DUKE

This is my favorite release of the post 70's/Steve Hackett Genesis. Most fans seem to dislike their transition to mainstream radio hits. I must admit that I wish they hadn't gone that direction myself, but none-the-less their pop songs are still head and shoulders above the adverage chart toppers. Who else could take 12/8 timing and make it sound catchy as they did with misunderstanding? Or the steady 8th note pulse below the shifting timing signatures of Turn It On Again? Turn It On Again is anything but simple! I like the symphonic intro and tags of behind the lines juxtaposed to the groove based verses, and then the return of the symphonic theme at the end with Duke's Travell/Duke's End. In between you find some very well composed songs full of rich harmonies and inovative musicianship. This may not be their best work, but it certainly is not their worste and far supior to the mindless and repetative drone of the pop industy.