shirley produced disc headed our way), that the Shirley-produced Arrival initially left ALOT to be desired.
It wasn’t until Andrew panned it here on MR, that Neal reached out, and agreed to definately up the rock ante (the Napster leak was a contributing influence, as well).
The result was the addition of two of the disc's strongest tracks: "World Gone Wild", as well as the Japan bonus track, "To Be Alive Again".
"Nothin Comes Close", was also included.


With this in mind, maybe its in the bands’ best interest to see that Andrew is always supplied with an advanced copy before the ink dries on the liner notes.
It confounds me that with all the ears involved (Azoff Inc., the band) no one had the good sense to tell the guys to leave "Its Never Too Late" on "Generations", in addition to redressing some other instances of really bad track listing judgement (see Believe, Butterfly, Gone Crazy etc) .

Just found this and had to give you accolades, Nobledomus.







New predictions for the week of "10/24/05"

As previously reported, both Soul Sirkus and Journey will tour Europe next year. However, in an unexpected twist, Jeff Scott Soto will step up to the mic in lieu of Steve Augeri-(who remained stateside to spend time with his family..or so goes the official PR spin).

This will cause Neal to face the wrath of the remaining Journey fans world over that he hasn't pissed off already.

Your turn.

Rick wrote:With that said, what are your thoughts on the newest incarnation of the band. Alright, culling all bullshit, what do you think of Arnel?

What do I think of Arnel?
Well, I would've preferred Jeremey, but from what I've heard on YouTube, he sounds good - albeit a tad shrill.
The thing with Augeri was, see, though a tenor, he didn't have that same nasally shrillness Perry had; what his critics have come to liken to an "oil squeak" or "seal abuse" in tonality.
Aside from this minor quibble, it sounds like Arnel has chops that will lend itself far more naturally to this material then either Augeri or Jeff. Time will only tell.
For me, like some other asshole on The Noticeboard said, it’s all about NEW material.
Remember - Jeff said that him and Neal had TWENTY rough Journey songs by the end of the Def tour. TWENTY!
That's more in-house material then the post-Perry era had cumulatively crapped out since they first started in 1998.
Why Neal would abandon a lyrical, musical kinship that clearly rivals what he and Perry once had completely mystifies me.
Strange times to be a fan.

I only hope Neal and Jon are aware of how much they have to prove.

The_Noble_Cause wrote:

Rick wrote:With that said, what are your thoughts on the newest incarnation of the band. Alright, culling all bullshit, what do you think of Arnel?

What do I think of Arnel?
Well, I would've preferred Jeremey, but from what I've heard on YouTube, he sounds good - albeit a tad shrill.
The thing with Augeri was, see, though a tenor, he didn't have that same nasally shrillness Perry had; what his critics have come to liken to an "oil squeak" or "seal abuse" in tonality.
Aside from this minor quibble, it sounds like Arnel has chops that will lend itself far more naturally to this material then either Augeri or Jeff. Time will only tell.
For me, like some other asshole on The Noticeboard said, it’s all about NEW material.
Remember - Jeff said that him and Neal had TWENTY rough Journey songs by the end of the Def tour. TWENTY!
That's more in-house material then the post-Perry era had cumulatively crapped out since they first started in 1998.
Why Neal would abandon a lyrical, musical kinship that clearly rivals what he and Perry once had completely mystifies me.
Strange times to be a fan.

I only hope Neal and Jon are aware of how much they have to prove.

One word seems to explain a lot. Friga.

Saint John wrote:
Just found this and had to give you accolades, Nobledomus.







New predictions for the week of "10/24/05"

As previously reported, both Soul Sirkus and Journey will tour Europe next year. However, in an unexpected twist, Jeff Scott Soto will step up to the mic in lieu of Steve Augeri-(who remained stateside to spend time with his family..or so goes the official PR spin).

This will cause Neal to face the wrath of the remaining Journey fans world over that he hasn't pissed off already.

Your turn.

A lucky guess on my part. However, ever since Andrew first posted his 2005 Generations interviews, I knew something was rotten in Denmark. One may not think mood can be conveyed through text, but I could infer something wasn't kosher. The only member talking optimistically about new music was Augeri. The whole attitude was that of resignation and frankly, it just stunk.
Soon after, bootleg collecting fans would begin complaining of tracks sounding the same, and one fan, in particular, armed with only a zealots fervor, would go on to start a blog, and the rest is history!

Saint John wrote:The musicianship on this album is so good that it's hard not to wonder "What if Perry had been the singer on this album?" I think it would have been a huge success. Augeri's vocals are only slightly better than average and the fact that the label made him try so hard to be Steve Perry is showcased as he struggles mightily on several of the songs. Kiss Me Softly is the one song where I think he's completely being Steve Augeri, and it's a great song......unbelievable live. Best song I've ever heard him sing live.

