WE CAN'T DANCE

I've been following Genesis for over 30 years, and a Progger for 40. No one will argue that Genesis -- my favourite band bar none -- has had its ups and downs in its career. I was heartbroken to learn that this was indeed the last Phil-era Genesis album. But I cannot give this album any less than 4 stars and consider it a noble, heads-held-high swansong for a tremendous band. If I had my druthers, I would have shaved three tracks from the record: "Never a Time", "Tell Me Why" and "We Can't Dance" and rechristened it "Fading Lights." Now we have one of the best Genesis albums since "Duke." This wishful editing aside, The album stands on three epic tracks: "Driving the Last Spike", "Dreaming While You Sleep" and the haunting, melancholic "Fading Lights." There are great pop songs on the record as well, like the "Mama"-esque "No Son of Mine" and the ironically sprightly "Living Forever." I hate to think that some fans consider this album a knock-off like "Invisible Touch." For me, it's a magnificent send-off for a magnificent band. And I don't think anyone over 40 can listen to "Fading Lights" without shedding a tear or two.