Asia (2) – Alpha

In my opinion this is not a progrock album at all. There is so much noise that I can't hear any music. This talented lineup must be ashamed of this record which is full of cliche.

South Korean pressing. Very good pressing quality. Sounds really crisp.

Lent for promotional use only, QUIEX II Limited Edition Pressing, same promo release much like https://www.discogs.com/release/4442762-Asia-Asia

MUSIC WAY AHEAD OF ITS TIME…
This is absolutely one of the best neo progpoprock albums ever. This may sound too strong, but after a couple of listenings you will see why. It is not just the fact that you have one of the best musicians around, gatehered in a supergroup (John Wetton/King Crimson, UK, Steve Howe/Yes, Geoffrey Downes/Buggles, Yes and Carl Palmer/Emerson, Lake & Palmer) but that the album is also superbly Mike Stone Wall of Sound produced, and as it was done in 1983, it sounds ahead of it's time even today. Powerfull vocals from one of the best voices in the bussines - J. Wetton, fantastic guitars from S. Howe, Keyboard magic from G. Downes and some of the best drumming in the world by C. Palmer. Although their first album ASIA received higher acclamation and succes, for me personally this one was more stronger vocaly and musicaly. Album that takes you to places in your past, present and future. Very strong but also very romantic. It is still music that nobody is able to copy or reproduce, nor these days, come even close! Simfo/Melodic Rock at it's best. Favorites are: Don't Cry, The Smile has left your eyes, Eye to Eye, Heat Goes on and Open Your Eyes. It's a pity some tracks were left out, like Daylight. The strenght of this album was never repeated on the follow-ups...nor any group or musician was able to emulate this superb eternal musical soundscape craftmanship. Album also carries one of the best rock covers of all times done by the master painter Roger Dean…

Variant
Label Side A: ALPHA
Label Side B: BETA
Runout Side 1: Ɋ B-18378-SH4 GHS-1-4008-SH4 #2 (Artisan Sound Recorders logo - a drum and two sticks) GF SLM △4940 1-11 (1 crossed out)
Runout Side 2: GHS-2-4008-SH10 (Artisan Sound Recorders logo - a drum and two sticks) Ɋ B-18379(over written with 9)-SH10 SLM △4940-X 1-4

The songs are great but the sound on this press is bad quality almost no bass at all
pity on such a good record

The misspelled True Colors should be edited to True Colours.

I have a soft spot for this record, always have. I own three original pressings, but this Quiex pressing sounds the best.

Nice to have in SACD, but being one of favourite records couldn't resist. Would not recommend the upgrade unless you're a fanatic; the sound is only slightly better than regular CD, and both SACD and reg. CD inferior to LP. IMHO anyway.

My copy clearly has the Artisan symbol (Stamped picture of two circles with 2 sticks or a drum with 2 drumstick) = Mastered at Artisan Studios in LCCN