Well this week's or rather last week's column is rather late. I have already gotten emails concerned for my welfare. I was off in DC for a week sniffing around for a possible position there and seeing some friends. Needless to say, I had my various digital music reproduction devices with me and I was listening to a whole myriad of review music.

CD Reviews

Journey: Revelations

A new Journey album with yet another new singer, this time found via the internet from the Philippines. A recipe for disaster you might think, but don't worry this is Journey and they have been at it for a very long time. The new guy sounds like a dead ringer for Steve Perry, even more so than Steve Augeri.

Journey, a band that always does their bit for their fans, has released an uber version of this album with a DVD of a live show at the House of Blues, a CD of re-recording of their greatest hits, and the new album. There is a lot on here to get your teeth into and for the most part there is much to like. Yes there are moments, a few, where Arnel Pineda, does rather mangle the English language a bit.

This is by far their best post-Perry album with great songs like the new version of "Faith in the Heartland" and "After all these Years" their newest uber-ballad. Like many other classic bands, Journey has returned to what they do best... being many rocker's guilty pleasure.

Kansas:Two for the Show 30th Anniv. Edition

Now with 24 tracks instead of the original 13, this is a classic testament to the power and majesty of Kansas at their prime. As one might expect songs like "Song for America", "Point of No Return", "Carry on my Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind" all featured here in remastered glory. This is, naturally, a must for all Kansas fans and quite a good introduction to the band.

As a live album it was always rather good. Now the expanded version makes it even better. A fitting example of a truly classic American rock band.

Oxygene8: Freak of Chance

A nice little prog album that could have snuck by you unless you were really paying attention. Featuring the talents of the mighty journeyman bassist Tony Levin, this a clever 5 track album that is really rather good. Linda Cushma, vocalist who features on all the tracks, brings a Portishead like feel to this music, especially on the title track, that otherwise feels a bit Jean Michele Jarre. This might explain the name.

This will probably be waxed about nostalgic by those in the know in a few years time. Seek it out if you like atmospheric electronic tinged prog. This is very much a grower of an album. The catchiness just grows and grows.