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Journey - 1975 Journey
Background Most GD readers are more than familiar with the Journey story; their years in the progressive wilderness, the groups rise to the top and inevitable crash, a failed reunion with you know who, Schon and Cain refusing to let the Journey end and how many of us to this day wish they would. It's been a long strange trip; worthy of a book or film, but it's easy to forget that Journey was one of the premier American progressive rock bands of the day. Combining British prog rock with San Francisco psychedelics and Jazz fusion, Journey were a force to be reckoned with. Hitting the tour circuit hard in support of their debut with everyone from Weather Report and Soft Machine to KISS, Wishbone Ash and Elvin Bishop the group wowed audiences with their technical prowess and thrilled progressive minded FM radio programmers of the day. The Songs In my opinion Journey never made a heavier album. The double guitar attack of Schon and George Tickner is something to behold and with Rolie's grinding organ and keyboard work, 'Journey' is nothing short of a progressive rock monster. Add to the fact the group wrote some great songs and contrary to popular belief were not just another stoned out jam band. 'Of A Lifetime', the bluesy 'In The Morning Day' and the crowd pleasing 'Kohoutek' blow by way too quickly on side one and as you would expect Schon's solo's burn across all three tracks like a six string comet. Side two is even better with the opener 'To Play Some Music' which again spotlights Schon's guitar talents and if I am not mistaken was released to radio stations as a single. 'Topaz' a mysteriously beautiful track is reminiscent of Santana circa their amazing 'Caravanserai' album of which both Rolie and Schon appeared on - so no big surprise there, but the final two cuts In 'My Lonely Feeling/ Conversations' and 'Mystery Mountain' are the top of the heap prog tracks filled with melody and virtuoso musicianship that is nothing short of astounding. In Summary Guitarist George Tickner would leave Journey a short time after the release of this album, a move I am sure he's thought about and self questioned a few times in the years since! Carrying on as a foursome the follow-up 'Look Into The Future' would find Journey struggling with their identity bouncing between progressive rock and pop styles with mixed results, but it's on the road in a live setting Journey would earn their bread, butter and respect. Recently reissued on CD in Germany with a deluxe booklet those of you clutching your 'Escape' and 'Frontiers' albums might find yourselves running for the hills after spinning this platter for the first time, but give it a chance. This folks is American progressive rock at its very best. Related Articles Journey - 1975 Journey Journey - 1976 Look Into The Future Journey - 1978 Infinity Journey - 1979 Evolution Journey - 1980 Dream After Dream Journey - 1980 Departure Journey - 1981 Captured Journey - 1981 Escape Journey - 1983 Frontiers Journey - 1986 Raised On Radio Journey - 1996 Trial By Fire Journey - 2001 Arrival Journey - 2002 Red 13 EP Journey - 2005 Generations Journey - 2008 Revelation Journey - 2011 Eclipse Copying of material without permission is not permitted. Posted by Eric
on June 30, 2008 ·
16 Comments ·
1885 Reads ·
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