On paper, it sounds like a moneymaking formula: take individual members from successful bands, put them together in a supergroup to make music, record the magic, and watch album sales go through the roof. Yes, the Supergroup can, at times, be seen as a crass money grab, and at times it is. However, there are other times when the result of these ventures bears some tasty fruit. Now, people’s taste being what they are, it’s going to be an argument without end as to which of the groups represented here are Supergroups or Superduds. I certainly have my opinions, but don’t let that dissuade you from defending or slamming the six in this mix.
“Sole Survivor,” Asia (download)
Back when Asia made their debut in the early ‘80s, they were touted as the next big thing that would define rock music for the decade. Think about it: you take a little bit of Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, and King Crimson, put them in a blender of sorts, serve up the contents and … what do you think you’re going to get? Go ahead and insert a 40-Year-Old Virgin joke here. (more…)
