ASIA LIVE: 09-XI-90 MOCквA

"Mockba" was the first of many live recordings of Asia to be released commercially. While the majority of these are sub-standard, being little better than bootlegs, this album is a reasonably creditable record of the band's visit to Russia. By 1990, Steve Howe was no longer in the line up, the band having already been through a number of changes. Downes, Wetton, and Palmer are present here though, joined by guitarist and vocalist Pat Thrall.

The band play a good selection of songs from their early albums, but whether these sound any better in a live context is open to debate. One of Asia's strengths is the quality of production on their studio albums, much of which is lost here. The notable exception is John Wetton's "The smile has left your eyes". The rendition here starts as a soft melodic acoustic ballad, only towards the end does it revert to the familiar style of the album version. The overall effect of this is actually quite moving, as it draws out the true quality of the composition.

Elsewhere, Geoff Downes manages to slip in a quick instrumental rendition of his Buggles hit (with Trevor Horn) "Video killed the radio star". Also included is a "bonus" unreleased studio track, "Kari-Anne".

A reasonable live album which serves more as a historical document, but not by any means essential.

Footnote - Almost all the tracks on this album, with the exceptions of John Wetton's rendition of "Starless" and the bonus studio track, have recently been included on "Gold, the Asia Story featuring John Wetton". This is a budget label double CD collection which also features most of the tracks from Wetton's "Archangel" studio album.

Share this ASIA review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#26809)
• Buy ASIA music online with PA partners
• Show all ASIA MP3/Stream
• Go to ASIA page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Asia Live: 09-XI-90 Mocквa page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ASIA related discussions