GENESIS LIVE

This was my first experience with Gabriel era Genesis and I can't think of a better place for me to have started. Having heard all the studio material, it seems this had the best sound (!) quality of them all (except possibly Lamb and Selling). Anyway, this blew me away on the very first play. I think the reason I liked it so much and still do in retrospect is that Tony Banks' keyboards are mixed low, and the rest of the band is mixed higher, unlike the studio material. Nothing against his playing, but I think the music sounds better with Hackett and the rhythm section to the fore. In any case, I think it gives the whole a much more driving and powerful feel. And you can't beat the setlist.

In spite of what some here say, this was never intended to be a double. There are, as far as the band knows, no versions anywhere that are double. Tony Banks is on record saying they simply didn't have the material and it was only meant as something to keep the fans happy between albums (besides, at that point, they were far from being a "big" act). He said the only thing missing is Supper's Ready, and it is obvious that would only fill a 3rd side. So there would have to a blank 4th side, something no record company would have ever put out. The record company and band say no such thing ever existed (though there are a couple collectors who say otherwise). In any case, I think this album is just great without it. Still, it seems that if that song was in the setlist, it was probably recorded and could have been added to the CD release. Then I think this would be my favorite Genesis album. As it is, I have to be satisfied with the live version of Supper on the first archives box set.

Anyway, a great live album with a lot of sentimental value for me. A solid 4 stars.