ASIA S/T Fully Signed Autographed LP STEVE HOWE, JOHN WETTON, JEFF DOWNS, PALMER

$

144

This is the self titled ASIA record... with the printed inner sleeve hand signed by all four original members. Acquired from a serious collector! 
The record and vinyl are VG / VG.
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Asia - Asia
Asia, the self-titled debut album by the progressive rock supergroup Asia, released in 1982, was a monumental commercial success that defied the prevailing musical trends of its time. Emerging from the ashes of several prominent 1970s progressive rock bands, Asia consciously crafted a more accessible, arena-rock sound that fused progressive rock complexity with AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) sensibilities and pop hooks. The album's polished production, soaring melodies, and virtuoso musicianship resonated widely, pushing the band into mainstream stardom and becoming one of the biggest-selling albums of the year. Its success demonstrated a hunger for melodic, technically proficient rock that could still fill stadiums, bridging the gap between intricate prog and radio-friendly rock.
The album is front-loaded with its most famous tracks, including the iconic hit single "Heat of the Moment," which became a staple on both rock radio and MTV, catapulting the band to international recognition. Other significant songs like "Only Time Will Tell," "Sole Survivor," and "Wildest Dreams" showcased the band's ability to create grand, cinematic soundscapes coupled with memorable choruses. While some purist critics from the classic prog era found it too commercial, Asia's intricate arrangements, melodic guitar solos, powerful vocals, and lush keyboard textures provided a sophisticated yet anthemic sound that defined a new era of progressive AOR.
Quick Rundown of All Four Members:
John Wetton (Vocals, Bass): The powerful and distinctive lead vocalist, also played bass. Wetton brought extensive experience from progressive rock stalwarts like King Crimson, U.K., and Roxy Music, contributing significantly to Asia's melodic songwriting and commanding stage presence.
Steve Howe (Guitars): A highly revered and innovative guitarist, known for his diverse playing styles. Howe came to Asia from the legendary progressive rock band Yes and also had a tenure in GTR. His intricate and tasteful guitar work, encompassing acoustic, electric, and steel guitars, added considerable texture and complexity to Asia's sound.
Carl Palmer (Drums, Percussion): A virtuoso drummer celebrated for his technical prowess and dynamic playing. Palmer was a founding member of the iconic progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) and also played in Atomic Rooster. His precise and powerful drumming provided the rhythmic backbone for Asia's elaborate arrangements.
Geoff Downes (Keyboards): A versatile keyboardist and a driving force behind Asia's melodic and synth-laden sound. Downes was a key member of The Buggles (famous for "Video Killed the Radio Star") and also joined Yes for their Drama album. His innovative use of synthesizers and his strong songwriting contributions shaped Asia's signature melodic approach.
50 Similar Records (Focusing on Progressive Rock, AOR, and Melodic Hard Rock from the late 1970s - early 1990s):
Yes - 90125 (1983) - More accessible, pop-oriented Yes.
Foreigner - 4 (1981) - Polished AOR with strong melodies.
Journey - Escape (1981) - Quintessential arena rock, melodic hooks.
Toto - Toto IV (1982) - Sophisticated AOR with strong musicianship.
Styx - Paradise Theatre (1981) - Concept album, blend of prog and AOR.
Kansas - Leftoverture (1976) - Classic prog rock with catchy elements.
Rush - Signals (1982) - More synth-driven, accessible prog.
ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) - Out of the Blue (1977) - Orchestral pop-rock.
Boston - Boston (1976) - Landmark AOR debut, highly melodic.
Supertramp - Breakfast in America (1979) - Pop-oriented prog-rock.
Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982) - Melodic, sophisticated pop/prog.
Genesis - Abacab (1981) - More commercial, less prog-heavy Genesis.
Phil Collins - No Jacket Required (1985) - Pop-rock success from a prog figure.
U.K. - U.K. (1978) - Earlier supergroup with Wetton and Bruford, more complex prog.
Bad English - Bad English (1989) - Supergroup with Journey members, big ballads.
Giant - Last of the Runaways (1989) - AOR with strong vocals and guitars.
Survivor - Eye of the Tiger (1982) - Iconic AOR, strong melodies.
Europe - The Final Countdown (1986) - Melodic hard rock, huge keyboard hooks.
Def Leppard - Hysteria (1987) - Polished hard rock, massive production.
Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet (1986) - Arena rock anthems.
Mr. Mister - Welcome to the Real World (1985) - Pop-rock with sophisticated musicianship.
The Fixx - Reach the Beach (1983) - New Wave with a melodic rock edge.
The Moody Blues - Octave (1978) - Return to form, symphonic rock.
Marillion - Misplaced Childhood (1985) - Neo-prog, strong melodies.
IQ - The Wake (1985) - Prominent neo-prog band.
Pendragon - The Jewel (1985) - Early neo-prog.
Dream Theater - Images and Words (1992) - More modern prog-metal with strong melodies.
Queensr che - Operation: Mindcrime (1988) - Progressive metal, concept album.
Fates Warning - Awaken the Guardian (1986) - Early progressive metal.
Magnum - On a Storyteller's Night (1985) - Melodic hard rock/AOR with fantasy themes.
Night Ranger - Midnight Madness (1983) - Arena rock, dual vocals.
REO Speedwagon - Hi Infidelity (1980) - Classic AOR.
Cheap Trick - Dream Police (1979) - Power pop/rock with arena feel.
Heart - Bad Animals (1987) - 80s rock sound, powerful vocals.
Starship - Knee Deep in the Hoopla (1985) - Pop-oriented AOR.
Gamma - Gamma 1 (1979) - Ronnie Montrose's band, melodic hard rock.
Steve Perry - Street Talk (1984) - Solo album by Journey's singer.
Don Henley - Building the Perfect Beast (1984) - Sophisticated pop-rock.
Bryan Adams - Reckless (1984) - Massive rock anthems.
Rick Springfield - Working Class Dog (1981) - Pop-rock success.
The Outfield - Play Deep (1985) - Pop-rock, jangle pop.
Cutting Crew - Broadcast (1986) - Pop-rock, "Died in Your Arms Tonight."
Mr. Big - Lean into It (1991) - Hard rock supergroup, melodic.
Winger - Winger (1988) - Melodic hard rock/glam metal.
Dokken - Under Lock and Key (1985) - Melodic hard rock.
Whitesnake - Whitesnake (1987) (1987) - Bluesy hard rock, huge commercial success.
Gary Moore - Still Got the Blues (1990) - Blues rock, but highly melodic.
Survivor - Vital Signs (1984) - Strong AOR.
GTR - GTR (1986) - Steve Howe and Steve Hackett project, melodic prog.
Yes - Big Generator (1987) - Continued the accessible sound of 90125.



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EB box