THE TOKYO TAPES

BORING. I don't think I've ever seen a concert whose musicians are so lifeless before this one. I expected this from Hackett, who would just sit during Genesis performances, but Wetton is apparently no Gabriel. Often just standing in front of the microphone, Wetton's vocals sound uninspired and bored. The keyboards are far too "modern" sounding in many places (but does seem to sound like a mellotron at times). Thompson's drumming isn't terribly special, even simplifying Watcher of the Skies to sound like some 90s song.

The only musician who seems to be really enjoying himself and isn't that boring is Ian McDonald, and it is his performance that makes this enjoyable to watch at all. It was cool to see his solos during Court of the Crimson King and I Talk to the Wind, and to hear his flute added to Los Endos. Otherwise, the songs aren't that interesting and if they are, the people playing them aren't interesting to watch.

And acoustic Heat of the Moment?! The song isn't that great in the first place, and to take away its defining characteristic - its 80sness - is a total mistake.

If you like Hackett's solo work, it might be worth checking out. Otherwise the Genesis/King Crimson songs have been done far much better in other places.