Ugh...
David M. Anderson | Manhattan, KS United States | 04/07/2000
(2 out of 5 stars)
"First, I am not one of those old timers who keeps dreaming of the days when John Wetton will return, he's out of the picture and I accept that. I've learned to adapt to what the current singer John Payne has to offer just like learning to live with Steve Hogarth after Fish jetted from Marillion. I was excited when I purchased this album, Steve Howe playing with the band and an interesting track listing, plus I was curious to hear Payne sing the older songs. The actual song performances are nicely done and it sounds like the band infuses a lot of energy when performing live... however, stay away, this is for die hard collectors only. It is an audience recording, and a bad one at that. Why they couldn't take the effort and release sound board recording is beyond me..."
Grade C
Eric J. Weik | Dyersburg, TN | 12/25/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This cd of Asia live, is like most live Asia cds, poor. Although it is better than any Wetton Asia live cd, that's not sayng much. The recording is poor, sounds like someone out in the crowd is holding up a tape recorder. The vocals are distant, the drums hollow, and the rest all is mixed into a muddled mess. Does contain a fair look at Asia's cd up to the release of the cd, which was recorded on the AQUA tour. Sadly it's missing, their two biggest hits, THE SMILE HAS LEFT YOUR EYES & HEAT OF THE MOMENT. This cd does not fairly represent Asia in concert."
Excellent performance
Burritoman "USA" | Pennsylvania | 10/09/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Despite the rough sound quality (this is, after all part of the "Official Bootleg" series), "Live In Osaka" is a good set for Asia fans to own. It's a particularly great performance from John Payne's first Asia tour, and their commitment is evident."