Asia

Released in 1985, Astra is Asia's third studio album and first without guitarist Steve Howe. While somewhat unfairly regarded in comparison to Asia's first two albums, Astra is nonetheless a solid prog rock outing that finds bassist/vocalist John Wetton, keyboardist Geoff Downes, drummer Carl Palmer, and replacement guitarist, Krokus' Mandy Meyer, delivering a set of melodic and driving rock anthems…

This marriage of four players with impressive pedigrees proved to be the success story of 1982 when Asia's debut lodged itself at the top of the U.S. album charts for two months…

Asia is a rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a supergroup and included former members of veteran progressive rock bands Yes, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Uriah Heep, U.K., Roxy Music, Wishbone Ash and The Buggles.

The period cover by this collection was of course Asia's halcyon days when they were a true supergroup who's members origins included ELP, YES, KING CRIMSON, URIAH HEEP, etc.. Asia are the subject of great controversy among prog fans, with many feeling that with such a strong and talented line up, they should have created prog masterpieces to surpass their peers…

The group's debut album, ASIA, was released 26 years ago in 1982, and remains one of only 4 albums in history to stay at the Billboard album chart position of #1 for a staggering nine weeks! Formed at the dawn of the MTV era, ASIA was the first super group of the 1980s, featuring members from Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and The Buggles. Videos made for the band's first two albums, Asia and Alpha, were a staple part of the historic music channel's initial programming. ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC captures the best of Asia featuring Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer and John Payne…

Released in 1985, Astra is Asia's third studio album and first without guitarist Steve Howe. While somewhat unfairly regarded in comparison to Asia's first two albums, Astra is nonetheless a solid prog rock outing that finds bassist/vocalist John Wetton, keyboardist Geoff Downes, drummer Carl Palmer, and replacement guitarist, Krokus' Mandy Meyer, delivering a set of melodic and driving rock anthems…

This a four cd set of 4 ASIA Concerts in the eighties. The sound on 3 of them is fair but one (cd 2) sounds muffled and mono. Each concert for the most part has the same songs except for some solos by band members…

Recorded on November 7th, 2012 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, this new Asia live Blu Ray captures once again the band, in the original line-up, in front of an ecstatic audience during one of the shows that Asia performed in support of the “XXX” album and which was broadcasted by AXS TV in the USA. With HD recording this new live album is truly a rewarding experience for all Asia fans. After the recent DVD releases, this is Asia performing one of the very last shows featuring the original line up with: Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton live on the road, in-your face and for your viewing pleasure. The set list features songs from their first two albums and selected cuts from the reunion albums, including the single from the “XXX” album, “Face on the Bridge”. This is a historical document of where the band was at the time and a snapshot of their musicianship, camaraderie and passion. This live Blu-ray is an irreplaceable companion to the “XXX” studio album…

Maybe one of the best in '80s. The second ASIA MINOR album shows a very consistent band (musicians from Turkey and France) approaching to CAMEL style, but adding deeper and darker intimate atmospheres, remaining some moments of PINK FLOYD or the French band PULSAR. The listener will enjoy every second of magnificent melodies, great instrumental sections and a very good vocalist (he sings in English). One of those albums where all tracks are highlights. Excellent! ~ Marcelo

Released in 1985, Astra is Asia's third studio album and first without guitarist Steve Howe. While somewhat unfairly regarded in comparison to Asia's first two albums, Astra is nonetheless a solid prog rock …