The Definitive Collection [Remaster] (CD - 2006)

Additional personnel: Luis Jardim (percussion).

Issued in 2006, Asia's 16-track DEFINITIVE COLLECTION is essentially an expanded version of the progy British pop-rock supergroup's 20TH CENTURY MASTERS installment. Culling material from the ensemble's 1980s heyday, this set features all the songs on the earlier compilation, but bolsters them with lesser-known album tracks such as the rousing "Wildest Dreams" and the plaintive "Here Comes the Feeling." While the disc showcases the group's art-rock/New Wave pedigree (with roots in Yes, King Crimson, the Buggles, etc.), it also reveals how adept Asia was at penning catchy, radio-friendly tunes, as exemplified by the buoyant hit single "Heat of the Moment."

At its best, Asia was the majestic, arena-sized tonic to the increasingly goofy end of the new wave movement, a last gasp from the near dormant volcano called prog rock. That said, it's impossible to roll down the car windows and crank "Only Time Will Tell," "Don't Cry," or "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" without attracting the furrowed eyebrows and sarcastic air drumming of the general public. Geffen's The Definitive Collection features all of the aforementioned hits, as well as "Heat of the Moment," "Go," "Sole Survivor," and "Voice of America," making it a fine choice for the average fan, but those looking to dig deeper into the void should search out the peerless two-disc Gold collection, which has everything but a miniature Paiste Gong. ~ James Christopher Monger minimize