As a band
Asia were able to do what few from the prog rock era were able to do: combine streamlined pop hooks into very sophisticated songs that included varying instrumental passages where individual members could stretch a bit. Their chart success -- especially early on -- was formidable.
Fantasia: Live in Tokyo is an anniversary concert performed with all the original members: Geoff Downes,
Carl Palmer,
Steve Howe and
John Wetton. Eagle Rock has issued the entire concert, on both on a double-CD as well as DVD. There are 18 cuts here, including the hits as well as tracks by the members' other bands such as "Roundabout" by
Yes (that contains guitarist
Howe) Downes' "Video Killed the Radio Star" from his stint with
the Buggles, and
Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," (which was recorded by
Emerson, Lake & Palmer). The bookends for this rather indulgent but exciting live show are "Time Again," and, of course, "Heat of the Moment," a live version that 25 years later seems to top the original! For
Asia fans, this is a rather indispensable document. ~ Thom Jurek