Yeah it's amazing album, and I really dig it. People will say it sounds "muddy" or whatever, I seriously can't notice it, my hearing is pretty good. Sounds good to me still, it's a gem Arrival. A real pity it didn't make bigger success. Though not a fan of Generations as much.

I would rate Arrival 4/5.

'Arrival' is a very strong record..."To Be Alive Again" is still one of my favorite Journey tracks...of any era...

Arrival was surprisingly good. I had feared the worst, but was pleasantly surprised.

The one part of the CD I do not like is Neal's solo on "Signs of Life". It sounds like "Who's Crying Now" all over again, and I was thinking he was running out of new stuff to play....

Saint John wrote:The musicianship on this album is so good that it's hard not to wonder "What if Perry had been the singer on this album?" I think it would have been a huge success. Augeri's vocals are only slightly better than average and the fact that the label made him try so hard to be Steve Perry is showcased as he struggles mightily on several of the songs. Kiss Me Softly is the one song where I think he's completely being Steve Augeri, and it's a great song......unbelievable live. Best song I've ever heard him sing live.

Agreed!

"We'll meet again" is equally powerful.

Things to improve Arrival:

Cut 2-4 songs out (ballads!!)
Let Augeri sing in HIS voice
Better mixing FOR Augeri's vocals
Have Shirley produce/mix Nothing Comes Close and World Gone Wild. You can hear the difference on those tracks...they don't sound as clean as the rest of the CD.

The_Noble_Cause wrote:

Rick wrote:With that said, what are your thoughts on the newest incarnation of the band. Alright, culling all bullshit, what do you think of Arnel?

What do I think of Arnel?
Well, I would've preferred Jeremey, but from what I've heard on YouTube, he sounds good - albeit a tad shrill.
The thing with Augeri was, see, though a tenor, he didn't have that same nasally shrillness Perry had; what his critics have come to liken to an "oil squeak" or "seal abuse" in tonality.
Aside from this minor quibble, it sounds like Arnel has chops that will lend itself far more naturally to this material then either Augeri or Jeff. Time will only tell.
For me, like some other asshole on The Noticeboard said, it’s all about NEW material.
Remember - Jeff said that him and Neal had TWENTY rough Journey songs by the end of the Def tour. TWENTY!
That's more in-house material then the post-Perry era had cumulatively crapped out since they first started in 1998.
Why Neal would abandon a lyrical, musical kinship that clearly rivals what he and Perry once had completely mystifies me.
Strange times to be a fan.

I only hope Neal and Jon are aware of how much they have to prove.

IMO, If you add Soto,just retire Journey and Start a new name with Soto. Maybe Soto was let go because he(Neal)or maybe (Cain) didn't feel it.. Listen to "Believe in me" and tell me when you close your eyes and listen its Journey.. The sound is..because of Neal.. The voice is not! Great song.. I love Soto.. Just isn't a good fit.. I can't listen to believe and think its Journey.. I think Arnel with be really good! or hoping..

Journey69 wrote:

The_Noble_Cause wrote:

Rick wrote:With that said, what are your thoughts on the newest incarnation of the band. Alright, culling all bullshit, what do you think of Arnel?

What do I think of Arnel?
Well, I would've preferred Jeremey, but from what I've heard on YouTube, he sounds good - albeit a tad shrill.
The thing with Augeri was, see, though a tenor, he didn't have that same nasally shrillness Perry had; what his critics have come to liken to an "oil squeak" or "seal abuse" in tonality.
Aside from this minor quibble, it sounds like Arnel has chops that will lend itself far more naturally to this material then either Augeri or Jeff. Time will only tell.
For me, like some other asshole on The Noticeboard said, it’s all about NEW material.
Remember - Jeff said that him and Neal had TWENTY rough Journey songs by the end of the Def tour. TWENTY!
That's more in-house material then the post-Perry era had cumulatively crapped out since they first started in 1998.
Why Neal would abandon a lyrical, musical kinship that clearly rivals what he and Perry once had completely mystifies me.
Strange times to be a fan.

I only hope Neal and Jon are aware of how much they have to prove.

IMO, If you add Soto,just retire Journey and Start a new name with Soto. Maybe Soto was let go because he(Neal)or maybe (Cain) didn't feel it.. Listen to "Believe in me" and tell me when you close your eyes and listen its Journey.. The sound is..because of Neal.. The voice is not! Great song.. I love Soto.. Just isn't a good fit.. I can't listen to believe and think its Journey.. I think Arnel with be really good! or hoping..

That was called Soul Sirkus-ERIC