You are all aware that I am a fan of Journey. And in fact, have on more than one occasion, judged another person’s worth based on whether or not he too was a fan of Journey. But today could very well be the day that my love affair with Journey must come to an end.
According to the news ticker over at Rolling Stone online, the band plans to release a three-disc CD/DVD package featuring one CD of re-recorded classics, one CD of newtracks, and a live DVD. The package will be available June 3… exclusively at Wal-Mart.
Um… seriously?
First off, can we all agree that the concept of a “re-recorded classic” is a total oxymoron? It’s a classic for a reason. Don’t mess with it. Especially if messing with it means changing the vocals from that of Steve Perry to one of his many replacements. They could never do those tuxedo tails justice.
I also cringe at the idea of a whole new CD. New Journey songs should only be created in late night karaoke bars when patrons get too drunk to follow their video prompts and instead sing their own lyrics to the rock ballad backing track.
And finally… Wal-Mart?
Actually, no wait. As much as it disappoints me, the Wal-Mart angle is the one part of this story that I kind of understand. I mean, let’s be honest here. The only thing more American than singing Journey in a karaoke bar has got to be singing Journey in the karaoke machine display aisle at your local area Wal-Mart.
With some fast food in one hand.
And the keys to your SUV in the other.
The part that really finds me conflicted though is the supposed plans for a 2008 tour with the new lineup.
AHHHHH! STOP! YOU’RE RUINING IT!
For the record, Perry’s latest substitute, Arnel Pineda, notes on theband’s web site that he “is looking forward to the scrutiny he will getfrom Journey fans,” and also acknowledges that “there’s only one StevePerry in this world.”
Whether or not the rest of the band agrees, is unclear. After all, guitarist Neal Schon was so desperate for a new singer that he actually found Pineda after spending days perusing Journey cover bands on YouTube.
DAYS, people.
Hey, Schon! If there are enough bands covering Journey out there that it takes you DAYS to watch all of the resulting YouTube clips, then I really don’t think there’s any need for Journey to claim ‘reborn’ status and start covering… itself. With the singer of an actual Journey cover band.
The whole thing just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
I may have to change my ring tone.
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Journey will never return to it’s old glory. For those of you dreaming that Journey should sound like when Steve Perry was around, you’re right, it’s time for you to move on. By the way, why bash Wal-mart like that?? Just because you shop at Target doesn’t make you rich.
Huh. This comment has me more baffled than the Journey news.We don’t even have Target in Vermont…
Actually, I think Bridget was bashing fast-food gobbling, gas-guzzling, over-consuming Americans more than Wal-Mart. She must hate freedom. And puppies.I can think of loads of reasons to bash Wal-Mart though. And I’m not rich. Nor do I shop at Target, because — as Bridget kindly pointed out — we don’t have them in VT. Well that, and I try not to buy crap I don’t need. Call me crazy — or a terrorist, I suppose. I hear tell Plattsburgh will soon have one though. As for the actual topic at hand, Journey — much like The Eagles and The Moody Blues from an earlier post — should just let it go. It really is better to burn out than to fade away.
If I were a member of journey and had just opened my first check for like $500,000.00, I would, on my way down to the bank, probably be really into whatever it was that caused that check to show up in my box. I’d buy drugs and a distortion pedal.
The ironic quality of liking Journey, in my opinion, wore off many many years ago. The only people who might care about this are the ones who think its great to have a Journey ringtone. Is this really the best thing worth blogging about?