ASIA LIVE: 09-XI-90 MOCквA

The best Asia line-up for me personally is: Carl Palmer (drums), Geoff Downes (keys), John Wetton (bass, vocal) and Steve Howe (guitar). Or, the other good line-up is when Greg Lake replaced John Wetton in "Asia in Asia" VHS. The performance under "Mockba: Live in Russia" is not the best but it's okay. I remember the first time I owned this album was in cassette format and then I upgraded into CD when it was available. What I like most about this live album is the coverage of classic tracks from first album. I also like the fact that John Wetton plays bass and does vocal job. It's because of Wetton was here therefore the setlist includes tracks from King Crimson: "Starless" and "Book of Saturday" (Oh man .. I love Book of Saturday very much! It's so cool ..!!!).

Because this is live record I can then hear "Time Again" (5:36) is performed dynamically with Pat Thrall playing guitar riffs and solo. He is a good guitar player. After three tracks are performed Geoff plays his keyboard solo and followed with another classic track "Only Time Will Tell" (4:58). The more I spin the CD I don't mind having Pat Thrall replacing Steve Howe at this track, he is rocking indeed. My favorite King Crimson track "Starless" is performed beautifully with Wetton playing piano in addition to singing. It's really great! I enjoy it very much. "Book of Saturday" is also played wonderfully by Wetton while he is also playing an acoustic guitar. Unfortunately, during "Open Your Eyes" there is no keyboard solo as Geoff played in "Asia in Asia", but it's still okay. This CD has a new good track "Karri-Anne".

It's a good live album by a legendary band. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW