So: corporate rock. Yessir, that's what people loved to call Journey. I never really bought into this corporate rock thing, as if every band had to stand before a board of directors, all of whom look like Mr. Mooney from The Beverly Hillbillies. Hey, maybe that actually happened. All I know is that I've always liked this particular era of the band. In fact, I saw Journey on the Infinity tour. They were the middle act between Nantucket (oh geezuz, were they loud!) and headliner Ted Nugent. Maybe I'd heard "Wheel In The Sky" on the radio back then but, if so, that was the only song with any familiarity. They rocked pretty danged hard at that show, with Neil Schon's enormous head of hair flopping around as he peeled off solo after blistering guitar solo.
Infinity itself is pretty interesting in that you can almost hear the future of the group forming. Very delicate and wistful instrumental sections are smashed up against giant walls of guitar. Mr. Schon still wanted to rock: "La Do Da" may be a silly title, but it sports some killer guitar. Despite their later excesses, Journey had a boatload of talent and some pretty cool harmonies. It might be a quintessential moment of late '70s cheese, but I still love the layered vocals run through a phase shifter at the end of the bridge in "Anytime"... which was followed by a short drum fill and another impassioned guitar solo.
Oh right: Steve Perry. Yes, the man with the thermonuclear uvula. My oh my, could that guy yearn. Friggin' "Lovin', Touchin' & Squeezin'"... he almost gave himself a yearnia. Right, "yearnia" isn't a real word, but you do know what I'm talking about. I guess I was able to put up with him because the instrumental trappings surrounding the vocals were so much fun.
What does all of this prove? That I've got no taste in either food or music? Maybe. But my Carrabba experience reminded me that if drop your guard (and your bag of presuppositions) good things can happen.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Right before Journey began their so-called "corporate rock" phase with this record (and yes, it was a calculated move), they made two really good records, a self-titled one and "Look Into The future". This was also around the first time I saw them (opening for Thin Lizzy) and man! you wanna talk about blistering Neal Schon solos!
That was my biggest problem with this so-called "corporate" era that began with Infinity. The fact that those amazing solos got so trimmed down in favor of actual (gasp!) song structure.
That said, in retrospect the songs that are on "Infinity" hold up pretty damn well. Compared with the other "corporate rock" of the time (Styx, Boston, etc.) I think this band clearly had the best sense of songcraft. I can't even listen to Boston truth be told, but thats largely the fault of rock radio that continues to ram that first record down our throats to this day.
So I think its okay Mark, all these years later, to actually come out of the closet and say you like Journey. It's kinda like Abba (who are a major guilty pleasure of mine). Journey are almost considered "cool" now.
As for italian food, if you're ever out Seattle way, I'll take ya to Abbondandos in West Seattle. You cant walk past the door without being drawn in by the aroma there.
-Glen
2 - Pico
I began to laugh as soon as I read in the title that you were reviewing Journey, because coming from you there was some serious splainin' to do.
But I know what you mean. When Infinity first came out in '78 it sounded very fresh. It wasn't trend-setting by any means, just well written, well executed mainstream rock. Perry was the new king of the upper register, Schon was the master at memorable pocket solos and Rolie was that mad keyboardist from Santana who augmented Perry's vocals well (he was, after all, the main vocalist before Perry was brought in to give the band a wider appeal).
When Rolie left in '81, Journey stopped being Carrabas and became the Olive Garden. That's when I lost interest.
3 - Carson's Mom
I just bought Infinity last week. It was a guilty pleasure. I was instantly transported back to 6th grade, listening to Journey while rollerskating with my friends. You can imagine my surprise when I googled "Journey Infinity" and found this blog.
Thanks! Its good to know that the oldies are not forgotten.
4 - Mark Saleski
...Journey stopped being Carrabas and became the Olive Garden
pico, that is excellent! dang, wish i'd a thought of it.
5 - Pico
What can I say...food inspires me!
6 - Mark Sahm
I was 2 when this album came out.
7 - Mark Saleski
and so what's your point there, mr. sahm?
8 - The Ghost of Lester Bangs
Journey?
9 - Mark Saleski
didn't you own an Abba t-shirt Mr. Bangs?
10 - DJRadiohead
I have not, nor have I ever, owned a Journey t-shirt.
I was 8.
11 - Connie Phillips
Wonderful as always, Mark.
I must admit I never got any further into Journey than whatever single was playing on '80s pop radio and those songs are tied to memories. I have memories of a one and only visit to a local Carrabas, but they're not nearly as pleasant...