Can't Miss It: Wednesday
WE CAN'T REWIND WE'VE GONE TOO FAR: Asia exploded onto the music scene in 1982 with several Top 10 singles and sales exceeding 7 million copies. Geoff Downes (Buggles), Steve Howe (Yes), Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) and John Wetton (UK) had seen chart-topping success in their previous bands, but Asia had a special chemistry that fans and music industry insiders were quick to recognize. The first album included such classics as " Heat Of The Moment", "Only Time Will Tell", and "Sole Survivor."
Just months after the release of their debut album, MTV premiered on cable channels throughout the US. Downes' hit song with The Buggles, "Video Killed The Radio Star", was the first song ever played on the exciting new channel. Asia, aware the music TV network was on the way, began shooting videos as soon as the album was finished. Asia became one of the most played acts during the first year of MTV. Throughout most of '82, Asia ruled the radio airwaves and MTV. They sold out every date on its tour, and the debut album crushed all the competition at record stores around the world.
This one's for all you thirtysomethings waxing nostalgic about a-ha and for all you teens wondering, "What's MTV?"
7:30 // The Moore Theatre // $37.50 - $57.50
BATTLE LEAGUE HORUMO: This fantasy action-comedy/love story from Japan focuses on a group of college students who get mixed up in the world of Horumo-a fighting competition where the contestants call upon ancient spirits to inhabit miniature statues to do battle for them in an arena. Supernatural combat might not be the best fit for freshman Akira Abe when he falls in love with classmate Kyoko, but if he has any hope of getting close to her he'll need to join the school's Horumo team-the Kyoto University Azure Dragons!
6:45 & 9:00 // The Grand Illusion Cinema // $8
BUTTERCUP (I'M A SUPERGIRL): Speaking of supergroups formed in 1981, Shonen Knife didn't have quite the debut that Asia enjoyed but they've had staying power. They've done everything from opening for Nirvana to recording a song for the Powerpuff Girls soundtrack. In '89 over twenty bands, including Sonic Youth, recorded songs for the tribute album Every Band Has A Shonen Knife Who Loves Them. Check 'em out tonight with The Pharmacy and The Purrs.
8:30 // Tractor // $15
