GENESIS LIVE

I've always had this theory related to U.S. and U.K. bands that basically states that that U.S. bands are generally better entertainers/live performers while the lineups from U.K. are for most part far more superior in the studio album department. Of course, this is far from the truth but I just can't help being reminded of my generalization whenever it happens to occur. This was definitely one of the thoughts that reached my mind when I heard Genesis Live since this live release just isn't as interesting as it would seem to be. But it didn't take me long to acknowledge that my rule of thumb had played a mean trick on me once more!

It's not that Genesis average performance, quite the opposite! Instead it's the very odd set-list that makes this first official live album from the band to be quite lackluster. Luckily we did get almost everything we dreamed of on the Archive - Volume 1: 1967-1975 release, but that doesn't really make this particular package feel any better. The sound quality of the release is definitely below average even for an early '70s release, but what is especially frustrating is the lack of visuals that were an essential part of a Genesis live show. Luckily we did get decent quality tape of the Shepperton Studios concert a few years ago and it more than compensates for this live album.

Of course it's impossible to imagine a Genesis show from around that time without a performance of Supper's Ready, but cramming it onto a 45 minute live album would have not really made this album any better. As a stand alone live album a two side vinyl would have never really accomplish any of the goals that a Genesis fan would expect of it no matter which songs were on it. So in conclusion I do enjoy this live-album, since it's a great example of what Genesis stood for in their prime years. Unfortunately it only shows us a few bits here and there, which cannot serve as a substitute for the full picture.

***** star songs: Watcher Of The Skies (8:35)

**** star songs: The Return Of The Giant Hogweed (8:14) The Musical Box (10:56) The Knife (9:48)

*** star songs: Get 'Em Out By Friday (9:14)