Here's Stern roaring out of the traps, hot from Miles and given a full-on rock hero studio sound. If this was 1980s couture, this ‘80s fusion would have power padding in its shoulders, if it was TV it'd be Dynasty gone super-large. Upside Downside has its moments, loud ones mainly, not least on the pyrotechnics of ‘Mood Swings’, which features Stern facing off against the much-missed Berg and Pastorious. Who'd've thought Stern would out live both those heroes even if he can't out-gun them on this track. Time In Place is more satisfying, with Berg again huge, and with Brecker also now in the mix. Stern doesn't feel quite so obliged to rip it up and is positively lyrical on the title track. These budget Japanese re-issues with no extras and their Japanese text offer nothing on the originals, but Stern's giant sound and blues roots transcend whatever packaging you stuff it in.