DUKE

During the 80s and 90s, Genesis would release many lousy albums, and this is the first. Compared with Genesis prior to this album, "Duke" is sort of like giving Dali or Picasso a frontal lobotomy, and then watching them drool helplessly while wearing a straightjacket. "Misunderstanding" is a terribly simplistic song better suited to Barry Manilow; "Please Don't Ask" might have worked for James Taylor or Bread. But these songs aren't Genesis. The only good tracks are Behind the Lines (first half only) and the awe- inspiring closing suite, Duke's Travels/Duke's End, which hints at Genesis' potential. Otherwise, this album is mind-numbingly simple and uninventive. Do yourself a favor - buy all Genesis albums before this one.