What another Asia live album? Yes but this one is of particular significance for three reasons: Firstly this is the debut release under the Asia featuring John Payne monicker and whilst I’m not going to get into the rights or wrongs of John Payne using The Asia name the bottom line is that Payne was the second longest serving member of Asia (after Geoffrey Downes) and thus is surely entitled to use the name in one form or another. Secondly this is more than likely going to be the last album released to feature the Downes/Payne axis and finally this is the only album (so far) to include live material from the excellent Silent Nation CD

This album was recorded in 2005 in Helsinki  when the band were special guests to Dio and whilst here in the UK it is released under the name Scandinavia the rest of the world see the album issued under the Extended Versions num de plume. As mentioned this is the only CD to feature live versions of songs from the Silent Nation album and the three tracks included, Silent Nation, Long Way From Home, and the excellent What About Love are great versions and these three alone make this CD worthwhile picking up.

The other seven tracks are taken from Asia's debut album and, given that the other Asia have recently released a live album which also features the same songs I thought I would try a back to back trial. Listening to the two albums I actually prefer the versions here which may come as a big surprise to many, myself included as I’m a huge fan of John Wetton, but the versions on Scandinavia sound more alive and simply more fun. Whilst in the main sticking fairly close to the originals Guthrie Govan in particular is allowed free reign during the solos and adds small, but clever, additions to some of the tracks and the whole album is easily the best sounding of the many live albums released by Asia during the John Payne era.

To sum up I original had no intention of reviewing this CD myself as I wasn’t a particular fan of John Payne. However I've thoroughly enjoyed the CD and as such have no hesitation in recommending this to all Asia fans. 2008 is going to be an expensive year for fans of Asia and it’s offshoots. Two Asia studio albums, tours by both bands and new album by GPS as well. Only time will tell which outfit is the more successful, both critically and commercially, but one things for certain Asia Featuring John Payne deserve their shot.

Let us know your views on Scandinavia

Track Listing

Time Again
Only Time Will Tell
Wildest Dreams
Here Comes The Feeling
Silent Nation
Long Way From Home
Cutting It Fine
What About Love
Sole Survivor
Heat of The Moment

Line Up

John Payne - Vocals/Bass
Guthrie Govan - Guitar
Jay Schellen - Drums
Geoffrey Downes- keyboards