Music Reviews: Journey, Kansas, Oxygene8, Sugar's Cane, Three Miles Out, Your Highness Electric, Straight Line Stich, War Tapes, Zebra and Ted Nugent

Part of: Marty's Musical Meltdown

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.

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  • 1 - BD

    Aug 05, 2008 at 2:50 pm

    Concerning Arnel being a dead ringer for STEVE PERRY. Try listening and watching a live performance by both and you will see that he is not a dead ringer. Having seen Steve Perry years ago and having seen the "NEW Journey" this past weekend, Arnel can't begin to match the way Steve sings with his body and soul. Arnel was a great showman trying to please everyone. He has his English down much better and their performance made for an enjoyable evening. But there will never be a better front-man for Journey than STEVE PERRY. Who cares if he doesn't run around the stage or possibly can't hold the notes as high or long. Hopefully he will be putting out some new music soon for us to enjoy.

  • 2 - Metalloid

    Aug 05, 2008 at 7:15 pm

    "a DVD of a live show at the House of Blues"

    To the author, for your information since you did not watched the credits part of the DVD. That live DVD was taken last March 08 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas!

  • 3 - matilda swanson

    Aug 13, 2008 at 7:05 pm

    I agree that Arnel is not a dead ringer for Steve Perry for he has his own style. He may sound a bit like Perry and most of time better (since Perry cannot hit the high notes anymore). Arnel has showmanship, powererful pipes and he is so charismatic. He is humble in hiw way and accepts all criticism with a smile.

  • 4 - matilda swanson

    Sep 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm

    BD, you are still living in the past. You should open your ears and mind and admit that Arnel is much better than your Steve. Why can't you adapt to change?

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