GENESIS REVISITED II: SELECTION

'Genesis Revisited II: Selection' is a compilation of Steve Hackett and was released in 2013. As its name indicates, here we are in presence of a selection of tracks which appear on Steve Hackett's studio album 'Genesis Revisited II'.

'Genesis Revisited II' was the twenty-seventh studio album of Steve Hackett and was released in 2012. This is a different kind of album because it has new versions of some original songs of Genesis in his era, plus some new versions of compositions of his solo career. By the other hand, it was a sequel to his studio album 'Genesis Revisited' released in 1996, which largely consists of covers of songs originally made by Genesis, and some solo songs too, but this time with a great variety of guest vocalists and musicians. This compilation includes also some new material, a version of 'Carpet Crawlers' sung by Genesis' vocalist Ray Wilson, which doesn't appear on the original studio album.

So, sixteen years on from the first volume of regenerated classic Genesis' songs comes that second revisited through the back catalogue. Unlike that first volume, where Steve tinkered with some of the arrangements, on the second one he played it relatively straight, maybe too straight. However, Hackett's biggest challenge throughout has been to re-imagine some of Genesis' most iconic pieces and for the most part, the new versions have a fresh vigour and energy.

Whereas being transported back sometimes to more than thirty five years, does it work? Yes, perfectly. It was given to the songs an extra spice with the benefit of modern production techniques and a few extra instrumental flourishes. By the other hand, the option of use several vocalists was a good choice for me. I must confess that I particularly like the new version of 'Supper's Ready' with five different vocalists. Unfortunately, it doesn't make part of this compilation.

The line up on this compilation is Steve Hackett (vocals and guitars), Nad Sylvan (vocals), Roger King (keyboards), Rob Townsend (saxophone, flute and percussion), Lee Pomeroy (bass) and Gary O'Toole (vocals, drums and percussion). It as also some artists as guest musicians: Ray Wilson, John Wetton, Nik Kershaw, Steven Wilson and Francis Dunnery.

'Genesis Revisited II: Selection' has nine tracks. As I wrote before, 'Carpet Crawlers' from 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway' is an additional track that didn't appear on the two disc version. It features Ray Wilson on vocals, the brother of Steven Wilson, the vocalist on Genesis' 'Calling All Stations'. This is a good version of the song and it's interesting to hear them together because they never played together before. 'Eleventh Earl Of Mar' is a song from 'Wind And Wuthering', the last Genesis album on which Hackett appeared. Sylvan's voice sounds like an amalgam of Gabriel, Collins with a hint of Fish. This is a version very well improved. 'The Lamia' is one of 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway' strongest pieces. It's very idiosyncratically interpreted by Nik Kershaw. The gripping and lush guitar solo receives an upgrade from Hackett's duel with Steve Rothery, two guitars that move around each other, uniting two of the greatest prog guitarists. 'Dancing With The Moonlight Knight' from 'Selling England By The Pound' surprises, before the a cappella singing intro, with a short acoustic intro. This nice idea makes Steve's favorite piece of the old Genesis, appear even more British, to which Francis Dunnery also contributes with his intense vocal line. 'Entangled' from 'A Trick Of The Tail' is a perfect track for the singer Jakko Jakszyk and his warm and pleasant voice. The new recording also remains very close to the 70's original version and thus receives the fascination of the set dream state. 'Shadow Of The Hierophant' from 'Voyage Of The Acolyte' is the single piece that belongs to the solo catalogue of Hackett. Amanda Lehmann takes the vocal helm for this one as she did on the live dates. It's a hauntingly high note on which to end and that remains faithful to the original in content and style. 'Can-Utility And The Coastliners' could be the most underrated piece on 'Foxtrot'. It's wonderful to hear it again and the string section supporting it is excellent. It has an attractive, flowing and vibrant energy and Steven Wilson's vocals bring a new edge to it. 'Afterglow' from 'Wind And Wuthering' with John Wetton on vocals, plods along. It's very well improved and it might, at times, sound even better than the original. 'Blood On The Rooftops' also from 'Wind And Wuthering' is known from various concerts and is presented here enriched with an additional acoustic guitar prelude and string support. Here I miss Phil Collins, really.

Conclusion: 'Genesis Revisited II: Selection' is a selection of tracks of the studio album 'Genesis Revisited II'. I think we can call it a short version of the original album where Steve made an interesting and reasonably setlist of songs. He made a magnificent voyage to the past, between 1972 and 1976, including songs from five Genesis' studio albums, 'Foxtrot', 'Selling England By The Pound', 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway', 'A Trick Of The Tail' and 'Wind And Wuthering', which are, in my humble opinion, their best five studio albums and true five masterpieces of the group. He included also a solo track, 'Shadow Of The Hierophant', which is, for me, one of his best tracks ever as a solo artist. So, this is a good compilation but it's better to own the original studio album. Only 'Carpet Crawlers' is worth hearing.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

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