Bristol, England -- Energy isn't the only thing at risk of a shortage -- so are vintage synth sounds from the 1970s.

That's the sad tune according to Geoff Downes, keyboardist for the 1980s-era prog rock pop band Asia.

He says that today's synthesizers are small and compact but lack the distinctive tones of the original, clunkier keyboards built in the 1960s and 1970s.

You might not think that's a big deal but Downes says if old synthesizers are destroyed, some beautiful tones might never be duplicated exactly the same again.

Downes is doing his part to preventing that from happening. Although he settles for approximations of his favorite synth sounds when he's on stage, he also keeps hundreds of old synthesizers in his home studio for safe keeping and occasional recordings.

By the way, a 2-CD collection of Asia's greatest hits, "Anthologia," hits stores today (Jun. 25).

Solve puzzles and create your dream aquarium! Search through a dazzling trip down memory lane.

More Weird News From 2002-06-25 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • Around The Weird: Bizarre News Briefs • Flash Lites: Rip 'N' Read Pop Culture Recap • Gearheads Taking Special Caution On 'Drive Your Corvette To Work Day' • Canadian Shaman Threatens Stock Market Collapse Unless Pot Is Legalized • Celebrities Heal 9/11 Woes With Building Blocks • Synth Sound Shortage On The Musical Horizon • Former Playboy Playmate Starts Sex Toy Party Trend • Jelly Company Heir: 'I Know The Truth About Loch Ness' • The Wedding Gown Workout • Sept. 11 Baby Boom: Not Gonna Happen • Kittie Singer: 'We Only Exercise Our Livers'   « Current Weird News Stories